30 Best Chicken Curry Recipes from India (Ultimate Guide)
Chicken curry is one of the most loved comfort foods across India. From rich and creamy North Indian gravies to spicy South Indian curries bursting with coconut and curry leaves, Indian chicken curry recipes are incredibly diverse, flavorful, and deeply rooted in regional traditions.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll discover 30 of the best Indian chicken curry recipes, including restaurant-style classics, homestyle favorites, spicy curries, and healthy options. Whether you're cooking for your family, hosting guests, or building a recipe blog, this long-form guide has everything you need.
📌 Table of Contents
- North Indian Chicken Curries
- South Indian Chicken Curries
- Regional Indian Chicken Curries
- Spicy Chicken Curry Recipes
- Healthy & Light Chicken Curries
- Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Curry
- FAQs About Chicken Curry
🍛 North Indian Chicken Curry Recipes
1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Butter chicken is the crown jewel of Indian cuisine. This rich, creamy curry is made with marinated grilled chicken simmered in a buttery tomato-based gravy. It pairs beautifully with naan or jeera rice and is loved worldwide for its mild yet indulgent flavor.
2. Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala features smoky tandoori chicken cooked in a spiced tomato-onion gravy. Slightly tangy and moderately spicy, this dish is perfect for special occasions and restaurant-style meals at home.
3. Punjabi Chicken Masala
A bold and rustic curry made with onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic, and aromatic spices. Punjabi chicken masala is hearty, spicy, and best enjoyed with butter roti or paratha.
4. Dhaba-Style Chicken Curry
This curry is inspired by roadside Indian dhabas. It uses whole spices, mustard oil, and slow cooking to create deep, robust flavors that taste even better the next day.
5. Kadai Chicken
Kadai chicken is cooked in a thick gravy with capsicum, onions, and freshly ground spices. It’s spicy, slightly smoky, and incredibly flavorful.
🌴 South Indian Chicken Curry Recipes
6. Kerala Chicken Curry
Made with coconut milk, curry leaves, and whole spices, Kerala chicken curry is mildly spicy and aromatic. It pairs wonderfully with appam, idiyappam, or steamed rice.
7. Chettinad Chicken Curry
One of the spiciest curries in India, Chettinad chicken curry is known for its bold use of roasted spices, black pepper, and coconut.
8. Andhra Spicy Chicken Curry
This fiery curry from Andhra Pradesh uses red chilies generously and delivers intense heat and flavor, perfect for spice lovers.
9. Tamil Nadu Pepper Chicken Curry
Black pepper is the star ingredient in this curry, giving it a warm heat and unique aroma. Ideal for cold weather meals.
10. Coconut Chicken Curry
A creamy yet light curry made using freshly ground coconut paste and mild spices. Popular across coastal regions of South India.
🗺️ Regional Indian Chicken Curry Recipes
11. Bengali Chicken Curry
This mildly spiced curry uses potatoes, whole garam masala, and mustard oil for a distinct aroma and comforting taste.
12. Goan Chicken Curry
Prepared with coconut milk, vinegar, and Goan spices, this curry has a beautiful balance of tanginess and spice.
13. Maharashtrian Chicken Rassa
A thin yet flavorful curry made with roasted coconut, onions, and spices. Often served with bhakri or rice.
14. Rajasthani Chicken Curry
This curry uses yogurt and dry spices instead of tomatoes, giving it a rich and unique taste.
15. Hyderabadi Chicken Curry
Known for its aromatic spices and slow cooking, this curry pairs beautifully with fragrant basmati rice.
🔥 Spicy Chicken Curry Recipes
16. Chicken Vindaloo
A spicy and tangy curry made with vinegar and red chilies, originally influenced by Portuguese cuisine.
17. Pepper Chicken Curry
Loaded with freshly cracked black pepper, this curry delivers heat without overpowering spices.
18. Green Chili Chicken Curry
Perfect for chili lovers, this curry is hot, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying.
19. Spicy Chicken Masala
A thick gravy loaded with garam masala, chili powder, and slow-cooked chicken.
20. Chicken Kolhapuri
One of Maharashtra’s spiciest curries, made with Kolhapuri masala and roasted coconut.
🥗 Healthy & Light Chicken Curry Recipes
21. Low-Calorie Chicken Curry
Made without cream or butter, this curry focuses on fresh spices and minimal oil.
22. Chicken Stew (South Indian Style)
A mild curry made with coconut milk and whole spices, perfect for light meals.
23. Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry
Quick, easy, and nutritious, this curry retains all the flavors with minimal cooking time.
24. Keto Chicken Curry
A low-carb curry made with coconut milk and healthy fats.
25. Protein-Rich Chicken Curry
Ideal for fitness enthusiasts, this curry focuses on lean chicken and minimal oil.
👩🍳 Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Curry
- Always marinate chicken for better flavor
- Slow cook for richer taste
- Use fresh spices whenever possible
- Balance heat with acidity and fat
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which chicken is best for curry?
Bone-in chicken gives the best flavor, but boneless works for quick cooking.
How do I thicken chicken curry?
Use onion paste, cashew paste, or slow cooking to naturally thicken the gravy.
Can chicken curry be frozen?
Yes, most chicken curries freeze well for up to 2 months.
✨ Final Thoughts
Indian chicken curry is not just a dish—it’s an experience of spices, tradition, and comfort. With these 30 recipes, you can explore the full spectrum of Indian flavors right from your kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for family or creating content for your food blog, this ultimate guide is your one-stop resource for everything chicken curry.