Chicken Masala is a flavorful and classic Indian dish cherished for its deliciousness. It's prepared with bone-in chicken, basic Indian whole spices, seasonings, and herbs. This Chicken Masala recipe offers an easy way to create a delectable meal that pairs perfectly with white rice, basmati rice, chapati, or naan for both lunch and dinner.
The instructions I've provided here are for Chicken Masala, and they will guide you through the process step-by-step. For added clarity, I've included a detailed video demonstration.
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What is Chicken Masala?
Chicken Masala is a spicy, aromatic, and classic Indian chicken dish bursting with flavors. It's typically prepared using bone-in chicken, basic Indian whole spices, spice powders, and herbs. This Chicken Masala recipe stands out as an accessible and delightful option for both lunch and dinner, effortlessly complementing various rice dishes or traditional Indian flatbreads.
So, what exactly is Chicken Masala? Well, the name says it all—it's chicken cooked in a blend of spices known as "masala." Across India, you'll encounter a diverse array of Chicken Masala variations just like their chicken curry dishes. In the northern regions, you'll savor dishes like chicken tikka masala and butter chicken, which incorporate creamy sauces and ingredients like cream and kasoori methi. On the other hand, South Indian versions rely on whole spices, Chettinad masalas, and fragrant curry leaves. Some examples of South Indian-style dishes include pepper chicken and Andhra chicken fry.
It's important to note that the recipe for Chicken Masala can differ significantly, reflecting the personal touch and culinary traditions of individual cooks and households. Here, the recipe I've shared is a basic Chicken Masala that uses simple seasoning spices and curry leaves for garnish, giving it a South Indian flair. However, feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. I've also provided recipe variations and tips below to make the dish more versatile and creative.
Ingredients & Substitutions
To make Chicken Masala, you'll need some basic Indian seasonings, spices, and herbs. You can easily find these ingredients at most Indian grocery stores nearby. Let's go through what you'll need:
- Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken pieces add depth and richness to the dish due to the marrow in the bones. It enhances the overall flavor and succulence. However, you can also opt for boneless chicken breast or thighs if it's more convenient for you or if you prefer boneless meat
- Chili Powder (Kashmiri or Regular): Kashmiri chili powder provides a mild, fruity heat, while regular chili powder adds a spicier kick, allowing you to tailor the dish's heat level to your preference
- Coriander Powder: Offers a mild, citrusy, and earthy flavor profile, complementing the spices and balancing the dish's overall taste
- Turmeric Powder: Adds a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor while imparting a vibrant yellow color to the dish
- Garam Masala: It is a fragrant spice blend that typically includes cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and other essential whole spices. It adds a warming, aromatic, and slightly sweet note to the chicken masala, enhancing its complexity. You can also use curry powder as a substitute, though it's worth noting that it will impart a unique flavor profile to your dish
- Ginger Garlic Paste: A mixture of ginger and garlic paste provides a pungent and aromatic base, contributing a robust and savory essence to the dish
- Whole Spices (Cinnamon, Bay Leaves, Cloves, Fennel Seeds): These whole spices infuse the dish with layers of fragrance. Cinnamon imparts a sweet warmth, bay leaves add earthy depth, cloves offer a hint of spiciness, and fennel seeds provide a fresh, slightly sweet aroma
- Onion and Tomato: Onions bring sweetness and body to the sauce, while tomatoes contribute acidity and a rich, tangy flavor that balances the spices
- Curry Leaves: Adds a unique citrusy, herbal note, enhancing the overall aroma and freshness of the Chicken Masala
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken Masala at Home?
The recipe I'm sharing here is for Chicken Masala, a classic and beginner-friendly Indian dish. It is typically prepared using basic spices and seasonings, making it a delightful addition to most Indian food spreads.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Marinate the chicken: In a mixing bowl, add the chicken pieces along with Kashmiri chili, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Thoroughly mix the ingredients. Then, cover the bowl and let it rest for a minimum of 15 minutes
- Sizzle the whole spices: Heat a pan over medium flame. In the heated pan, add oil and introduce cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, cardamom pods, and fennel seeds. Sauté these spices until they release their aromatic essence
- Saute onions: Add finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent. Then, incorporate ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and a pinch of salt. Continue to sauté until these spices become aromatic
- Saute tomatoes: Introduce the chopped tomatoes into the pan. Sauté them until they turn into a mushy consistency
- Add the chicken: Now add the previously marinated chicken into the mixture. Ensure that the chicken is well-coated with the spices. Cover the pan with its lid and allow the chicken to cook until it releases its natural juices
- Close and cook again: Once that's achieved, open the lid and give the mixture a good stir. Now, pour in one cup of water and mix everything thoroughly. Close the pan once again and let the chicken mixture cook for approximately 15-20 minutes
- Reduce the heat: Now remove the lid, reduce the heat, and continue to cook until the curry releases oil from its sides
- Stir at high temp: To reach your preferred masala consistency, increase the heat to high and stir the mixture diligently
- Garnish and remove: Finally, garnish the dish with fresh curry leaves and remove the Chicken Masala from the heat
Variations
In this recipe, I've utilized a straightforward combination of basic spice powders, onions, and tomatoes to craft the masala for our chicken dish. However, I encourage you to let your culinary creativity shine by exploring different variations. Here are some enticing options to consider:
- Coconut Milk: To introduce a creamy and slightly sweet element to your chicken masala, consider incorporating coconut milk. This addition not only elevates the texture but also imparts a subtle, delightful sweetness that blends with the spices
- Cashew Paste: For those who crave richness and a nutty undertone, try blending cashews into a smooth paste and mixing it into your masala. This infusion of cashew paste adds a layer of complexity and a delightful nuttiness to your dish
- Curry Powder: In case you find yourself without garam masala, fret not. You can easily substitute it with curry powder. This substitution introduces a distinct flavor profile, offering a departure from the usual while maintaining a delightful and aromatic taste
- Kasoori Methi: To infuse your Chicken Masala with a North Indian flair, consider using kasoori methi, dried fenugreek leaves, for garnish instead of traditional curry leaves. This choice not only adds a unique aromatic touch but also imparts a subtly earthy and slightly bitter note, characteristic of North Indian cuisine
Tips
- Marinating for Enhanced Flavor: Start by marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes to infuse it with rich flavors
- Choosing Bone-In Chicken for Depth: Opt for bone-in chicken, as it adds depth and richness to the masala sauce
- Adjusting Spice Levels to Your Taste: While the recipe may call for a specific ratio of spice powders, it's essential to tailor the heat to your preference. If you don't enjoy spicy food, reduce the amount of spices accordingly
- Minding the Temperature: Temperature plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect chicken masala. Begin by simmering until the oil separates from the sauce, and then roast it at a high temperature to achieve the desired consistency
- Enhancing Flavor with Herbs: Consider adding herbs like curry leaves to impart an aromatic finish to your dish. However, feel free to customize it by using kasoori methi or coriander leaves for a different flavor profile
- Adjust Consistency as Desired: In terms of consistency, the chicken masala can be made to suit your preference. If you prefer it on the drier side, you can roast the chicken with the masala for a few more minutes to achieve that consistency
Storage Suggestions
You can store this chicken masala in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's evenly warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Masala is a flavorful Indian dish that goes well with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some popular options to serve with it:
- Rice Dishes: Basmati rice is a classic choice to serve with Chicken Masala. You can also prepare steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fragrant options like matar pulao or vegetable pulao
- Naan or Roti: Indian flatbreads like naan or roti are perfect for scooping up the delicious chicken and sauce
- Raita: A yogurt-based side dish like cucumber raita or mint raita helps balance the spiciness of the masala
- Salad: A fresh cucumber and tomato salad with a sprinkle of chaat masala can add a refreshing contrast to the meal
- Poppadom: Crispy lentils or rice crackers that provide a crunchy element to your meal
- Biryani Dishes: If you're looking for a satisfying meal, mushroom biryani, Ambur biryani, chicken biryani, biryani rice, or shrimp biryani, are great options
- Mango Lassi: A sweet and creamy mango lassi is a delightful choice. This sweet and refreshing drink pairs perfectly with the spiciness of Chicken Masala
Related Recipes
You can also find similar recipes below and more at chicken curry recipes, and Indian recipes.
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Chicken Korma
- Butter Chicken
- Chicken Curry
- Chicken Vindaloo
- Chicken Karahi
- Chicken Chettinad
- Pepper Chicken Masala
- Chicken Ghee Roast
- Chicken Chukka
- Paneer Masala
- Paneer Tikka Masala
- Egg Masala
- Bhindi Masala
Chicken Masala Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Chicken Masala recipe below that I hope will help you make a flavorful dish at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Chicken Masala
Ingredients
For Marination
- 2 lb Chicken, bone-in pieces
- 1 tsp Kashmiri Chili Powder, or chili powder for more heat
- 2 tsp Coriander Powder
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1½ tsp Salt
For Chicken Masala
- 1 small Cinnamon Stick
- 3 Cloves
- 2 Bay Leaves
- ½ tsp Fennel Seeds
- 3 Green Cardamom
- 1 cup Onion, finely chopped
- 2 Tomato, medium size, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Kashmiri Chili Powder
- 3 tbsp Coriander Powder
- ½ tsp Garam Masala Powder
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup Water
- 3 tbsp Oil
- Curry Leaves, to garnish
Instructions
To Marinate Chicken
- In a bowl, place the chicken, Kashmiri chili, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well. Close and let it rest for at least 15 minutes
To Prepare Chicken Masala
- In a pan over medium heat, pour oil and add the cinnamon, bay leaves, cardamom, and fennel seeds. Sauté until they become aromatic. Then add the onion and sauté until it becomes soft
- Now, add the ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Sauté until they become aromatic
- Now, add the chopped tomatoes and sauté until they turn mushy
- After that, add the marinated chicken and mix it well. Close the pan with its lid and cook the chicken until it releases its liquid
- Open the lid and give it a good stir. Now, add 1 cup of water and mix it well. Close the pan again and cook the chicken mixture for about 15-20 minutes
- Open the lid and simmer the heat. Cook until the curry releases oil from its sides
- Once done, switch the heat to high and stir until the mixture reaches your desired masala consistency. Finally, garnish with curry leaves and remove the Chicken Masala from the heat
To Serve
- Serve this spicy and aromatic Chicken masala with basmati rice, white rice, or jasmine rice. You can also serve it with roti, naan, or your favorite biryani dishes
Video
Notes
- Marinating for Enhanced Flavor: Start by marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes to infuse it with rich flavors
- Choosing Bone-In Chicken for Depth: Opt for bone-in chicken, as it adds depth and richness to the masala sauce
- Adjusting Spice Levels to Your Taste: While the recipe may call for a specific ratio of spice powders, it's essential to tailor the heat to your preference. If you don't enjoy spicy food, reduce the amount of spices accordingly
- Minding the Temperature: Temperature plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect chicken masala. Begin by simmering until the oil separates from the sauce, and then roast it at a high temperature to achieve the desired consistency
- Enhancing Flavor with Herbs: Consider adding herbs like curry leaves to impart an aromatic finish to your dish. However, feel free to customize it by using kasoori methi or coriander leaves for a different flavor profile
- Adjust Consistency as Desired: In terms of consistency, the chicken masala can be made to suit your preference. If you prefer it on the drier side, you can roast the chicken with the masala for a few more minutes to achieve that consistency
Nutrition
FAQ
This Chicken Masala is moderately spicy because it includes Kashmiri chili powder, which has a milder heat level compared to other chili powders. However, I recommend adjusting the spice level to suit your preference
Certainly, bone-in chicken does provide more flavor to the dish compared to boneless. However, if convenience is a priority, you can use boneless chicken pieces as well.
You can use a mixture of common spices as a substitute for garam masala. A basic homemade garam masala substitute can include a combination of ground cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper. This blend can mimic the warm and aromatic flavors of garam masala in a pinch. you can also use store-bought chicken masala if it's readily available and convenient for you. It can be a time-saving option for adding flavor to your dish.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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