• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Easter
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact

Encore & More logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Easter
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Connect

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Easter
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
  • Connect

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Main Dishes

    Published: Jul 20, 2022 · Modified: Feb 24, 2023 by Yvonne

    Healthy Chicken Curry

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This healthy chicken curry is comforting all around and ready in 30 minutes. Serve with whole-wheat naan or rice to scoop out the ultra-creamy sauce when indulging. 

    easy Indian curry with parlsey garnish on blue background.
    Jump to recipe
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Calories in chicken curry
    • Ingredient notes
    • Tips & substitutions
    • How to make this healthy chicken curry
    • Expert tip
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ever craved curry but no curry paste at home? I have been in this situation multiple times, which brings me to the developing process of this recipe.

    I checked my spice rack to mimic a curry paste with fewer ingredients. It turned out amazing, so I needed to share this no-fuss recipe.

    The savory, creamy, and spicy curry is the ultimate comfort food. It is easy to make, only takes 30 minutes, and bursts with flavor. Need I say more?

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • creamy and comforting
    • easy to make
    • ready in 30 minutes
    • healthier thank takeout
    • ideal for meal-prep

    If you love a fragrant curry, try this Quick Yellow Vegetable Curry and Butternut Squash Curry to get all those vitamins in a delicious way.

    Calories in chicken curry

    Most curries contain high amounts of butter or oil, making them a calorie-heavy meal with simple carbs. I tried to keep it light with this creamy chicken curry without compromising flavor.

    The result: A healthy curry with lean protein that clocks in at just 431 calories per serving. Moreover, this creamy chicken curry is keto-friendly when served with cauliflower rice.

    See full nutritional information in the recipe card.

    Ingredient notes

    ingredients for healthy chicken curry on blue background.
    • Chicken breasts – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a short cooking time.
    • Onion – I used yellow onion because it develops a savory and slightly sweet flavor when roasted.
    • Garlic – Always use fresh garlic for the best taste.
    • Ginger – The anti-inflammatory spice is a staple in curry and brings so much flavor.
    • Vegetable oil – Use light-tasting vegetable oil like canola or rapeseed oil for the curry. You can also opt for coconut oil to intensify the coconut flavor.
    • Tomato paste – To infuse the sauce with more flavor, add tomato paste instead of fresh tomatoes.
    • Coconut milk – The coconut milk makes the sauce ultra-creamy and adds the beloved coconut flavor to the curry.
    • Chicken stock – Use homemade chicken stock, the store-bought option, or chicken stock cubes.
    • Curry powder – Yellow curry powder combined with the other spices makes for a flavourful sauce.
    • Coriander – Use ground, not fresh coriander, in this curry. Fresh coriander has a different taste but makes for a good garnish when serving the curry.
    • Cinnamon – Use a cinnamon stick or ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
    • Red pepper flakes (optional) – To spice it up, add red pepper flakes.
    • Salt – A little salt is enough for this curry because the other spices make it so flavorful already.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Tips & substitutions

    • Make it fragrant – Roast the spices with the onion and garlic before adding any liquid. It awakens the flavors and makes for an extra delicious curry.
    • Serve keto-friendly – This healthy chicken curry is also keto-friendly if served with cauliflower rice instead of naan or regular rice.
    • Thicken if desired – Like a thick consistency? Cook the curry with the lid off so more liquid evaporates.
    • Top it – Sprinkle the chicken curry with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving for an extra flavor boost.

    How to make this healthy chicken curry

    chopped chicken breast, onion, garlic and ginger in bowls.

    Step 1: Chop the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic, and grate the ginger.

    cut chicken breast roasting in pot with oil.

    Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium pot on high heat. Transfer the chicken chunks to the saucepan and roast them for 2-3 minutes until slightly browned. Remove them from the pot and set them aside.

    chopped onions roasting in pot.

    Step 3: Add the other tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pot. Turn down the heat to medium and add the onion. Roast for about a minute until translucent.

    spices for Indian curry roasting in pot with oil.

    Step 4: Now, add the ginger, garlic, tomato paste, curry powder, coriander, salt, and red pepper flakes (optional). Roast for a couple of seconds, stirring frequently.

    bringing curry ingredients in pot to a poil while stirring with spoon.

    Step 5: When the spices are fragrant, pour the coconut milk and chicken stock into the pot and add the cinnamon stick. Add the roasted chicken. Let the curry cook on low to medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes.

    stirring creamy chicken curry cooking in pot.

    Step 6: Remove the cinnamon stick when the curry is cooked. Top with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve with whole-wheat rice or naan.

      Expert tip

      This curry is excellent for meal prep. Prepare it on the weekend and divide it into 4 sealable containers. Store the portioned chicken curry in the fridge for up to five days. Want to keep it longer? You can also store it in the freezer for up to three months. Perfect as a nourishing and comforting lunch or dinner warmed in seconds.

      Love a quick and healthy chicken dish? I got you covered with these North African-Style Chicken Wraps bursting with flavor and Baked Sesame Chicken Tenders, perfect for satisfying your crunchy cravings. Also, try this Immune-Boosting Chicken Soup both nourishing and comforting.

      closeup of chicken curry in grey bowl with vintage spoon.

      Recipe FAQs

      What is the secret to a good curry?

      The secret to a good curry depends on a few factors next to personal taste. Here are some tips to make the best curry:
      - Use fresh ingredients. It makes all the difference in flavor.
      - Cooking the onions until they are soft and translucent will give your curry a good base flavor.
      - Roast the spices with the fresh onion, garlic, and ginger before adding any liquid. It enhances their flavor and makes for a fragrant curry.
      - Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, coconut oil, or ghee. Avoid using olive oil, which has a low smoke point and can give the curry a bitter taste.
      - Taste the curry as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, spices, or acid to get the right balance of flavors.

      What makes chicken curry healthy?

      Chicken curry can be a healthy dish, depending on the ingredients and cooking method. These factors make the creamy curry a deliciously healthy option:
      - Lean protein: Boneless, skinless chicken is a lean source of protein. Perfect to use in this curry.
      - Vegetables: This curry recipe includes onion, garlic, and ginger, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
      - Spices: Curry powder, coriander, cinnamon, and red chili flakes are not only used for flavor in this dish. They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

      What do I serve with this chicken curry?

      To keep this meal balanced, serve it with whole-wheat rice, naan, or this homemade pita chips.

      How do I store leftovers of this curry?

      Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it an ideal meal-prep dish for busy weeks. Want to keep it longer? Freeze it in portions for up to 3 months and reheat it. Add more chicken stock when reheating if the curry is too thick.

      Related recipes

      • butternut squash curry in soup bowl with vintage spoon on grey backdrop with props.
        Butternut Squash Curry
      • Quick Yellow Vegetable Curry (without Curry Paste)
        Quick Yellow Vegetable Curry (Without Curry Paste)
      • homemade pita chips with everything bagel seasoning on grey plate with hummus
        Homemade Pita Chips
      • vibrant and spicy mango sauce in weck jar with vintage spoon on grey blue background
        Mango Hot Sauce

      Did you try one or more of these recipes?
      Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @encore_more on Instagram & Facebook!

      📖 Recipe

      healthy chicken curry with parsley garnish in grey bowl with vintage spoon.

      Healthy Chicken Curry

      Yvonne
      This healthy chicken curry is comforting all around and ready in 30 minutes. Serve with whole-wheat naan or rice to scoop out the ultra-creamy sauce when indulging. 
      Print Recipe Pin Recipe
      Prep Time 10 mins
      Cook Time 20 mins
      Total Time 30 mins
      Course Main Course
      Cuisine Indian
      Servings 4
      Calories 431 kcal

      Ingredients
        

      • 400 g boneless skinless chicken breasts (0.9 lb)
      • 1 medium yellow onion
      • 2 garlic cloves
      • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
      • 2 tablespoon vegetable or coconut oil
      • 400 ml coconut milk (full-fat)
      • 100 ml chicken stock (½ cup)
      • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
      • 1 tablespoon mild curry powder
      • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
      • 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
      • ½ teaspoon salt
      • pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

      Instructions
       

      • Chop the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic, and grate the ginger.
      • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium pot on high heat. Transfer the chicken chunks to the saucepan and roast them for 2-3 minutes until slightly browned. Remove them from the pot and set them aside.
      • Add the other tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pot. Turn down the heat to medium and add the onion. Roast for about a minute until translucent.
      • Now, add the ginger, garlic, tomato paste, curry powder, coriander, salt, and red pepper flakes (optional). Roast for a couple of seconds, stirring frequently.
      • When the spices are fragrant, pour the coconut milk and chicken stock into the pot and add the cinnamon stick. Add the roasted chicken. Let the curry cook on low to medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
      • Remove the cinnamon stick when the curry is cooked. Top with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve with whole-wheat rice or naan.

      Notes

      • Make it fragrant – Roast the spices with the onion and garlic before adding any liquid. It awakens the flavors and makes for an extra delicious curry.
      • Thicken if desired – Like a thick consistency? Cook the curry with the lid off so more liquid evaporates.
      • Serve keto-friendly – This healthy chicken curry is also keto-friendly if served with cauliflower rice instead of whole-wheat naan or rice.
      • Storing options – Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Want to keep it longer? Freeze it in portions for up to 3 months and reheat it. Add more chicken stock when reheating if the curry is too thick.

      Nutrition

      Serving: 1servingCalories: 431kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 24.4gFat: 33.9gSaturated Fat: 27.4gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 444mgPotassium: 758mgFiber: 3.9gSugar: 5.2gCalcium: 47mgIron: 3mg
      Tried this recipe?Mention @encore_more or tag #encoremore on Instagram!

      More Healthy Main Dish Recipes

      • pumpkin pasta sauce in grey bowls with sage topping and vintage forks on grey background with props.
        Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
      • caprese tortilla pizza on baking sheet with parchment paper on grey background with wine glass and linen
        Caprese Tortilla Pizza
      • Salmon Teriyaki Bowl
        Salmon Teriyaki Bowl
      • bacon and mushroom pasta on off white plates with vintage fork on beige rose background with props.
        Bacon And Mushroom Pasta

      Reader Interactions

      Leave a Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      Primary Sidebar

      Hi, I'm Yvonne! Welcome to my world of deliciously healthy food. Here you'll find recipes that are flavourful, seasonal and approachable. Ready to indulge?

      More about me →

      Connect with me

      • Instagram
      • Facebook
      • Pinterest

      Trending Recipes

      • hot aperol in whisky glasses with orange and cinnamon garnish on background with snow.
        Hot Aperol
      • Quick Yellow Vegetable Curry (without Curry Paste)
        Quick Yellow Vegetable Curry (Without Curry Paste)
      • creamy curry in soup bowl on vintage plate.
        Healthy Chicken Curry
      • Middle Eastern-Style Beef Chili
        North African-Style Beef Chili
      • mixed berry compote wit vintage silver spoon on textured dusty rose plate on grey background.
        Healthy Mixed Berry Compote
      • vibrant and spicy mango sauce in weck jar with vintage spoon on grey blue background
        Mango Hot Sauce

      Easter Recipes

      • healthy breakfast bread with spinach, hummus and poached egg on grey plate with vintage cutlery.
        Healthy Breakfast Bread
      • carrot soup with curry and coconut milk in blue bowls with props.
        Curried Carrot Ginger Soup (With Coconut Milk)
      • Sardine, Tomato and Red Onion Bruschetta
        Sardine, Tomato And Red Onion Bruschetta
      • New Potatoes, Wild Garlic & Spring Greens
        New Potatoes, Wild Garlic and Spring Greens
      • Healthyish Carrot Cake Cinnamon Cupcakes
        Healthyish Carrot Cake Cinnamon Cupcakes
      • No-Bake Stracciatella Energy Bites
        No-Bake Stracciatella Energy Bites

      Footer

      ↑ back to top

      More

      About Me

      Disclaimer

      Privacy Policy

      Imprint

      Cookie Policy (EU)

      Accessibility

      Recipe Index

      Breakfast

      Main Dishes

      Snacks & Sides

      Sweet Treats

      Drinks

      Contact

      Have questions or concerns?

      Get in touch

      Copyright © 2023 Encore & More. All rights reserved.

      Manage Cookie Consent
      We use cookies to optimize our website and our service.
      Functional Always active
      The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
      Preferences
      The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
      Statistics
      The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
      Marketing
      The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
      Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
      View preferences
      {title} {title} {title}