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I discovered this quick curry recipe during a particularly busy season when I needed good food fast. The magic happens when tender chicken meets warm curry spices and plump raisins in a rich creamy sauce ready in just 30 minutes. What started as a weeknight rescue dinner has become our favorite curry even when we have plenty of time to cook something more complex.
Why This Works
Every bite brings perfectly cooked chicken wrapped in a sauce that's rich and aromatic but not overwhelming. Takes just one pan and basic ingredients turns them into something that tastes like it simmered all day. Perfect for busy nights when you want something cozy and flavorful but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Your Shopping List
- The Protein: Fresh chicken breasts or thighs cut into even pieces helps them cook quick and stay juicy.
- The Aromatics: Sweet onion fresh garlic and good curry powder the fresher the better for maximum flavor.
- Make It Rich: Your choice of plain yogurt coconut milk or heavy cream each brings its own character to the sauce. Plus plump raisins add sweet depth.
Let's Cook
- Start With Flavor
- Get those onions and garlic going in butter or oil until soft and sweet. Toast your spices they need just 30 seconds to wake up.
- Cook The Chicken
- Add chicken pieces let them brown a bit builds extra flavor. Don't crowd the pan helps everything cook evenly.
- Build Your Sauce
- Pour in your cream or yogurt plus broth and raisins. Let everything simmer gets thick and delicious.
- Finish Fresh
- Squeeze in lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors. Maybe some cilantro on top if you like.
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Kitchen Secrets
Check your curry powder's freshness makes all the difference in flavor old spices just don't have the same punch. Let those spices toast before adding liquid wakes up their flavors. If using yogurt keep heat low prevents curdling. Taste as you go adjust salt at the end each curry powder brings different salt levels.
Serve It Right
Perfect over fluffy rice or with warm naan bread for scooping. Set out some cooling cucumber raita or tangy mango chutney on the side. Fresh cilantro and extra lemon wedges let everyone adjust their plate. Some nights we add a simple salad makes it feel even more complete.
Save Some For Later
Keeps beautifully in the fridge about 3 days flavors actually get better. Freezes well up to 2 months just warm it gentle when reheating. Add splash of cream or broth if sauce gets too thick. Perfect for meal prep makes busy weeks so much easier.
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Mix It Up
Try different vegetables peas spinach potatoes all work great here. Switch up your liquid coconut milk makes it tropical yogurt keeps it light. Sometimes I add extra raisins or try dried apricots instead. The recipe welcomes creativity while keeping that curry comfort.
Make It Yours
Play with spice levels find your perfect heat. My kids like it mild husband adds chili flakes to his. Some friends make it extra saucy others keep it thick. That's what makes cooking fun taking a quick recipe making it exactly how your family loves it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use cutlets?
Thin cutlets cook quickly and evenly. Cut regular breasts horizontally or pound to ½-inch thickness.
- → Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, mix with cream or sour cream. Keep heat low to prevent curdling when using yogurt.
- → What curry powder works best?
Any yellow curry powder or garam masala works. Use your favorite blend or combine different curry spices.
- → What can I serve with this?
Rice is traditional. Also good with naan bread or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.