Chicken Drumstick Curry
A hearty and flavorful Chicken Drumstick Curry featuring tender, juicy drumsticks simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce made with simple pantry staples and bold spices. This comforting dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or anytime you crave a satisfying, family-friendly meal with versatile serving options.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Protein
- 8 fresh skin-on chicken drumsticks
Aromatics
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
Spices
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped fresh or canned tomatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk or yogurt
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add finely chopped onions, sautéing until golden and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute to release their aroma.
- Toast the Spices: Add turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder to the aromatics, stirring well to toast the spices lightly. This step helps unlock their full flavors and ensures a fragrant curry base.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down, creating a rich, vibrant sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then add coconut milk or yogurt for creaminess.
- Add the Chicken Drumsticks: Place the drumsticks into the sauce, turning to coat them evenly. Cover the pan and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the curry’s flavors fully.
- Final Touches: Once the chicken is tender and cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top and give the curry a quick stir before serving.
Notes
- Brown the drumsticks first in the pan before simmering for richer flavor and better texture.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor, as ground spices lose potency over time.
- Allow the chicken to simmer gently to become tender and for the sauce to thicken beautifully.
- Adjust the sauce consistency by thinning with water or extra coconut milk if too thick.
- Season progressively by tasting during cooking and adjust salt and spices for balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 drumsticks with sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: chicken drumstick curry, easy curry recipe, Indian chicken curry, weeknight dinner, family-friendly curry, coconut milk curry, mild spicy curry