Description
Discover the bold and comforting flavors of African Chicken Curry, a hearty dish packed with warming spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender chicken simmered to perfection. Ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal, this easy recipe brings the essence of African-inspired cuisine to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, a flavorful meal prep option, or a naturally gluten- and dairy-free curry, this dish checks every box. Serve it with rice or warm flatbread for a meal that satisfies every craving. Perfect for fans of easy dinner recipes, spicy food ideas, and globally-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone-in and skin removed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
2 medium tomatoes, chopped or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
1 potato or sweet potato, peeled and cubed (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate chicken with half the curry powder, lemon juice, salt, and a little oil. Let sit for 15–30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
2. Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Sauté chopped onions until golden, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in remaining curry powder, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and chili flakes. Toast for 30–60 seconds.
5. Add marinated chicken pieces and brown on all sides for about 5–7 minutes.
6. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes until they soften and break down.
7. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes.
8. Add cubed potatoes or sweet potatoes 20 minutes before curry is done (if using).
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice as needed.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve hot with rice or bread.
Notes
For maximum flavor, don’t skip marinating the chicken—it tenderizes and deepens the taste.
Always sauté the onions until golden to develop a rich base.
This dish gets even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg