Masala chicken is one of the most loved Indian chicken dishes, known for its spicy, aromatic flavors. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or craving a satisfying home-cooked meal, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of spices and tenderness.
This article walks you through a simple, restaurant-style spicy masala chicken recipe that you can prepare in your own kitchen. With the right blend of spices and cooking techniques, you’ll get juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Ingredients
- 500 grams chicken (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 onions (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (pureed)
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 2–3 minutes until the raw smell goes away.
- Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens and oil separates.
- Add red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add chicken pieces and coat them with the masala. Cook on high flame for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat, cover the pan, and cook for 20–25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
- Add garam masala and black pepper. Stir and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Masala Chicken
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes in yogurt, salt, and a bit of chili powder for extra flavor.
- Use bone-in chicken for juicier, more flavorful curry.
- Adjust spice levels to suit your taste—reduce chili for milder curry or add green chilies for extra heat.
- Slow cooking helps intensify the flavor and tenderize the chicken.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Nutritional Benefits of Masala Chicken
- High in protein, making it a muscle-friendly meal option.
- Spices like turmeric and black pepper have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginger and garlic boost immunity and improve digestion.
- Tomatoes provide a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Using lean chicken makes it suitable for low-fat diets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, boneless chicken works well and cooks faster, though bone-in gives deeper flavor.
- Q: What can I serve with masala chicken?
A: It pairs perfectly with roti, naan, paratha, or plain basmati rice.
- Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container and consume within 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Q: Can I freeze masala chicken?
A: Yes, cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
- Q: How to reduce oil without losing flavor?
A: Use non-stick cookware and reduce oil by half. Cook onions slowly to achieve caramelization.
Conclusion
Spicy masala chicken is a soul-satisfying Indian dish that fits any occasion—from festive dinners to everyday family meals. With this easy step-by-step recipe, you can make flavorful chicken masala right in your kitchen.
So go ahead and impress your loved ones with this classic dish. Don’t forget to serve it hot with your favorite Indian bread or rice for a truly comforting experience.
Also read – Spicy Chicken Egg Bhurji Sandwich – High Protein Breakfast
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