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Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Meal Prep

4 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: 756kcal
Servings: 5 People

Ingredients

Curry Powder

  • 2 ½ Tbsp (15g) - Coriander Seeds
  • 1 ½ Tbsp (10g) - Cumin Seeds
  • 2 tsp (5g) - Fennel Seeds
  • ½ tsp (3g) - Fenugreek Seeds
  • 4 - Cardamom Pods
  • 5 - Whole Cloves
  • 1 ½ tsp (4.5g) - Ground Turmeric
  • ½ tsp (1.5g) - Dried Chilli Flakes (Optional)
  • 1 - Cinnamon Stick

Chicken & Gravy (Sauce)

  • 2 Tbsp (50g) - Coconut Oil, Divided
  • 1.2kg (2.65lbs) - Chicken Thigh, Boneless & Skinless, Diced
  • 2 - Brown (Yellow) Onions, Thinly Sliced
  • 4 - Garlic Cloves, Minced
  • 35g (1.23oz) - Ginger, Peeled & Grated
  • 2 Cans (800g-1.7lbs) - Diced or Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 Cup (250ml) - Coconut Milk
  • Seasoning To Taste

Basmati Rice

  • 300g (10.5oz) - Basmati Rice, Washed
  • 600ml (600g) - Cold Water
  • Salt To Taste

Optional Extras

  • Chilli, Thinly Sliced
  • Crushed Cashew Nuts
  • Coriander (Cilantro)
  • Naan Bread

Method

  • Toast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds & fenugreek seeds in a dry pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes or until lightly golden & just starting to crackle.
  • Place all the curry powder ingredients into a spice grinder or mortar & pestle and grind them into a fine powder. Set aside.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or pot, and sear the chicken in batches for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown all over. Remove & place into a bowl for the time being.
  • To the same pan or pot, add the onion, garlic, ginger & turmeric—Saute for 6 minutes or until lightly golden & soft. Add in the curry powder & fry for 3 minutes, stirring regularly.
  • Add in the diced tomatoes, season to taste, mix well & bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low & allow to simmer for 3 minutes.
  • Place the chicken back into the sauce along with any juices that may be in the resting bowl. Cover the chicken in the sauce and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • In the meantime, place the washed rice into a saucepan over high heat, add in the water & bring to a boil. Once boiling, place on a lid, reduce the heat to low & steam for 14 minutes. Turn off the heat, leave the lid on and let it sit for 4 minutes before fluffing it up with a fork.
  • After 30 minutes, stir the coconut milk through the curry sauce, taste for seasoning & simmer for a final 2 minutes.
  • Portion into 5 (750ml) meal prep containers and garnish with cashew nuts (optional), coriander (cilantro), chilli & naan bread.
Chef's Tips
Toast the whole spices before grinding — it deepens the flavour significantly.
Storage & Reheating
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Calories 756kcalCarbohydrates 64gProtein 54gFat 33gSaturated Fat 14gPolyunsaturated Fat 3gMonounsaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0.05gCholesterol 228mgSodium 260mgPotassium 1326mgFiber 6gSugar 4gVitamin A 366IUVitamin C 21mgCalcium 191mgIron 9mg