There’s something deeply comforting about a pot of easy curry chicken simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with warm, aromatic spices and rich Caribbean flavor. This Simply Delicious 20 Minute Curry Chicken is my refreshed take on a recipe I first shared years ago, and it remains one of the most satisfying ways to get a bold, home-cooked meal on the table in no time.
This easy curry chicken is the kind of meal I’d make for my daughters on those long, busy days when energy was low, but my heart still wanted to give them something warm and meaningful. As the curry gently bubbled away, the kitchen would come alive with that familiar aroma, wrapping around us like comfort itself. It wasn’t just about getting dinner on the table, it was about giving them a piece of home, something steady and loving they could feel with every bite.
There’s a quiet kind of love in a dish like this. The way the spices bloom in the oil, releasing their deep, fragrant notes. The way the chicken slowly absorbs that golden curry, becoming tender, rich, and full of flavor. It’s simple, yes, but deeply satisfying. The kind of easy curry chicken that draws everyone closer, where even the silence at the table feels full.
What I love most about this easy curry chicken is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing authenticity. It’s rooted in traditional Trinbago cooking, yet flexible enough to suit your kitchen and your taste. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving something soulful, this dish delivers comfort, flavor, and a sense of home in every spoonful.
Ingredient Guide
Boneless chicken (dark meat) Provides juicy, tender pieces that absorb the curry beautifully and remain succulent during quick cooking.
Olive oil Acts as the base for sautéing and helps bloom the spices for deeper flavor.
Onion Builds the foundational sweetness and aroma essential to Caribbean curry dishes.
Garlic Adds depth, warmth, and a slightly pungent richness to the curry base.
Tomato Introduces a gentle acidity and body to the sauce.
Black pepper Enhances the overall spice profile with subtle heat.
Scotch bonnet pepper Brings authentic Caribbean heat and a fruity undertone.
Ground roasted cumin (geera) Adds a nutty, earthy flavor that defines Trinbago-style curry.
Caribbean Green Seasoning Infuses the dish with fresh herbs and layered island flavor.
Curry powder The star spice blend that gives the dish its signature color, aroma, and taste.
Anchar Masala Adds a tangy, spiced complexity unique to Caribbean curry dishes.
Salt Balances and enhances all the flavors.
Water Forms the gravy and allows the chicken to simmer and absorb flavor.
Shado Beni (culantro) Finishes the dish with a bold, herbal brightness.
Shopping Made Easy
Look for boneless chicken thighs and legs for the best flavor and tenderness.
Caribbean Green Seasoning can be found pre-made at Caribbean grocery stores or easily blended at home.
Scotch bonnet peppers are available in Caribbean or international markets, but habanero can be used as a substitute.
Shado Beni may be labeled as culantro in Latin or Caribbean stores.
Anchar Masala is typically found in Caribbean spice sections or specialty markets.
Cooking Notes from the Kitchen
Maintaining steady heat is key to developing the rich curry base quickly without burning the spices.
Allow the curry powder to cook in the oil long enough to remove any raw taste and deepen the flavor.
Dark meat chicken is preferred for its ability to stay juicy and flavorful in a quick curry.
Adjust the Scotch bonnet to control the heat level without losing the signature Caribbean character.
The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools, so avoid over-reducing during cooking.
Simply Delicious 20 Minute Curry Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless chicken cut into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 6 –8 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 medium tomato diced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large scotch bonnet pepper sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground roasted cumin geera
- 1 1/2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon Anchar Masala
- 3/4 teaspoon salt adjust
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoon chadon beni chopped
Instructions
- Wash the chicken with cool water and the juice of a lemon, lime, or vinegar if desired, then drain and pat dry. IMPORTANT! It's part of my Caribbean heritage to wash meats before using, if this does not sit well with you, please skip this step (safety reasons).
- Heat the olive oil (use any oil you prefer) in a heavy pan on medium heat, keeping a steady flame for this easy curry chicken.
- Add the onion, garlic, tomato, Caribbean Green Seasoning, Scotch bonnet pepper, black pepper, and roasted geera. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the base to become fragrant and deeply aromatic. The gently sizzle of the action in the pot, along with the fragrance of it all happening, will fill your kitchen with a comforting hug.
- Add the curry powder and Anchar Masala and stir well. Cook for 3 minutes to fully develop the flavor of this easy curry chicken base. We're blooming the spices which makes up a curry powder.
- Add the chicken pieces and stir well to coat evenly in the curry. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to take on that rich color and flavor.
- Add the salt and water, bring to a boil, then cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is tender and the easy curry chicken gravy forms.
- Taste and adjust salt, and check the consistency of the sauce to your liking. Keep in mind that the sauce or gravy will thicken as the curry cools.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped shado beni (aka culantro). Cilantro is a suitable replacement for culantro. Typically, I'd serve this with hot Sada Roti, my Easy Coconut Rice, or the Dry Pigeon Peas Rice.
Video
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this easy curry chicken less spicy?You can reduce or remove the Scotch bonnet pepper. This keeps the dish flavorful while making the easy curry chicken milder. Can I use chicken breast in this easy curry chicken?
Yes, chicken breast works well, but be mindful not to overcook it as it can dry out faster than dark meat. What makes this an authentic curry chicken?
The use of Caribbean Green Seasoning, roasted geera, and Anchar Masala gives this easy curry chicken its traditional Trinbago flavor. Can I add coconut milk to this easy curry chicken?
Yes, coconut milk will add richness and a slightly creamy texture while still keeping the dish simple and delicious. What should I serve with easy curry chicken?
This easy curry chicken pairs well with rice, roti, or boiled ground provisions for a complete meal.
