Authentic Indian Chicken Masala: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 500g boneless chicken
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 green chillies, slit
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons red chilli powder
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 cup water
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger to the pan and sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
  3. Add the tomatoes and green chillies into the pan and cook until the tomatoes are soft.
  4. Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt to the pan and stir well to combine with the other ingredients.
  5. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and mix well to ensure the chicken is coated with the masala.
  6. Cook the chicken on medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add water to the pan, cover it with a lid and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
  8. Once the chicken is cooked, add the garam masala to the pan and stir well.
  9. Simmer the chicken masala for a few more minutes for the flavors to blend together.
  10. Garnish the chicken masala with chopped fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian version.
  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or potatoes to make it a chicken masala curry.
  • Use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless for added flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for a unique twist.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chilli powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like tikka masala or curry powder for a different flavor profile.
  • Consider marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices before cooking for a more tender and flavorful result.
  • Add a splash of coconut milk or cream towards the end of cooking for a creamy chicken masala.
  • Garnish with toasted almond flakes or fried onions for added texture and flavor.
  • For a healthier option, use olive oil instead of vegetable oil.

Recipe overview

Prepare yourself for a flavor-packed journey to India with this authentic Chicken Masala recipe. This dish is a comforting blend of succulent chicken pieces, flavorful spices, and a rich tomato-based sauce. The recipe is fairly straightforward and ideal for those who want to dabble in Indian cooking. The process involves sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger, adding tomatoes and spices, and then letting the chicken simmer until it's wonderfully tender. The result is an aromatic dish with a perfect balance of heat and spices, sure to please your taste buds. The Chicken Masala can be served with rice or Indian breads like roti or naan. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Common questions

  1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. However, the cooking time may be slightly longer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
  2. Can I use vegetable oil substitute? Yes, you can use any cooking oil of your preference, such as canola oil or sunflower oil, as a substitute for vegetable oil.
  3. Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of red chilli powder and green chillies according to your spice preference. You can increase or decrease the quantities to suit your taste.
  4. Can I substitute fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute for fresh tomatoes. However, fresh tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this chicken masala ahead of time. Simply reheat it before serving, and the flavors will be just as delicious.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting surface to chop vegetables and chicken.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting and slicing ingredients.
  • Large pan - A spacious pan for cooking the chicken masala.
  • Spatula - A kitchen tool for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Lid - A lid to cover the pan and simmer the chicken masala.
  • Measuring spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the spices and salt.
  • Serving bowl - A bowl to present the cooked chicken masala.
  • Garnish - Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing the dish.

Origin stories

Chicken Masala, a staple of Indian cuisine, has diverse culinary narratives tied to it. In the vast landscape of India, every region has adopted this dish, infusing it with their unique regional flavors and style of cooking. Interestingly, the ubiquity of 'masala', a term for a blend of spices, is a testament to the age-old spice trade that has shaped the gastronomic landscape of India. The blend of spices in a masala can vary from region to region, family to family, and even from dish to dish, making each masala and hence, each Chicken Masala, a unique culinary journey. The use of 'Garam Masala' in this recipe, a warming blend of spices, is a nod to the Ayurvedic principles often underlying Indian cooking, where food is not only meant to satiate hunger but also to maintain overall balance in the body. Enjoying this dish is like feasting on a slice of India's rich culinary history.

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.