This easy chicken curry with vegetables offers a cozy, satisfying, and aromatic meal. The combination of chicken, warm spices, and creamy yogurt creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you coming back for more. The curry sauce, thickened by the Greek yogurt, adds a silky texture to the dish, making it the perfect accompaniment to a serving of rice.
The dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match vegetables or adjust the spice level based on your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this easy chicken curry will become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s quick, healthy, and guaranteed to bring comfort and flavor to your table.
Full Recipe:
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
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2 teaspoons curry powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, etc.)
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
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Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
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Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
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Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, and frozen vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
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Stir in the brown sugar and Greek yogurt, mixing well. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Serve the curry over rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Easy Chicken Curry with Vegetables
Chicken curry is a beloved dish across various cultures, from Indian to Caribbean to Thai cuisines, and it’s celebrated for its rich flavors, warming spices, and versatility. The Easy Chicken Curry with Vegetables is a simple yet flavorful version of this dish, designed for home cooks seeking an easy, quick, and delicious meal. With tender chicken pieces simmered in a savory curry sauce with fresh vegetables, this dish offers a comforting, nutritious, and filling option for any weeknight dinner.
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and ability to come together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or anyone craving a flavorful, satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef looking for a straightforward meal, this chicken curry is sure to be a hit.
The Appeal of Chicken Curry
At its core, a good chicken curry is all about the balance of flavors and textures. The richness of the curry sauce, typically made with aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon, pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and the freshness of the vegetables. The use of Greek yogurt in this recipe adds creaminess to the sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
The versatility of chicken curry also allows for customization. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or your preferences. Common additions include carrots, peas, spinach, bell peppers, and even sweet potatoes. The level of spice is another area you can tweak, depending on whether you enjoy a mild curry or a spicier, more robust flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of the Dish
Chicken is a lean source of protein, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal. The addition of vegetables boosts the dish’s nutritional value by providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This Easy Chicken Curry with Vegetables is a balanced meal, offering a satisfying mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, especially when served with whole grains like brown rice or quinoa.
The spices in the curry also contribute health benefits. For instance, turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is known for aiding digestion and soothing the stomach, while garlic has immune-boosting effects. The combination of these spices not only enhances the flavor profile but also supports overall well-being.
Making the Curry
What makes this chicken curry so easy is its straightforward preparation. You begin by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger, which creates the aromatic base of the dish. Then, the spices are added, followed by chicken pieces that are browned slightly before being simmered in a tomato-based sauce. The yogurt added at the end helps thicken the sauce and brings a creamy texture that enhances the curry’s overall richness.
Vegetables are added toward the end of the cooking process, ensuring they retain their texture and do not become mushy. This method ensures that the dish remains hearty and flavorful, with a perfect blend of chicken and vegetables in each bite.
Customization and Variations
One of the most appealing aspects of this chicken curry recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. If you’re not a fan of certain vegetables, feel free to swap them out for others. For example, swap peas with green beans, or add zucchini for a change of texture.
The level of spice can also be adjusted to suit your taste. For a milder curry, you can reduce the amount of curry powder or use a mild variety. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding chili peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. Additionally, if you want a richer flavor, you can stir in a bit of coconut milk, which adds a subtle sweetness and smoothness to the curry.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken curry pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Traditionally, it is served with rice, which soaks up the delicious curry sauce. Basmati rice is a classic choice, but you can also serve it with jasmine rice or brown rice for a healthier option. For a more filling meal, consider serving the curry over quinoa or couscous.
In addition to rice, naan bread or flatbreads make an excellent accompaniment, perfect for dipping into the curry sauce. If you’re looking to keep the meal lighter, consider serving the curry with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top of the curry can add a refreshing contrast to the spices.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Easy Chicken Curry with Vegetables is a fantastic meal prep option. The flavors often improve as the curry sits, allowing the spices to meld together over time. Prepare a batch on Sunday and store it in airtight containers for a few days of delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week. This dish also freezes well, so you can make a larger batch and store it for future meals. Simply reheat and serve over fresh rice or with a warm flatbread.
Conclusion: A Simple Yet Delicious Meal for Every Occasion
The Easy Chicken Curry with Vegetables is the epitome of a simple yet flavorful meal that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to enjoy with family and friends, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and packed with nutrients, making it a great option for anyone looking to eat healthy without compromising on taste.
The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility. From adjusting the spice level to swapping in your favorite vegetables, the Easy Chicken Curry with Vegetables can be tailored to fit any taste preference. It’s an incredibly satisfying and versatile dish that’s bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
No matter how you serve it, this curry is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table, providing warmth, comfort, and a burst of delicious flavors in every bite. Enjoy this simple, healthy, and delightful meal, and feel free to get creative with your variations!