Trader Joe's Chicken Curry Recipe

This Trader Joe’s-style Chicken Curry is a creamy and aromatic recipe, which is made with tender chicken and a rich, spiced yogurt and coconut milk sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, a classic, foolproof recipe ready in about 45 minutes.

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Trader Joe’s Chicken Curry Ingredients

A simple list for a flavorful, restaurant-quality curry at home.

2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
3 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup plain yogurt
¾ cup coconut milk
½ lemon, juiced
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon white sugar
Salt to taste
For Serving: Cooked rice, fresh cilantro

How To Make Trader Joe’s Chicken Curry

A step-by-step guide to this wonderfully rich and simple one-pan meal.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it’s lightly browned and softened.
Bloom the Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, paprika, bay leaf, ginger, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring for about 2 minutes, until the spices are very fragrant.
Simmer the Curry: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to coat them in the spices. Stir in the tomato paste, yogurt, and coconut milk.
Cook and Finish: Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the curry simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the cayenne pepper. Let it simmer for 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Serve hot over rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Trader Joe's Chicken Curry Recipe — Trader Joe’s Chicken Curry Recipe

Recipe Tips

For the creamiest, most flavorful curry every time.

How to get the most flavor? “Blooming” the dry spices in the hot oil with the aromatics for a minute or two before adding any liquid is a crucial step. This toasts the spices and releases their essential oils, creating a much deeper and more complex flavor profile.
How to get a creamy sauce? The combination of yogurt and coconut milk creates a sauce that is both rich and tangy. Be sure to keep the curry at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, after adding the dairy to prevent any chance of it curdling.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Curries are fantastic make-ahead meals, as the flavors continue to develop and meld overnight. Store it in the refrigerator and simply reheat it on the stovetop.
Trader Joe’s Shortcuts: For an even faster meal, you can use Trader Joe’s pre-chopped onions, jarred minced garlic and ginger, and their canned coconut milk. For the ultimate shortcut, you can use a jar of their Masala Simmer Sauce or Yellow Curry Sauce instead of the individual spices.

What To Serve With Chicken Curry

Classic accompaniments to complete your Indian-inspired meal.

This rich and aromatic curry is a complete meal with rice, but it’s even better with a few classic sides, many of which you can find at Trader Joe’s:

Fluffy basmati or jasmine rice (try TJ’s frozen rice!)
Warm naan bread or garlic naan for dipping
A dollop of plain yogurt or mango chutney
A simple cucumber salad

How To Store Chicken Curry

This curry makes for fantastic leftovers.

Refrigerate: Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor will only improve.
Freeze: This curry freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Trader Joe’s Chicken Curry Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per serving.

Calories: 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 25 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, easily. To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken with a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas, some cubed firm tofu, or a mix of vegetables like cauliflower and sweet potato.

Is this curry very spicy?

The spice level comes from the curry powder and the cayenne pepper. You can use a mild curry powder and reduce or omit the cayenne for a very mild dish. For more heat, use a hot curry powder or add extra cayenne.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for this curry! They are more forgiving than breasts and will stay incredibly moist and tender during the simmering process.

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