Shake up your weeknight rotation with Indian chicken recipes. Some stick to traditional cooking methods and flavors, while others fuse cooking styles from other places around the world.

32 Indian Chicken Recipes from Traditional to Indian-Inspired Creations

Chicken Korma
Chicken korma is one of those recipes that takes me back to weeknight dinners with my family. The warmth of minced gingerroot and spices like cloves and cardamom is as comforting as how we’d gather around our humble kitchen table and savor this meal. It’s a delightfully approachable recipe that makes for an easy introduction to Indian chicken recipes.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala has become synonymous with Indian food in America. While the roots of this recipe aren’t entirely traditional, the juicy bites of chicken swimming in a velvety spice-kissed tomato sauce have captured the hearts and bellies of many—and it’s easy to see why.
Slow-Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken
Turn to this easy recipe when you just want to toss everything into a pot and let the magic unfold. Coconut milk (different from coconut cream) wraps tender chunks of chicken with hints of curry powder and garlic, while potatoes and rice act as buoys of flavor. It’s effortless, yet the final dish will make you wonder if you’re sitting at your favorite restaurant.
Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, or chicken makhani, is already irresistibly delicious, but making it in a slow cooker takes it to another level. A dreamy tomato and coconut milk sauce drapes tender bites of chicken. The slow-cooking deepens the flavors, making this one of those recipes that taste better the next day.
Curry Chicken Salad
Adaptable recipes are my favorite. Whether you stick with the apple and cranberry combo or swap in mango with tomato chutney, this easy recipe lets you play with flavors and make the most of what you have on hand.
Chicken Tikka
Warm, smoky spiced yogurt tenderizes bite-sized chicken breast perfectly in this recipe. The first bite of juicy, char-edged chicken will make you feel as if you’re standing by a street food cart in India. The marinade is versatile, working just as well with chicken thighs, lamb or even tofu. Prepare the tikka ahead of time and in 30 minutes or less, you’ll have sizzling skewers ready to enjoy with rice, naan or a side of grilled veggies.
Pressure-Cooker Tandoori Chicken Panini
Sink your teeth into warm naan wrapped around tandoori chicken so juicy and tender it practically melts in your mouth. The pressure cooker works its magic, making the chicken fall apart and soak up every drop of flavor. A smear of chutney—whether it’s sweet mango, zesty mint or bright tamarind—packs this crispy panini with punchy flavor.
Curry Chicken and Rice
This inventive recipe is a burst of bright playful flavors all in one pot. Simple spices give subtle nods to India, while the curry-soaked rice adds a cozy texture. Toss in veggies like bell pepper or okra, or swap in grains like sorghum or millet to make this recipe your own masterpiece.
Instant Pot Chicken Curry
Keep this recipe in your back pocket for those nights when time is ticking and hunger is calling. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a quick sauce of canned tomatoes, sauteed onions, garlic, ginger, and a fragrant blend of turmeric and cumin. Pair the chicken curry with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice and, just like that, dinner is served!
Chicken Tikka Meatballs with Ginger Rice
Chicken tikka meatballs and zingy ginger rice are the kind of duo that just clicks. The tender, spiced meatballs complement the rice that hums with gentle heat. A silky tomato-based sauce and a luscious drizzle of cumin-infused sour cream bring everything together for a bright and balanced plate.
Mughlai Chicken
Indian chicken recipes like Mughlai chicken are simply unforgettable. The sauce—a fragrant mix of garlic, ginger and green chiles—is tamed by the smooth sweetness from cashews and blanched almonds. It may be mellow, but this dish has a subtle way of turning an everyday dinner into something truly magical in less than 30 minutes.
Tandoori Chicken
This is an at-home take on tandoori chicken, which is known for its bright red hue and roasting style in a tandoor oven. Yogurt marinade spiked with chipotle, ginger and earthy Indian spices like fennel, fenugreek and cinnamon make the chicken ultra tender. As the chicken roasts, the flavors awaken. A honey-lime drizzle adds a tangy contrast to every bite.
Chicken Samosas
Why limit samosas to just a snack when they’re this easy to make? These golden pouches of spiced chicken and vegetables can shine at brunch, in lunchboxes or even as a movie-night swap for popcorn. Whether fried to crispy perfection or baked for a healthier option, these samosas prove that something this delicious deserves to be enjoyed at any time, in any way.
Pressure-Cooker Curried Chicken Meatball Wraps
I love a good wrap that helps me sneak in more veggies. This recipe nestles warmly spiced chicken meatballs in crisp Bibb lettuce with a topping of crunchy vegetables, sweet raisins and a sprinkle of peanuts. It is fun to assemble and is a great option when you have pickier eaters at the table.
Chicken with Curry Roasted Squash
Spiced butternut squash and red onions bring brightly colored sweetness to tender rotisserie chicken and chickpeas, all simmered in a wholesome broth. Couscous catches every drop of flavor. Use regular couscous or opt for pearl couscous, which is a larger type of the pasta.
Chicken Curry Soup
This recipe gives you a reason to crack open that can of coconut milk in the pantry. The coconut milk weaves the spices together into something silky and satisfying while root vegetables like sweet potatoes or turnips melt into pockets of flavor. Add a scoop of rice or orzo to make it a heartier meal. Adapt this recipe with anything you have in the fridge.
Sheet-Pan Chicken Curry Dinner
Who doesn’t love a one-and-done dinner? This sheet-pan recipe pairs juicy chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and cauliflower roasted together in a blend of curry powder, smoked paprika and a dash of lemon-pepper seasoning. The splash of chicken broth at the end cues that classic chicken curry feeling, but in sheet-pan form.
Mango Chicken Curry
I’m a sucker for a sweet and savory recipe, and this mango chicken curry is truly a love letter to that combination. The tropical sweetness of ripe mango melts into the sauce, creating a dreamy balance of flavors that hugs tender bites of chicken. Spices like curry powder and cayenne add light kicks, while ginger and garlic bring aromatic goodness. Ladle the mango chicken curry over rice, pair it with buttery roti or enjoy it on its own.
Mighty Nice Curried Chicken with Rice
This 50-year-old recipe shows how creativity in the kitchen has always been timeless. Tart apples, golden raisins and curry powder come together in a sauce brimming with fruity brightness and warm spice. A whisper of orange zest and a sprinkle of toasted almonds tie it all together. It’s no wonder the recipe developer’s husband called it “mighty nice!”
Ginger-Curry Chicken Tacos
These brightly flavored ginger-curry chicken tacos will light up your taste buds. The spiced chicken is tucked into soft naan and then crowned with a mango-cucumber slaw. It’s crunchy, sweet and savory all at once. Keep this recipe around when you want to change up your next taco night!
Sheet-Pan Tandoori Chicken
Easy cleanup and prep make this sheet-pan tandoori chicken a dream for any night. The yogurt-marinated chicken roasts to juicy perfection, while sweet potatoes caramelize into golden bites. With bursts of roasted tomatoes and zesty lemon slices, it’s like serving up sunshine straight from the oven.
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala tells a different story in every kitchen because there’s no one way to make it. This version leans on the pressure cooker for added simplicity without compromising much on the decadent tomato sauce.
Tandoori Masala Chicken Sandwiches
This is not your average chicken sandwich. These beauties start with juicy, spice-rubbed chicken thighs tucked into buttery brioche buns. They’re topped with a crisp daikon slaw and a cooling mint-lime yogurt sauce. If you have the time, allow your chicken to marinate overnight for the best flavor.
Mango Chutney Chicken Curry
Simmer the chicken in the warm curry spices and garlic, then add the chutney and cream at the same time. The chutney sweetens the dish while the half-and-half gives it a velvety smooth finish. If you make your own chutney, be sure not to use overly ripe mangoes otherwise it could end up too sweet.
Curried Chicken and Grits Casserole
Who knew southern flavors could pair so well with the bold spices of curry powder? Cheesy creamy grits set the stage, while cream of chicken and mushroom soups with a bit of mayo hold this dish together and make every bite sing. We love good comfort food mashups like this.
Brown Rice Mulligatawny
Mulligatawny soup is a unique fusion of British and Indian cultures. It was a soup inspired by rasam, another tangy and spiced South Indian lentil soup. I still remember the first time I got mulligatawny at an Indian restaurant. A bowl full of golden-toned warmth arrived and, on the first slurp, I was in love. This version carries that feeling with hearty brown rice, tender chicken, fresh mushrooms and tart apple.
Tandoori Chicken Thighs
This simplified version of tandoori chicken is a quick, convenient option. Marinated in yogurt, ginger and cayenne, which gives a boost of heat, the chicken stays juicy and full of flavor. It’s proof that sometimes shortcuts can lead to great things.
Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon Relish
This take on tandoori-style chicken feels like a summer picnic, no matter the season. The real magic is in the melon relish that adorns the chicken. It combines sweet juicy cantaloupe with crisp cucumber, cool mint and a shower of almonds.
Tandoori Spiced Chicken Pita Pizza with Greek Yogurt and Cilantro
It’s part pizza, part flavor adventure and entirely something you’ll want to make regularly. Tandoori-flavored chicken brings heat that’s balanced by a cool drizzle of cilantro yogurt. The chicken rests on a grilled pita topped with crumbled feta, and bursting tomatoes making every mouthful so satisfying.
Curried Chicken Corn Chowder
Comfort food comes together quickly with this fresh take on corn chowder. And besides, recipes that start with a bag of frozen corn are always welcome when we need to clear out the freezer.
Breaded Curry Chicken Drummies
Golden and crispy, these drumsticks are dredged in a symphony of aromatic flavors. They sing with just the right zing! While they are irresistible on their own, they are even better when paired with a refreshing raita dip.
Curried Chicken Skillet
One pan with big flavor—that’s what I’m talking about! I can already imagine the aromas filling my kitchen with this curried chicken skillet. Sweet potatoes and onions cooking down, the curry powder and ginger releasing cozy warmth, and nutty quinoa soaking up everything. Shredded chicken and peas finish the dish perfectly, making it a quick meal that will keep you full.
Indian Chicken Recipe FAQs
What is the best chicken dish in India?
The best chicken dish in India depends on personal taste and regional preferences. Many would point to butter chicken, a northern India classic, for its iconic, richly spiced tomato sauce. Others might argue that perfectly layered chicken biryani from Hyderabad or a spicy Chettinad chicken curry from the southern part of India are the real stars. The best dish is really the one that takes over your taste buds and makes a mark on your food memories.
What is the difference between chicken tikka masala, butter chicken and chicken curry?
The difference between chicken tikka masala, butter chicken and chicken curry comes down to preparation, regional preferences and the balance of spices. Chicken tikka masala typically features marinated grilled chicken chunks in a richly spiced, slightly smoky tomato-based sauce. Butter chicken is nuttier and more decadent but has a milder, slightly sweeter tomato base. Chicken curry is a broader category and varies widely in how it’s made. Recipes often involve a cut of chicken simmered in a base of onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and a mix of freshly milled spices. Some versions include additions like coconut milk, potatoes or curry leaves.
How do you make Indian chicken curry?
If you want to know how to make Indian chicken curry, start by stocking your pantry with quality spices and fresh ingredients. From there, you can test which ratio of spices and seasonings is best for your tastes. In authentic Indian chicken curry dishes, you’re probably not going to see canned tomato puree or stocks/broths. Instead, you’ll saute fresh produce low and slow with spices and yogurt until the mixture thickens, then you’ll add the chicken and water and cook the chicken until done.