Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this incredibly easy No-Chop Chicken Curry:
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes: Using pre-cubed chicken is a key time-saver. Thighs offer more flavour and moisture, while breasts are leaner. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand. Ensure they are truly bite-sized for quick cooking.
- 2 Tablespoons Cooking Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, sunflower, or light olive oil works best for sautéing. Coconut oil can also be used for an extra hint of coconut flavour.
- 1 Large Onion, Pre-Chopped or 1 cup Frozen Chopped Onion: The Exception! While aiming for no-chop, onion is foundational. Using pre-chopped fresh onion from the grocery store or frozen chopped onion eliminates this step entirely. If you absolutely must chop one thing, this is it, but the readily available pre-chopped options make it truly no-chop.
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Paste or Pre-Minced Garlic: Found in tubes or jars in the produce section, this saves you from peeling and mincing cloves. Offers potent garlic flavour effortlessly.
- 1 Tablespoon Ginger Paste or Pre-Minced Ginger: Similar to garlic paste, this provides the essential warm, spicy notes of ginger without any grating or mincing.
- 3–4 Tablespoons Curry Powder: The heart of the curry flavour! Use your favourite store-bought blend (mild, medium, or hot). Quality matters here – a good blend makes a huge difference. Madras curry powder or a standard yellow curry powder are great starting points.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin: Adds an earthy depth and warmth that complements the curry powder.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander: Provides a slightly sweet, citrusy note, balancing the earthiness of cumin.
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder: Primarily for colour, adding that beautiful golden hue, but also contributes a subtle earthy flavour.
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper or Red Chilli Flakes (Optional): Adjust the heat to your liking. Start with less; you can always add more later. Omit entirely if you prefer a very mild curry.
- 1 (14.5 oz / 400g) Can Crushed Tomatoes: Provides acidity, body, and a flavour base for the sauce. Undrained. Crushed tomatoes integrate more easily than diced without needing extra breakdown.
- 1 (13.5 oz / 400ml) Can Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Creates the creamy, rich sauce characteristic of many curries. Full-fat provides the best texture and flavour; light coconut milk can be used but will result in a thinner sauce. Shake the can well before opening.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: Adds liquid to create the sauce consistency and enhances the overall flavour. Low-sodium is recommended to control the saltiness.
- 1 (16 oz / 450g) Bag Frozen Mixed Vegetables: The ultimate no-chop hack! A blend containing peas, carrots, corn, and green beans is classic. No thawing needed – add them straight from the freezer. You can also use other frozen vegetable blends like a ‘stir-fry’ mix (ensure pieces aren’t too large) or just frozen peas and carrots.
- 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavours. Start with one teaspoon and adjust at the end.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste): Adds a final touch of gentle spice.
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons Sugar or Brown Sugar: A small amount can balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall flavour profile, especially if your curry powder is very savoury.
- Optional: Squeeze of Lime or Lemon Juice: Added at the end, this brightens the flavours significantly.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a hassle-free, delicious chicken curry:
- Prepare Your Pan: Place a large pot, Dutch oven, or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil and let it heat up until it shimmers slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics (The Quick Way): Add the pre-chopped or frozen onion to the hot oil. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. If using frozen onion, it might release some water; cook until the water evaporates and the onion starts to soften.
- Bloom Spices: Add the garlic paste and ginger paste to the pot. Stir constantly for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Immediately add the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and optional cayenne pepper/red chilli flakes. Stir constantly for another 30-60 seconds. Cooking the spices in oil like this is called “blooming” and helps to release their maximum flavour and aroma.
- Brown the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Push the onion and spice mixture to one side of the pot. Add the cubed chicken to the empty side in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Let the chicken sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage. Browning adds depth of flavour to the final dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip direct browning and just stir the chicken into the spice mixture to coat, then proceed.
- Combine and Deglaze: Stir the chicken into the onion and spice mixture until everything is well combined. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon or spatula to lift any browned bits (fond) – this adds fantastic flavour to the sauce.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes and the can of full-fat coconut milk. Mix everything thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and uniform in colour.
- Simmer Gently: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through completely and the flavours to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Frozen Vegetables: Uncover the pot and stir in the entire bag of frozen mixed vegetables. There’s no need to thaw them first; adding them frozen helps cool the curry slightly, preventing overcooking, and they will heat through quickly.
- Final Simmer: Increase the heat slightly to bring the curry back to a gentle simmer. Once simmering again, cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and heated through. Avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should retain some bite.
- Season and Finish: Turn off the heat. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and optional sugar (if using). Taste the curry and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more salt, spice, or a touch more sweetness. If desired, stir in a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavours.
- Rest (Optional): Letting the curry rest for 5-10 minutes off the heat before serving can allow the flavours to settle and deepen even further.
- Serve: Ladle the No-Chop Chicken Curry over your favourite accompaniments and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 40g