Authentic Indian Chicken Madras Recipe

Ingredients

500g boneless chicken pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1-2 teaspoons chilli powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
1 cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon garam masala
2 tablespoons fresh coriander, for garnish
Salt, to taste

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn soft and golden.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, stir well, and cook for another minute.
Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder, and paprika to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
Add the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock to the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
Uncover the pan and stir in the garam masala. Let it cook for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened to your liking.
Season the curry with salt to taste.
Garnish the curry with fresh coriander before serving.

Tools for making

Large pan - A pan large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and allow for stirring.
Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing the onions, garlic, and ginger.
Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the chicken and preparing the vegetables.
Grater - A tool for grating the fresh ginger.
Measuring spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the ground spices.
Spatula - A flat utensil for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
Can opener - A tool to open the can of chopped tomatoes.
Cover or lid - A lid or cover for the pan to simmer the curry.
Serving dish - A dish for presenting the Chicken Madras.
Garnishing tool - A utensil for sprinkling fresh coriander on top of the curry as garnish.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or chickpeas.
Extra Spicy: Increase the amount of chilli powder or add chopped fresh chillies for a spicier kick.
Coconut Milk Twist: Substitute some or all of the chicken stock with coconut milk for a creamy and rich flavor.
Cashew or Almond Variation: Add a handful of cashews or almonds to the curry for added texture and nuttiness.
Fruity Twist: Add diced pineapple, mango, or raisins to the curry for a touch of sweetness.
Creamy Option: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cream towards the end of cooking to make the curry creamier.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like curry leaves, mint, or cilantro to enhance the aroma and flavor.
Citrus Burst: Squeeze in some lemon or lime juice at the end to bring a tangy and refreshing element to the dish.

Recipe overview

Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this flavorful Chicken Madras recipe. Incredible Indian cuisine is right at your fingertips with this straightforward guide. Filled with tender chicken pieces and a robust blend of spices, this dish is a beautiful harmony of heat and savory elements. The curry is simmered to perfection, creating a thick, luscious sauce that enrobes each morsel of chicken. Infused with traditional flavors of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, every bite delivers an authentic taste of Indian cuisine. With step-by-step instructions, this recipe is perfect for both newbies to Indian cooking and seasoned chefs looking to add another dish to their repertoire. So, put on your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary journey to India right from your kitchen.

Common questions

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken? Certainly! You can substitute chicken with other meats like lamb or beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require different cooking times.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Madras curry by substituting the chicken with vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, or bell peppers. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetables are cooked through.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of chilli powder used in the recipe to make it milder or spicier according to your preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more if desired.
What can I serve with Chicken Madras? Chicken Madras pairs well with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also serve it with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) and pickles for a complete meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - A sturdy cutting surface for chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife - A sharp knife for slicing and dicing the chicken and other ingredients.
Large pan - A wide and deep pan for cooking the chicken curry.
Wooden spoon - A utensil for stirring and sautéing the ingredients in the pan.
Measuring spoons - Utensils to accurately measure the spices for the curry.
Can opener - To open the can of chopped tomatoes.
Serving spoon - A spoon for serving the chicken madras onto plates.
Rice cooker - If serving with rice, a rice cooker can be used to prepare the rice separately.
Naan bread - A popular bread to serve with the chicken madras.
Plates and bowls - To serve the chicken curry and any accompanying rice or bread.

Origin stories

Chicken Madras is a popular dish amongst Indian cuisine lovers, but here's something you might not know - it isn't exactly traditional. The dish, as we know it, has evolved more in British curry houses than on the Indian subcontinent. It's named after the Southern Indian city of Madras, now Chennai, but if you were to ask for a Chicken Madras there, you'd probably be met with confused looks. That's because Madras was the name given by British colonials to a region of spices and flavors, rather than a specific dish. Despite its somewhat muddled origins, Chicken Madras has certainly made its mark on the culinary world with its robust flavors and spicy kick, a testament to the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine and its global adaptations.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.