Name: African Chicken Curry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 cup coconut milk; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; Salt and black pepper to taste

Looking to bring bold, vibrant flavor to your weeknight dinner table? African Chicken Curry delivers just that with its rich, creamy tomato-coconut base, infused with warming spices and tender chunks of chicken. This dish is the perfect blend of comfort food and culinary adventure, with roots in East and West African kitchens where spice and soul go hand in hand.

Whether you’re new to African-inspired cooking or a long-time fan, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have at home. From the first bite, you’ll get a luscious mix of heat, sweetness, and savory depth that pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or flatbread.

Why You’ll Love This African Chicken Curry

Rich and flavorful with warm spices and a creamy base
Made in one pot for minimal cleanup
Customizable heat levels
Pairs well with many sides for easy dinner planning
Comforting yet exotic—perfect for cozy nights or dinner guests

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this curry. They stay juicy and soak up all the bold flavors of the sauce. However, chicken breasts can also work if you prefer leaner cuts—just be cautious not to overcook them. You can even use bone-in pieces for a more traditional touch, but expect a longer cook time.

Ingredients for the African Chicken Curry

Each ingredient plays a specific role in building layers of flavor and texture in this curry:

Chicken thighs: These are the heart of the dish, offering juiciness and deep flavor.
Onion: Provides the aromatic base to start the sauce.
Garlic & Ginger: Essential for their warmth and pungency.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth.
Coconut milk: Creates a silky, creamy body.
Chicken broth: Enhances flavor and thins the sauce just right.
Ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika: These spices are key for authentic African-style depth.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a bit of heat.
Lime juice: Brightens the whole dish.
Fresh cilantro: A vibrant garnish that ties it all together.

How To Make the African Chicken Curry

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet or Dutch oven, sear them in oil until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, sauté chopped onion until translucent, then add garlic and ginger. Stir in tomato paste and spices, toasting them to deepen flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Return chicken to the pot and let it simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Finish with Freshness

Stir in lime juice, taste for seasoning, and top with chopped cilantro just before serving.

Serving and Storing African Chicken Curry

This recipe serves 4–6 people generously and is best enjoyed over steamed basmati rice, couscous, or with warm naan or flatbread.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as it sits! You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just defrost and reheat gently on the stove.