I’ll admit it — curry wasn’t always my thing. I used to play it safe with butter chicken, but all those sneaky bites from friends’ plates in Irish and British pubs in Canada eventually wore me down. One night at my local, I ordered a steaming plate of pub-style chicken curry and practically licked the bowl clean. That rich, savoury, slightly sweet curry? Instant comfort. This recipe is my take on that pub classic — the kind you’d find in a cozy spot in Dublin, Belfast, or even Blackpool.
My mission at first seemed easy enough, simply search for a recipe for pub-style chicken curry that I could make at home. Turns out that was not as simple as I thought. There really aren’t a lot and of the ones I could find, none looked or tasted like the one I fell in love with. I wanted a creamy sauce, nothing too hot – so I came up with this one from a few different recipes, with major inspiration from here. I adjusted quantities slightly to get more flavour on certain things. I think it’s delicious. Let me know what you think.
What Makes This Chicken Curry “Pub-Style”?
It’s all in the flavour and comfort factor. Pub-style curry tends to be heartier, a little richer, and super easy to make in one pot—just the kind of meal you’d crave after a long day. It’s not overly spicy, so it’s kid-friendly too, but still full of layered flavour.
The Pub Style Chicken Curry is comfort food at it’s finest and makes an excellent Sunday meal. Serve with warm naan bread and allow your guests accolades to flow over you. You’re welcome.
What to Serve With It
This curry is perfect with basmati rice and warm naan bread. You could also serve it with roasted potatoes or over fries for a Canadian twist. A dollop of Greek yogurt or chutney on the side takes it to another level.
Storing Leftovers
Like most curries, this gets even better the next day. Store it in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze in individual portions for easy weeknight dinners.
Last updated: May 2025
Pub Style Chicken Curry
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 split chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4-5 medium carrots chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1-2 Thai red chili peppers finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/2 tbsp mild curry powder
- 2 tsps flour
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsps minced ginger
- 2 cups hot chicken stock
- 1 cup table cream (18% M.F.)
- 1 tbsp Sweet Mango Chutney
Instructions
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Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and add chicken pieces.
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Season with kosher salt and pepper.
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Cook until chicken is white on all sides, four to five minutes.
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Add onions, carrots, garlic, and chili pepper.
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Cook over medium heat until onions are softened, another 5 minutes or so.
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Stir in tomato paste and coat vegetables and chicken.
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Toss in curry powder, flour, turmeric, cumin and ginger. Stir until dry.
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Add in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Add in cream and once it returns to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in mango chutney just before serving.
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Serve over Basmati rice with Naan bread for dipping.
Recipe Notes
Pleasantville Note: This gets better the next day. So feel free to make a day ahead and re-heat over low heat.
Author’s Note: You can find my favourite Pink Le Creuset Dutch Oven here.
Looking for a budget friendly butter chicken? I’ve got you covered with this recipe using evaporated milk!
Starky
Just thought I’d comment to say that this is currently sat simmering on my stove, pre-prepared for tomorrow’s dinner. It smells delicious!
Dee brun
OMG this sounds so good..I love me some Curry..Going to try this..Cheers
Candace
How did it turn out for you?
Steve Kubien
Aaaaaand job I know what’s for dinner tomorrow. Thanks Candle!
Christy
Is it weird to be drooling over this recipe at 10:15 pm?? Will definitely be trying this out – thanks!
Tasha
This sounds delicious! Definitely trying this recipe out!
Hilary
I was looking for a curry recipe to serve over fries and found your recipe. I made it for dinner tonight and it was amazing!! My husband went back for thirds, and even my somewhat picky 4 year old ate a decent amount (with the promise of an after-dinner cookie). I left out the Thai chiles to make it more kid friendly and we didn’t miss the heat at all. Thanks for a new addition to our dinner rotation!!
Candace Derickx
I love so much that you came back to tell me. Nothing makes me smile more. I have to ask, did you serve it over fries? I bet that would be delicious too!
Hilary
I did serve it over fries. Our favorite pub near my parents’ house serves curry on fries and I was aiming to duplicate it. I used this recipe for oven fries and the whole meal turned out great: http://www.annies-eats.com/2010/02/25/baked-oven-fries/
Carmen
My boyfriend and I tried this last week and loved it. I lived in the UK for about 6 months between High school and uni and the pub curry became a quick favorite. Ever since I’ve been looking for a recipe for a similar dish but this is the first I’ve tried myself. Your recipe is amazing and like you said it even better the second day. Thanks 🙂
Candace Derickx
I’m so glad to hear you liked it. Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Angie
So yummy! Just what I needed! Thanks for posting.
Candace Derickx
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it!
Shane
I’ve made this dish using this recipe twice now and it’s turned out pretty great. Only suggestion for what I’ve found is maybe use about 1/4 cup extra of cream.
Angela Hollingshead
I’ve now made this a couple of times. I serve it over rice with a side of fries. Just the recipe I was looking for! Thanks!
Candace Derickx
Brilliant! Love the side of fries!
Tim G McHugh
Awesome dish thank you.
Tracy Sherwood
I have a question about the amount of chicken in this recipe. The boneless skinless chicken breasts that I get are enormous — close to 1 lb. each. I’m assuming you aren’t calling for 4 lbs of chicken in this recipe. What is the approximate weight of chicken that you are going for? Thanks!
Sheshaddri
Made it for dinner and it was divine!
Subtle yet full of flavor.
Not a super intense flavor-bomb like Indian or Malaysian curries, but amazing nonetheless.
At least this curry doesn’t burn my mouth off ?
It was spectacular!
Thank you so much for the recipe!!
Candace Sampson
Thank you so much
Kendra
Made this earlier this week and it was amazing! Everyone loved it. I’ve been looking for a curry recipe like this for a long time, so thank you for sharing! 🙂
Candace Sampson
Thank you so much Kendra! I really appreciate you letting me know.
Candace Sampson
Delicious
Lisa
My husband pulled into the driveway as I was cooking this yesterday and he said he thought it was coming from a restaurant down the street it smelled so good. I can’t imagine a better review! Made it exactly as written, tasted great. Thanks!
Candace Sampson
Best review ever!!