Learn how to make Easy Indian Chicken Curry, an ideal recipe for beginners featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich, aromatic sauce. Ready in just 45 minutes!
Easy Indian Chicken Curry is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the authentic taste of Indian spices in an easy-to-follow recipe. This recipe is perfect for beginners who want to experience the comforting taste of Indian cuisine without the complexity. Made with onion-tomato paste, basic spices, and yogurt marinated chicken, this curry is rich, aromatic, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
If you’re interested in other easy and delicious chicken recipes, check out our Restaurant-style Butter Chicken. This version of butter chicken offers the same rich flavors you’ll find in your favorite restaurant but can be made at home.
Another delightful chicken dish to try is Chicken Keema Pakoda, an easy snack or appetizer featuring seasoned chicken mince, perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Key Ingredients
Below are the main ingredients needed for this Easy Indian Chicken Curry:
- Chicken (750g, curry-cut): Use curry-cut pieces to ensure even cooking and flavor.
- Onions (3): For making a flavorful base puree.
- Tomato (1): Adds a balance of acidity and richness to the curry.
- Mustard Oil (4 tbsp + 3 tbsp): Used in marination and for cooking.
- Yogurt (150 ml, plain): Tenderizes the chicken and adds creaminess.
Marinade:
- Salt (1 tsp)
- Turmeric Powder (1 tsp)
- Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (1 tsp)
- Meat Masala (1 tsp)
Tempering:
- Bay Leaves (2)
- Red Chili (2)
- Green Cardamom (4)
- Cinnamon Sticks (2 small)
- Cloves (2-3)
While Cooking:
- Sugar (1 tsp)
- Ginger Paste (1 tbsp)
- Garlic Paste (1 tbsp)
- Garam Masala (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Large Broad Pan: Ideal for simmering the spices and chicken to ensure even cooking.
- Mixing Bowl: For mixing the marinade ingredients.
- Blender or Mixer Grinder: To make an onion-tomato paste.
- Tongs: For handling the chicken.
Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Here’s how to make the perfect Easy Indian Chicken Curry:
Marination
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces. Place them in a mixing bowl.
- Marinate with salt, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, meat masala, yogurt, and 3 tablespoons mustard oil. Mix well and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Cooking
- Make Onion-Tomato Puree:
- While the chicken is marinating, roughly chop the onions and tomato.
- Use a mixer grinder to blend them into a smooth puree.
- Prepare the Curry Base:
- In a large pan, heat 4 tablespoons mustard oil over medium heat.
- Once heated, add bay leaves, red chili, green cardamom, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Allow the tempering to emit an aroma.
- Add sugar and let it caramelize. This will add depth to the flavor of the curry.
- Cook the Puree:
- Add the onion-tomato puree to the pan and cook for 5 minutes on low flame until it turns golden.
- Stir in ginger paste and garlic paste, cooking for another 2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add Chicken and Cook:
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan, incorporating it with the base mixture.
- Increase the heat and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the spices to coat the chicken.
- Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes more on medium heat. Open the lid, and you will notice the chicken has released moisture.
- Add 1.5 cups hot water, ensuring the chicken is covered. Cover with a lid and cook for an additional 15 minutes on a low flame.
- After 15 minutes, remove the lid and increase the heat to thicken the gravy as desired.
- Finish with Garam Masala:
- Sprinkle garam masala over the curry and adjust salt if needed. Allow the curry to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks
For a perfect Easy Indian Chicken Curry, consider these tips:
- Caramelizing Sugar: Adding sugar and letting it caramelize adds a slight sweetness and a deeper flavor to the curry.
- Hot Water for Cooking: Always add hot water to avoid changing the temperature of the dish, which helps maintain tenderness in the chicken.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the curry rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutritional Information
A detailed breakdown of the nutritional content for Easy Indian Chicken Curry:
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Protein: 46g
- Carbohydrates: 4.8g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3.3g
- A healthy option rich in protein with moderate fats, perfect for a fulfilling dinner.
FAQs
- Q: Can I use other oils instead of mustard oil?
A: Yes, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil, but mustard oil adds a distinct flavor that’s authentic to Indian cooking. - Q: Can I make this curry in advance?
A: Absolutely! This curry tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. - Q: What can I serve with this curry?
A: Serve it with steamed rice, naan, or roti for a complete meal. - Q: Can I make this curry spicy?
A: You can add more Kashmiri red chili powder or even green chilies for added heat. - Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed Rice: Serve alongside steamed basmati rice to soak up the curry.
- Naan Bread: Pair with warm naan to scoop up the tender chicken and creamy sauce.
- Salad: A side salad of cucumber, onion, and tomato with a squeeze of lemon balances the richness of the curry.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can also freeze the curry for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Easy Indian Chicken Curry is the ideal recipe for anyone new to Indian cooking. It combines basic spices, tender chicken, and a flavorful onion-tomato gravy in an easy, approachable recipe. Perfect for weeknights or when you want a taste of homemade Indian comfort food. Don’t forget to check out our Restaurant-style Butter Chicken for another delightful meal!
