Are you a beginner in the kitchen looking for an easy and delicious meal to whip up? Look no further than this easy Indian chicken curry recipe! This delectable dish is sure to impress your family and friends while being surprisingly simple to make. With bold flavors of onion, garlic, ginger, and garam masala, this chicken curry will tantalize your taste buds. In just a few steps, you'll have a comforting meal that's sure to please everyone!
If you're looking for a delicious and easy Indian chicken curry that you can make for yourself, this is the recipe for you! This dish is perfect for beginners, and it'll be a quick and easy meal that you'll love. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this chicken curry is a great choice!
Jump to:
- Easy Indian Chicken Curry Recipe
- Recipe Video- Easy Indian Chicken Curry for Beginners
- The journey from complex to beginner's cooking!
- Chicken Curry for Bachelors- a myth?
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- Storage
- Top tip
- Frequently Asked Questions- Easy Indian Chicken Curry
- Related Recipes
- Pairing
- Food safety
- Beginner's Chicken Curry Recipe
- Recipe Card
- Tips
- Chicken Recipes you can try
- Let's connect over Easy Indian Chicken Curry Recipe
- Easy Indian Chicken Curry Recipe for Beginners Pin for You
Easy Indian Chicken Curry Recipe
I have been meaning to share a simple chicken curry recipe for some time now. My blog Debjanir Rannaghar has several tasty chicken recipes that range from easy to complex and from mild to spicy. Yet, I never posted a basic Indian-flavored chicken curry that a beginner could try. That's why I'm excited to share this beginner-friendly chicken curry recipe with you today. It's a quick, easy meal that is sure to please everyone. Whether you're cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, this chicken curry is an excellent choice for your menu. It's an easy recipe to follow and the flavors are perfect for a beginner cook. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and authentic Indian-style chicken curry in no time!
Recipe Video- Easy Indian Chicken Curry for Beginners
The journey from complex to beginner's cooking!
I had been interested in cooking since I was in standard 8, and I was determined to immediately start trying out more complex recipes rather than settle for the 'beginner's dishes'. Fortunately, I had all the ingredients I needed at home and the support of my parents and other family members. Cooking was always a joyous experience, and this attitude of mine continued when I left the city for higher studies. In university, I would often visit the local markets and pick up fresh produce, which I would then cook into different dishes.
As I ventured away from home and into the unknown, I realized that my kitchen adventures were to begin. In my first posting in Gaya, I found myself living as a paying guest with few options for cooking. But determination never fails! With the help of recipe books, I quickly learned how to make complex dishes with what was available - or at least try! As Auntie's kitchen became my own, I discovered a newfound love for cooking and savoring the delightful dishes that emerged from it.
It all changed when I changed jobs again and shifted to Patna. As I walked into the kitchen of my Patna home, I had a feeling that something delicious was about to be cooked. With limited utensils and tools, I set out to prepare a meal for one. My eyes fell on the tomato puree and meat masala, and I knew what my dish would be - a hearty Chicken Curry.
Chicken Curry for Bachelors- a myth?
I believe that the idea of bachelor's special recipes is a bit of a misnomer. Cooking is something that should be done when you feel like it or when you need to make a meal. To me, the phrase "Bachelor Special Recipe" is a little outdated and stereotypical. After all, you don't need to be married to be able to cook or enjoy a good meal! This is why I don't believe in recipes specifically designed for bachelors; instead, I prefer to think of them as simple, quick dishes that anyone can make regardless of their marital status.
Moreover, I think it's important to remember that cooking is a great way to unwind, relax, and take care of your body. Not only is it an enjoyable activity, but it can also be a great way to bond with friends and family. Additionally, it can also be a great way to gain an appreciation for different cultures and cuisines. So, regardless of your relationship status, it's always a good idea to try out different recipes and have some fun in the kitchen.
Ingredients
I use a basic Onion-Tomato Paste as the base for this Indian chicken curry recipe, which I then combine with a simple marinade of yogurt and basic spices. This marinade helps to infuse the chicken with flavor and also helps to tenderize the meat. In addition to the marinade, I add store-bought Meat Masala to the dish, along with other basic spices such as turmeric powder, chili powder, salt, sugar, and garam masala. These spices help to give the curry its unique flavor and aroma. Once the spices have been added, I simmer the curry until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. The end result is a delicious and easy chicken curry that is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
I begin this dish by marinating the chicken with yogurt and basic spices along with mustard oil and meat masala. Then, on a base of sautéed onions and tomato paste, I add the chicken. To balance out the flavors and round out the dish, I finish it off with a blend of basic spices, like turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala, and a store-bought meat masala for a rich, creamy gravy. The result is a flavor-packed comfort food dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The combination of the ingredients creates a harmony of flavors that is truly a delight to the taste buds.
Substitutions
- Store-bought Meat Masala - instead of this instant spice mix, you can make your own spice mix.
- Mustard Oil - Use your choice of vegetable oil instead of mustard oil if not available or if you do not like the pungent flavor
Variations
- Spicy - add chili pepper flakes while cooking to imbue heat into the dish
- Robust - add chopped coriander leaves
- Kid-friendly - add pieces of boiled potato
Equipment
I love to take out my trusty broad pan when I'm cooking up a delicious chicken curry; its wide surface area is perfect for simmering the aromatic spices and juicy chunks of chicken until they're tender and infused with flavor.
Storage
I like to make a big batch of my favorite Indian Chicken Curry and store it in the fridge, portioned into handy containers. That way, I always have a delicious meal on hand for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Top tip
This Indian chicken curry recipe is as basic as it can get! It's incredibly easy to make and much simpler than the other chicken recipes I have here on my blog/YouTube channel, Debjanir Rannaghar. Now, here's a little secret that I use in this recipe - Store Bought Meat Masala. Surprised? Well, after all, we are here to learn a basic chicken recipe, right? And I believe that making it with easily available ingredients is the best way to go about it.
Frequently Asked Questions- Easy Indian Chicken Curry
This Indian chicken curry recipe is a surefire way to get your taste buds tingling! It's as easy to make as it gets - no complex methods or lengthy processes are required. All you need is a basic tomato onion paste, meat masala, and some everyday spices, plus a yogurt marinade for the chicken. So if you're new to cooking Indian food, then this dish is perfect for you! Enjoy the tantalizing flavors of this delicious chicken curry - it's guaranteed to be a hit with all your family and friends.
Craving a flavourful and easy chicken curry? Let Meat Masala be your secret ingredient! It's available in any Indian departmental store, and it can make your basic chicken curry a delicious feast. No need to worry about chopping onions or tomatoes - just blend them into a puree for that extra special touch. With Meat Masala, you can create the perfect dish for any occasion!
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this that are easy to cook? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this easy Indian chicken curry apart from steamed rice or roti:
Food safety
- When cooking, always remember to keep food safety top of mind.
- Don't use the same utensils for cooked and raw meat - make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after handling raw meat.
- Keep an eye on the food that is cooking and never leave it unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid any potentially hazardous compounds, and ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove.
- Above all, don't let food sit around at room temperature for too long - practice safe cooking!
Beginner's Chicken Curry Recipe
Recipe Card
Easy Indian Chicken Curry Recipe for Beginners
This Easy Indian Chicken Curry is a great recipe for beginners, perfect for a quick and easy meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and hearty chicken curry in no time!
Equipment
- 1 Cooking Pot/ Kadhai
- 1 Chopping Board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Spatula
- 3 Bowl
Ingredients
- 750 g Chicken curry-cut
- 3 Onions
- 1 Tomato
- 4 tablespoon Mustard Oil
Marinade
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Meat Masala
- 150 ml plain curd or Yogurt
- 3 tablespoon Mustard Oil
Tempering
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 Red Chili
- 4 Green Cardamom
- 2 small cinnamon sticks
- 2-3 cloves
Spices needed While Cooking
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Ginger Paste
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Paste
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
Instructions
Marination
- Wash, clean, and pat-dry chicken pieces.
- Marinate chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder, 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder, and 1 teaspoon Meat Masala.
- Add 150ml plain curd or yogurt as well.
- In addition, add 3 tablespoon Mustard Oil.
- Mix the chicken with all the spices and keep the chicken marinated for 15 minutes.
Making Puree
- While the chicken is getting marinated, make a puree with 3 onions and 1 tomato in a mixer grinder.
- Before making the puree, cut the onion and tomatoes roughly.
Making Chicken Curry
- Heat 4 tablespoon Mustard Oil in a pan.
- Once heated, temper the oil with 2 Bay leaves, 2 Red Chili, 4 Green Cardamom, 2 small cinnamon sticks, and 2-3 cloves.
- Once the tempering starts to emit an aroma, add 1 teaspoon Sugar and let it be caramelized.
- Add the Onion and Tomato Puree.
- Mix and cook for 5 minutes on a low flame till the mixture turns golden in color.
- Add 1 tablespoon Ginger Paste and 1 tablespoon Garlic Paste as well.
- Mix and cook for 2 minutes or till there is no raw aroma.
- The mixture will start releasing oil from the edges at this point.
- Keep the flame low.
- Now add the Marinated Chicken and mix to incorporate the spices.
- Increase the flame. Keep stirring and cook for 5 minutes.
- Cover the pan with a lid and keep the flame medium and cook for 5 minutes.
- Open the lid, and you will see the chicken has released moisture.
- Now add 1.5 cups of hot water and mix.
- Add hot water again to completely cover the chicken.
- Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes on a slow flame.
- Open the lid after 15 minutes and check whether the chicken is cooked or not.
- Now, on high flame, cook for around 5 minutes to thicken the gravy.
- Add 1 teaspoon Garam Masala and adjust salt and spice if needed.
- Switch the flame off.
- Give the chicken curry a standing time of 10 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Tips
- This Chicken Curry Recipe is perfect for beginners. It is a fuss-free and easy-to-follow recipe.
- The onion-tomato paste, spices, and meat masala all work together to create a robust flavor.
- Some prefer a runny chicken curry, while some prefer a bit thicker gravy. Depending on your need, you can cook for 2 more minutes to thicken the gravy after adding Garam Masala.
Nutrition
Chicken Recipes you can try
- Marry Me Chicken
- Chicken Keema Pakoda | Chicken Mince Fritters
- Restaurant-style Butter Chicken | Murgh Makhani | Chicken Makhani
- Chicken Kosha | Bengali Kosha Murgir Mangsho
- Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe
- Dhaba Style Chicken Curry
- Panch Phoron Murgi | Bengali Chicken Curry with Panch Phoron
- Orange and Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables | Roast Chicken
- Dak Bungalow Chicken Curry aka Chicken Dak Bungalow
Let's connect over Easy Indian Chicken Curry Recipe
Please inform me of your experience, and feel free to send a photo to [email protected]. Additionally, you can find me on various social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, Google News, X, and Thread. Don't forget to use the hashtag #debjanirrannaghar when sharing your attempts at my recipes or if you have any questions or recipe requests.
Easy Indian Chicken Curry Recipe for Beginners Pin for You
About Debjani Chatterjee Alam
I am Debjani Chatterjee Alam. A CSR specialist by profession and a food writer, food blogger, and food photographer as well. I live in Kolkata along with my Husband Mehebub who is an architect by profession, my daughter Pasta, and also my dog daughters Coffee and Luchi.
Hasan Jaffer says
Really enjoyed reading this recipe and the story behind it. It’s nice how you explained your cooking journey along with such a simple, beginner-friendly chicken curry. The way you’ve broken down the ingredients and method makes it feel very doable, even for someone new to cooking. This is the kind of comforting, practical recipe people actually look for. Lovely work
Debjani says
Thank you so much!
mark ross says
awsome , great recipe
Debjani says
Thanks a bunch