There’s a debate that never quite dies. Is it chicken curry?

Or is it curry chicken?

In Guyana, we don’t debate it. We state it. It’s curry chicken — because the curry leads. The spice is the foundation. The technique matters. The flavor is layered. The chicken follows.

If you’ve ever stood in a Guyanese kitchen while curry is “burning” in oil, you know this isn’t just dinner. It’s memory. It’s rhythm. It’s inheritance.

And there’s a reason Rihanna thinks Guyanese food is the best in the world. It’s the layering of cultures — Indian, African, Indigenous, Portuguese, Chinese — simmered into something bold, deeply spiced, and unmistakably ours. Guyanese cooking doesn’t whisper. It builds. It blooms. It stays with you.

Here, we’re preparing it with intention: clean protein, controlled heat, a Dutch oven on the stove. Luxe, but rooted.

And yes — we’re using chicken breast.

Not because it’s trendy, but because it works. Chicken breast is leaner than dark meat, lower in saturated fat, and naturally higher in protein per ounce. It supports muscle repair, keeps you fuller longer, and allows the richness of the curry to shine without becoming heavy. When marinated well and simmered gently, it remains tender while keeping the dish lighter and more balanced.

This is heritage cooking, refined for how we move now.

Homemade Green Seasoning

A cornerstone of Guyanese flavor, this vibrant paste elevates any curry.

Ingredients

• 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4–5 green onions, roughly chopped
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 1 wiri wiri pepper (or substitute scotch bonnet for heat)
• 1 small handful fresh parsley
• 2–3 cloves garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth, adding a tablespoon of water if needed to create a paste.
3. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

This green seasoning is the foundation for the chicken marinade and will infuse every bite with aromatic depth.

Homemade Guyanese Masala

This is the secret layer of flavor that gives Guyanese curry its signature warmth and depth.

Ingredients:

1. 2 tablespoons ground coriander
2. 2 tablespoons ground cumin
3. 1 tablespoon turmeric
4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5. 1 teaspoon ground cloves
6. 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
7. ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Method:

1. Combine all spices in a small
2. Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight
3. Use 1–2 teaspoons in your curry paste for authentic

Guyanese Style Curry Chicken (Chicken Breast)

Serves 4

High protein. Bold flavor. Intentionally balanced.

Ingredients

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 5 lbs), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 medium onion
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 wiri wiri pepper
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 2 tablespoons green seasoning (see recipe above)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon masala (see recipe above)
• 5 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt, divided
• ½ lemon (to wash chicken)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 5 cups boiling water

For serving:

• White rice
• Thinly sliced green onion and or julienned parsley

For the cucumber salad:

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• Vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper

The Method Prepare the Chicken

Wash the chicken with lemon, rinse, and pat dry. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Season with:

• ½ tablespoon salt
• Black pepper
• All-purpose seasoning
• 2 tablespoons green seasoning
• 1 teaspoon curry powder

Mix well and marinate for at least one hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Make the Curry Paste

Blend together:

• Onion
• Garlic
• Wiri wiri pepper
• 2 tablespoons water

Stir in:

• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• Masala

This paste prevents the curry from burning and builds a deeper, cohesive base.

Burn the Curry

Heat coconut oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the curry paste and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly darkened. The aroma will shift from sharp to warm and toasted.

Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cook for a few minutes.

Add the potatoes and chopped tomato. Cover and allow the chicken to release its natural juices, forming the foundation of the gravy.

Add 1.5 cups boiling water at a time. We don’t want to wash away the curry but build the gravy slowly. Reduce to medium low heat and then to a simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the gravy has thickened. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.

To Serve

Spoon generously over fluffy white rice. Garnish with thinly sliced green onion and or parsley.

Serve alongside cucumber for brightness and contrast.

Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving)

Without rice:

• 320 calories
• 38g protein
• 18g carbohydrates
• 10g fat

With 1 cup cooked white rice:

• 525 calories
• 42g protein
• 63g carbohydrates
• 10g fat

Grounded in Guyanese tradition. Balanced for a modern table. Proof that bold flavor and mindful nutrition can share the same plate.