Chicken Recipes

Chicken Recipes Simple Curry Chicken Thighs

If you’re anything like me, you probably love recipes that do all the heavy lifting in the flavor department without demanding hours of your life in return. This curry chicken thigh recipe is exactly that. It’s the kind of dish where the ingredients do most of the work, and you get to take the credit. Here’s the deal. Juicy chicken thighs get coated in warm spices, seared until golden, then tucked into a sauce that’s creamy, fragrant, and—let’s be real—hard to resist. The kind of sauce that makes you wish bread rolls magically appeared on your table, because you’ll want to mop up every drop. I make this recipe when I want comfort but don’t have all day to fuss in the kitchen. It’s bold enough for a Saturday night dinner yet simple enough for a busy Tuesday. This one’s a keeper, whether you’re hunting for easy chicken thigh recipes, quick and easy chicken recipes, or just searching through chicken curry recipes that don’t look intimidating. Think of it as one of those chicken thigh recipes you’ll keep bookmarked—because it doubles as an easy chicken curry recipe too. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn compliments.

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Table of Contents

  • 1) Key Takeaways
  • 2) Easy Simple Curry Chicken Thighs Recipe
  • 3) Ingredients for Simple Curry Chicken Thighs
  • 4) How to Make Simple Curry Chicken Thighs
  • 5) Tips for Making Simple Curry Chicken Thighs
  • 6) Making Simple Curry Chicken Thighs Ahead of Time
  • 7) Storing Leftover Simple Curry Chicken Thighs
  • 8) Try these Main Course next!
  • 9) Simple Curry Chicken Thighs
  • 10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

  • This recipe celebrates the charm of chicken recipes with comforting curry flavors.
  • It uses pantry spices, coconut milk, and chicken thighs for a simple but bold result.
  • Each bite carries tenderness from the chicken and depth from the sauce.
  • It’s easy enough for a weekday, yet it shines on a weekend dinner table.

2) Easy Simple Curry Chicken Thighs Recipe

I’ve always loved chicken recipes that don’t make me feel chained to the stove. This curry chicken thigh dish manages to look impressive while quietly keeping its prep work simple. We get flavor that feels slow-cooked, but we keep the time tight enough for a weeknight meal. That’s a win in my book.

The mix of coconut milk and warm spices creates a sauce that clings to every piece of chicken. The aroma starts filling the kitchen the second those spices hit the pan, and you’ll probably catch yourself sneaking a taste before it’s even finished simmering. I won’t judge if you do.

So, whether you’re searching for easy chicken thigh recipes or leaning into chicken curry recipes that don’t scare off beginners, this one’s got you covered. It carries comfort, confidence, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

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3) Ingredients for Simple Curry Chicken Thighs

Chicken Thighs: I like using bone-in for richness, but boneless works too. They stay tender, and they soak up the curry sauce beautifully.

Olive Oil: Just enough to sear the chicken and build flavor in the base of the pan. It’s simple, reliable, and always in my kitchen.

Onion: The diced onion softens and melts into the sauce. It adds natural sweetness that balances the spices.

Garlic: Three cloves bring sharpness that cuts through the richness of the coconut milk.

Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger adds warmth. It’s subtle but makes the sauce feel alive.

Curry Powder: This blend sets the stage. Every spoonful brings depth and character to the dish.

Cumin and Coriander: Together, these two spices round out the sauce with earthiness and brightness.

Coconut Milk: Creamy and smooth, it carries the spices and gives the sauce its silky body.

Chicken Stock: Adds savory notes and helps the sauce simmer to the right consistency.

Tomato Paste: A spoonful sharpens the flavor and adds a gentle tang that balances the richness.

Salt and Pepper: Season as you go. Taste matters, and these two hold the key.

Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle at the end makes the curry feel fresh and bright, cutting through the heavier sauce.

Rice or Naan: Curry deserves a companion, and either of these is perfect for soaking up the sauce.

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4) How to Make Simple Curry Chicken Thighs

Step 1. Pat your chicken thighs dry. Season them with salt and pepper. It’s a small step, but it sets up every bite with flavor from the start.

Step 2. Heat oil in a large skillet. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides. The crisp edges add both texture and taste. Then set them aside.

Step 3. In the same pan, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and ginger. Stir until the aroma rises, which usually takes about a minute.

Step 4. Sprinkle curry powder, cumin, and coriander. Toast them for half a minute. The smell will tell you they’re ready.

Step 5. Stir in tomato paste. Pour coconut milk and chicken stock into the pan. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 6. Return the chicken to the skillet. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for half an hour. The sauce thickens while the chicken cooks through.

Step 7. Taste the sauce. Adjust with salt and pepper if needed. It’s always worth the taste test.

Step 8. Serve over rice or with naan. Sprinkle cilantro on top for brightness before serving.

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5) Tips for Making Simple Curry Chicken Thighs

Use chicken thighs with the skin removed if you want a lighter dish. They’re still full of flavor, but the sauce will feel a little less heavy.

Don’t rush the simmer. Letting the chicken sit in the sauce makes every bite tender. Thirty minutes might feel long, but the taste is worth it.

Serve with rice on busy nights, but treat yourself to naan when you’ve got extra time. Nothing beats soaking up curry sauce with warm bread.

6) Making Simple Curry Chicken Thighs Ahead of Time

I often make this curry a day before I need it. The flavors settle and mingle overnight. The next day, it tastes even better, as if the sauce had more time to introduce itself to the chicken.

Keep the chicken and sauce together in a sealed container. Reheat slowly on the stove, letting the sauce loosen back to its creamy texture.

If you want to prep ahead but keep things fresh, you can make the sauce early and cook the chicken later. It splits the work but keeps the final dish vibrant.

7) Storing Leftover Simple Curry Chicken Thighs

Leftovers keep in the fridge for three days in an airtight container. The sauce thickens as it cools, but a splash of water or stock when reheating brings it back to life.

Microwave works in a pinch, but the stove gives the best results. Warm it over low heat and let the sauce coat the chicken again.

If you’ve made too much, freeze portions. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The curry holds its flavor well, even after freezing.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Simple Curry Chicken Thighs

Chicken Recipes Simple Curry Chicken Thighs

If you’re anything like me, you probably love recipes that do all the heavy lifting in the flavor department without demanding hours of your life in return. This curry chicken thigh recipe is exactly that. It’s the kind of dish where the ingredients do most of the work, and you get to take the credit. Here’s the deal. Juicy chicken thighs get coated in warm spices, seared until golden, then tucked into a sauce that’s creamy, fragrant, and—let’s be real—hard to resist. The kind of sauce that makes you wish bread rolls magically appeared on your table, because you’ll want to mop up every drop. I make this recipe when I want comfort but don’t have all day to fuss in the kitchen. It’s bold enough for a Saturday night dinner yet simple enough for a busy Tuesday. This one’s a keeper, whether you’re hunting for easy chicken thigh recipes, quick and easy chicken recipes, or just searching through chicken curry recipes that don’t look intimidating. Think of it as one of those chicken thigh recipes you’ll keep bookmarked—because it doubles as an easy chicken curry recipe too. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn compliments.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Keywords: chicken curry recipes, chicken recipes, Chicken Thigh Recipes, easy chicken curry recipe, easy chicken thigh recipes, quick and easy chicken recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Nancy

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 200ml chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or naan, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden, then remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
  4. Add curry powder, cumin, and coriander. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, then pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock. Mix until smooth.
  6. Return the chicken thighs to the pan. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve the chicken over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

10) Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce | Calories: 365 | Protein: 27g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 480mg

Written by Nancy for Nancy Cooks. This recipe is part of my collection of chicken recipes that celebrate simple cooking with bold results.

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