Sear the Chicken:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add more oil if needed. Sauté the onions until golden and softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Spices:
Sprinkle the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and chili powder over the onions. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to release the spices' aroma.
Simmer the Sauce:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and coconut milk (or cream). Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Chicken Back In:
Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s coated in the sauce. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Season and Garnish:
Taste the curry and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve:
Serve hot over steamed basmati rice or with naan bread to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.