Chicken masala is a flavorful and beloved dish in many South Asian households. Made from marinated chicken in lemon juice, salt, and turmeric powder, chicken masala is packed with rich flavors. Then, ground masala spices are added to simmer, infusing the dish with deep flavor. With a few simple steps, your chicken masala is ready to be served. It pairs wonderfully with flatbreads like naan and roti or even with rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Chicken Masala
Other Ingredients
- Chicken, curry cut pieces - 500 grams
- Cinnamon stick (1 piece)
- Curry leaves - 10-15 leaves
- Onions, chopped - 2 medium
- Ginger Garlic paste - 2 tsp
- Tomato puree - 1/2 cup
- Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp
- Pepper Powder - 1 tsp
- Fennel Powder- 1/2 tsp
- Garam Masala Powder- 1/2 tsp
- Refined Oil- 4 tbsp
For Marination
- Salt - 1 tsp
- Lemon juice - 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Process To Make Chicken Masala
- Marinate the chicken pieces with the ingredients listed and set aside for around 20 minutes. Chop the onions and remove the curry leaves.
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan and add the chicken pieces. Fry on medium heat for 4-5 mins, turning and mixing to achieve an even brown colour. Remove and set aside.
- Now heat another 3 tbsp oil in a kadai or pan and add the cinnamon stick and the Ginger Garlic paste.
- Mix and fry on low heat for a minute.
- Now add the curry leaves and continue to fry them on low heat for another minute.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté on medium heat for around 7 minutes, until the onions turn light brown.
- Add the tomato puree, give a mix, and fry on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the red chilli powder, fennel powder, and pepper powder. Mix it and fry on low heat for another 2 minutes till the spices are cooked and the oil separates. Feel free to add a splash of water if the spices begin to stick.
- Now add the partially fried chicken pieces, mix well, and fry on medium heat for 5 minutes, until the masala coats the chicken evenly.
- Add 200 ml of water, give a mix, and cover. Cook on low heat for 15 minutes till the chicken is tender.
- Remove the cover, add the garam masala powder, and give a mix. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle fresh coriander and serve it in a bowl or a copper dish.
Tips to Serve Chicken Masala
1. Serve with Naan or Roti
Homemade roti or fresh naan is perfect for chicken masala. Naan can soak up all the flavors of the masala, giving you a perfect, flavorful bite. You can also serve paratha or tandoori roti. Rice pairs wonderfully with chicken masala, complementing the thick gravy.
2. Add Side Dishes
Chicken masala can be a bit spicy, so balance the heat with raita, mint chutney for a fresh herby flavor, or even onion and lemon slices, which help cut through the spice and enhance the flavor.
3. Traditional Serving Style
You can serve this chicken masala in any dish, but consider using a copper dish for a traditional touch. For a more traditional touch, you can serve it in a copper dish. For a fresh and more colorful look, you can garnish the chicken masala with cream and fresh coriander. The green color of coriander will go perfectly with the gravy and also gives a fresh aroma. This step can also elevate your dish.
4. Accompanied by a Drink
To complement this flavorful dish and to cleanse your palate, you can serve some beverages, such as sweet lassi or lemon soda. Mint sodas or fizzy beverages can be added to cool the spices and also for digestion.
Conclusion
Chicken masala is filled with spices and flavours. Every step in making this dish makes it more flavorful, from marinating the chicken and preparing the masala to cooking them together until everything is nicely aromatic and tender. Simple ingredients like ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and spices can make a comforting meal. Garnishing the chicken masala with coriander and cream can elevate the taste and look of this dish.
This easy-to-follow chicken masala recipe goes well with naan, roti, and even rice. You can also add some side dishes like mint chutney and lemons for a more refreshing taste. Drinks like lassi or fizzy drinks can help with the heat of the spices. To explore every flavor of traditional dishes, visit Fadwa Masala to bring warmth to your meals.
