🍛 Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Recipe


Sinhala Name: කුකුල් මස් කරි (Kukul Mas Curry)
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Servings: 4–5 people

🛒 Ingredients
For Marination

Chicken (cut into medium pieces) – 1 kg

Chili powder – 1 tbsp 🌶️

Curry powder (roasted) – 1 tbsp

Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

Salt – 1 tsp

Lime juice – 1 tbsp

For Curry

Coconut oil / Vegetable oil – 3 tbsp

Cinnamon stick – 2 inches

Cardamom – 3 pods

Cloves – 3

Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

Curry leaves – 1 sprig

Pandan leaf (optional) – 1 small piece

Onion (sliced) – 2 medium

Green chilies – 2 (sliced)

Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp

Curry powder (unroasted) – 1 tbsp

Roasted curry powder – 2 tbsp

Chili powder – 1 tbsp

Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

Tomato (chopped) – 1 medium

Thick coconut milk – 1 cup

Thin coconut milk – 2 cups

Salt – to taste

👩‍🍳 Method
Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix chicken pieces with chili powder, roasted curry powder, turmeric, salt, and lime juice.

Keep it marinated for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Step 2 – Prepare the Base

Heat coconut oil in a deep pan.

Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and pandan leaf.

Let the spices release their aroma for about 30 seconds.

Step 3 – Fry the Onions & Spices

Add onions and green chilies, sauté until golden brown.

Add ginger-garlic paste and fry until fragrant.

Mix in curry powders, chili powder, and turmeric → fry for 1 minute.

Step 4 – Cook the Chicken

Add marinated chicken pieces and stir well.

Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes until chicken is sealed.

Step 5 – Add Coconut Milk

Pour in thin coconut milk, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Add tomatoes and stir.

Finally, add thick coconut milk and cook for another 8–10 minutes on low heat.

Step 6 – Finish & Serve

Adjust salt and spice levels.

Cook until the curry becomes thick and creamy.

Garnish with fresh curry leaves. 🌿

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

Sri Lankan red rice 🍚

String hoppers 🍜

Pol roti 🥥🍞

Coconut sambol & papadam for extra flavor.

🔥 Pro Tips

Always use roasted Sri Lankan curry powder for authentic flavor.

Coconut oil enhances aroma and taste.

For spicier curry, add extra roasted chili flakes at the end.