If you love cooking but hate long ingredient lists, you’re in for a treat. 🍛 Imagine a chicken curry so rich and flavorful that it tastes like it has 20 ingredients, but in reality, it only uses five simple things. Yes, just five! And the best part? You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
Why This Curry Works
The secret of this curry isn’t in adding a hundred spices. It’s about choosing ingredients that naturally bring out deep flavors. With the right balance, simplicity becomes your biggest advantage. Even if you’re a beginner, you can pull off a dish that tastes restaurant-quality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your short, powerful shopping list:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken (bone-in or boneless) | 1 kg | Protein base that absorbs flavors well |
| Onion | 2 medium | Adds sweetness and texture |
| Garlic | 4-5 cloves | Provides aromatic depth |
| Tomato puree | 1 cup | Gives tanginess and body |
| Curry powder | 2-3 tbsp | Combines multiple spice notes in one |
That’s it. Only five ingredients! 🎉
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Prep Your Ingredients
First, chop onions finely and crush garlic. If using bone-in chicken, cut into medium pieces. Keep everything ready before you start cooking—it makes the process smooth.
2. Sauté the Base
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Toss in onions and cook until golden brown. This step unlocks the sweetness of the onion and forms a flavorful base. Add garlic next and fry for 1-2 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing here! 😍
3. Add Tomato Puree
Pour in the tomato puree and stir well. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Tomatoes bring natural acidity, balancing the richness of the chicken.
4. Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the curry powder. Stir continuously so it doesn’t burn. Even though it’s just one spice mix, it contains multiple spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili, giving your curry a layered taste.
5. Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces and coat them in the mixture. Pour in half a cup of water to help cook the chicken evenly. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes. If you like a thicker gravy, simmer a little longer to reduce the liquid.
6. Taste and Adjust
Even with five ingredients, taste matters. Add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon if you want extra brightness.
Why It Tastes Like 20 Ingredients
Onions and garlic create a natural umami base.
Tomato puree acts like a flavor amplifier.
Curry powder is a blend of several spices.
Cooking technique: Sautéing, simmering, and slow cooking extracts maximum flavor.
Layering flavors: Each step builds depth, making the dish taste complex without complexity.
Tips for Making It Even Better
Use bone-in chicken for more natural flavor.
Fry the onions longer for a sweeter, richer base.
Choose fresh garlic over powdered—it makes a noticeable difference.
Add a touch of cream or yogurt at the end if you like a richer curry.
Garnish with fresh coriander for color and aroma 🌿
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding chicken too early can make it rubbery.
Burning the spices will give a bitter taste.
Using too much water will make it soupy; too little will dry it out.
Quick Variations
| Variation | How to Make |
|---|---|
| Spicy Kick | Add 1 tsp red chili powder along with curry powder |
| Creamy Curry | Stir in 1/4 cup yogurt or cream before serving |
| Tangy Twist | Add 1 tsp lemon juice or tamarind paste at the end |
| Veggie Boost | Add potatoes or bell peppers during simmering |
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
Because it’s simple, fast, and flavorful. You don’t need a long list of spices or complicated steps. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a comfort meal without stress. 🍽️
FAQs About This Curry
Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs or whole pieces?
Yes, but chicken breast cooks faster and can become dry if overcooked. Keep an eye and reduce simmering time.
Q2: Can I make this curry in a pressure cooker?
Absolutely! Reduce water slightly and cook for 8-10 minutes under pressure.
Q3: Can I freeze this curry?
Yes, it freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on low heat.
Q4: Can I use store-bought curry paste instead of curry powder?
Yes. Use the recommended amount on the pack and taste as you go.
Q5: How do I make it richer without adding more ingredients?
Simmer the curry longer to reduce the liquid, or gently mash some cooked onions into the gravy to thicken naturally.
Final Thoughts
This 5-ingredient chicken curry proves that simplicity doesn’t mean compromise. With the right steps and a few clever choices, you can create a meal that tastes luxurious, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. 😋
So next time you’re short on ingredients or time, remember this recipe. You’ll impress everyone without breaking a sweat.
