Chicken Masala is one of the most popular and comforting Indian dishes enjoyed worldwide. This aromatic chicken curry combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, spiced tomato-onion gravy, perfectly balanced with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Whether you serve it with fluffy basmati rice or soft naan bread, this dish brings restaurant-style flavors straight to your kitchen.
The beauty of chicken masala lies in its versatility — you can make it mild and creamy for family dinners, or spicier and bold for those who love heat. With just a handful of pantry spices, you can create an authentic curry that tastes like it has been simmering for hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken (boneless, cut into medium pieces)
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 green chili, slit (optional)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (whisked)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup water (adjust for gravy consistency)
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a large pan, heat oil or ghee. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Cook onions: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Tomato base: Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil begins to separate.
- Spices: Mix in turmeric, coriander powder, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken: Stir in chicken pieces and coat well with the masala. Cook for 5–6 minutes.
- Yogurt: Add whisked yogurt slowly while stirring to avoid curdling. Cook until chicken is half done.
- Simmer: Add water, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is tender and gravy thickens.
- Finish: Sprinkle garam masala, stir well, and simmer another 2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Tips & Variations
- For a creamy version, add 2 tbsp of cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Marinate chicken with yogurt and spices for 30 minutes beforehand for deeper flavor.
- Adjust chili powder and green chili according to your spice preference.
- Pair with basmati rice, jeera rice, or soft garlic naan for a complete meal.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
- Butter Chicken
- Chicken Korma
- For more inspiration, see Indian Healthy Recipes
