By Masala Chicken, also known as Chicken Masala, is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. Bursting with robust spices and rich flavors, this dish is a staple in many households and often served on special occasions or as a comforting weeknight meal. It’s a versatile curry that pairs beautifully with rice, roti, naan, or even paratha. Below is a detailed guide on how to prepare a delicious Masala Chicken from scratch, along with tips to make it even more aromatic and satisfying.
Ingredients:
For Marination:
- 500 grams of chicken (bone-in or boneless)
- 1/2 cup thick curd (yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
For Masala Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 2 large onions, finely sliced
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped or pureed
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 green chili, slit
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
Preparation Steps:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by cleaning the chicken pieces thoroughly and patting them dry. In a large bowl, add the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably for 2 hours. Marination helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Base Masala
Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Then, add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This step is crucial for the depth of flavor, so be patient and let the onions caramelize well.
Once the onions are browned, add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chili. Sauté until the raw smell disappears. Then add chopped or pureed tomatoes and cook them down until the oil begins to separate from the mixture. This indicates that the masala is well-cooked.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Now add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and a bit of salt. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to release their aroma. You can splash a little water if the masala starts sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the masala. Stir well so that all the pieces are coated with the spicy onion-tomato mixture. Cook on medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes to seal in the flavors and lightly brown the chicken. Then, cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
If the masala becomes too thick, you can add a little water or chicken stock to adjust the consistency of the gravy according to your preference.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, sprinkle garam masala and black pepper (if using) over the top. Mix well and let it simmer uncovered for another 3–5 minutes. This enhances the aroma and gives the dish a final punch of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Masala Chicken tastes best when served hot. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve with:
- Steamed basmati rice
- Jeera (cumin) rice
- Butter naan or tandoori roti
- Paratha or even plain chapati
For a complete meal, accompany it with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and a simple cucumber raita.
Tips & Variations:
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream or cashew paste at the end.
- Smoky flavor: Use the “dhungar” method by placing a piece of hot coal in a small bowl in the curry, adding a few drops of ghee, and covering it to infuse smoky flavor.
- Spicy kick: Adjust the number of green chilies and chili powder to your spice tolerance.
- Healthier version: You can cook this with less oil and use skinless chicken breast pieces if watching fat intake.
Masala Chicken is a celebration of spice and flavor. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe will deliver a deeply satisfying dish every time. Its versatility and comforting warmth make it a favorite that never goes out of style. Prepare it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen!
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