Name: Chicken Madras Curry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced; 1 Tablespoon madras curry powder; ½ teaspoon ginger powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika; 1 Tablespoon sugar; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; Pinch of cayenne pepper; 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 14-ounce can coconut milk; 4 chicken breasts, cut into chunks

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.3 from 80 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comforting warmth, this Chicken Madras Curry Recipe is an absolute treasure. Rich, creamy, and aromatic, it blends a perfect harmony of spices with tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious coconut and tomato sauce. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned fan, this recipe delivers a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and stunningly vibrant on the plate. You’ll love how the fragrant madras curry powder layers with a touch of smoky paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne to create a curry that’s anything but ordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that each play a vital role in building the complex flavor profile and silky texture of the Chicken Madras Curry Recipe. From the sweetness of the onions to the creamy coconut milk, every element matters.

Vegetable oil: The cooking base that helps soften onions and bloom spices for maximum flavor release.
Onion (diced): Adds a natural sweetness and depth as it cooks down to a translucent softness.
Garlic (pressed or minced): Offers a pungent aromatics layer that beautifully complements the spices.
Madras curry powder: The star spice blend bringing that unmistakable south Indian heat and complexity.
Ginger: Adds a subtle warming tone that brightens the curry.
Chili powder: Provides gentle heat without overpowering.
Sweet smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky sweetness that enhances the curry’s depth.
Sugar: Balances acidity and spices with a touch of sweetness.
Pepper: Adds mild bite and helps round out the flavor.
Cinnamon: Brings warmth and a slight sweetness to marry the spices beautifully.
Cloves: Adds an earthy depth and fragrant hint.
Cayenne (a pinch): Gives a subtle kick and sharpness to the curry’s backbone.
Diced tomatoes (28 ounces, undrained): Forms the juicy, tangy base of the sauce.
Coconut milk (14 ounces): Creates the creamy, rich texture that mellows the spices perfectly.
Chicken breasts (cut into chunks): The tender protein that absorbs all those amazing flavors while cooking.

How to Make Chicken Madras Curry Recipe

Step 1: Gently Cook the Onions, Garlic, and Spices

Start by heating the vegetable oil on low in a sturdy dutch oven. Slowly cook the diced onions until they turn translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. This slow cooking draws out their sweetness without caramelizing. Next, add the minced garlic and continue to cook gently for another 5 minutes. Then, stir in all your spices—madras curry powder, ginger, chili powder, smoked paprika, sugar, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and cayenne. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the spices toast lightly and release their incredible aromas into the oil. If the mixture feels too dry, don’t hesitate to splash in a little extra oil to keep things luscious. This foundational step builds the essential flavor base for your curry.

Step 2: Simmer the Tomatoes and Coconut Milk

Raise the heat to medium and pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices alongside the creamy coconut milk. Stir well to combine them with your spiced onion mix. Now let this wonderful sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes. During this time, it will thicken beautifully, melding all the flavors together into a rich, fragrant curry sauce. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent any sticking. This simmering is where the magic truly amplifies, turning simple ingredients into that crave-worthy Chicken Madras Curry Recipe you’re aiming for.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken in the Curry Sauce

Add the chicken breast chunks straight into your bubbling sauce and stir until every piece is coated with that vibrant curry goodness. Cover the pot and let the chicken cook gently for 10 minutes so it absorbs the flavors while staying juicy and tender. After that, remove the lid and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce even more and develop a richer texture. Once done, your curry should be aromatic, thick, and full of deeply infused taste with perfectly cooked chicken pieces ready to shine.

How to Serve Chicken Madras Curry Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Chicken Madras Curry Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness. A dollop of cooling yogurt or a drizzle of coconut cream can also balance out the spices while adding a creamy contrast. Thinly sliced red onions or chopped green chillies are wonderful for those who want an extra zing and crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve this curry alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up all the luscious curry sauce. You can also pair it with a simple cucumber raita or lentil dal to add some variety on the plate while keeping the meal wholesome and satisfying. These side dishes complement the Chicken Madras Curry Recipe perfectly without overpowering its vibrant flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly special presentation, serve the curry in a colorful earthenware bowl surrounded by small dishes of pickles, chutneys, and poppadoms. Garnish with toasted cashews or slivered almonds for a textural surprise. You can even spoon the curry over roasted vegetables or use it to stuff warm flatbreads for an exciting twist on the traditional dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Chicken Madras Curry Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will remain delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making leftovers a real treat.

Freezing

This curry freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled curry into freezer-safe containers or bags and it will keep for up to 3 months. When freezing, avoid adding the rice or bread to maintain the ideal texture.

Reheating

Reheat your Chicken Madras Curry Recipe gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it. Microwaving is fine too, just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor because they have more fat and connective tissue. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Chicken Madras Curry Recipe has a moderate heat level that can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder and cayenne. It’s flavorful but not overwhelmingly spicy.

Can I make this curry vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or chickpeas and use vegetable broth for extra depth. The same spices and coconut milk create an amazing vegan curry.

What can I substitute for madras curry powder?

If you can’t find madras curry powder, try making your own blend with turmeric, coriander, cumin, and a bit of chili powder, or use a curry powder mix labeled ‘hot’ to keep the heat profile close.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce uncovered for longer to let excess liquid evaporate, or add a small spoon of tomato paste or a pinch of cornstarch slurry to thicken it quickly without changing the flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Madras Curry Recipe is one of those dishes that bring warmth and joy with every bite, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a comforting homemade meal. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner yet exciting enough to impress guests. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. So roll up your sleeves, gather those spices, and dive into a pot of curry that promises big flavor and even bigger smiles.