30-Minute Yellow Chicken Curry with a Kick of Spice

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This vibrant curry dish is a flavor-packed meal that comes together in a breeze. With aromatic spices and a rich coconut sauce, it delivers the perfect balance of tang, heat, and comforting creaminess—ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (coconut, vegetable, or olive)
  • 1 pound chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1–2 tablespoons yellow curry powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, chopped (optional for extra spice)
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or sweetener of choice)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lime (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish
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Instructions

Warm the cooking oil in a large sauté pan or skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it turns translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger, allowing their fragrant aromas to develop for another minute, being careful not to burn them.

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Next, add the chicken chunks and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Then sprinkle in the yellow curry powder and any desired chili—stirring so the spices coat the chicken and onions evenly.

Pour in the coconut milk and stir gently, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Mix in the brown sugar and allow the curry to simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or curry powder as desired. If you prefer a bit of zing, squeeze in some lime juice just before serving.

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Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil to add a bright finish. Serve over steamed jasmine rice or your favorite grain.

Enjoy the comforting heat of this fast and simple curry at your dinner table—even on your busiest nights!

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This Spicy Sunshine Chicken Curry is the perfect weeknight winner for anyone craving a hearty, boldly flavored meal without the long cooking time. It’s easily adjustable for a range of dietary preferences: you can substitute tofu or chickpeas to make it vegetarian or toss in extra veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, for extra nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, hoping to add more spice to your routine, or simply wanting a warm, comforting bowl of curry, this recipe fits the bill—providing a satisfying, spicy burst of sunshine on the plate.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.