Masala Chicken Recipe

If you want to try an Indian chicken recipe without the long list of ingredients, this is the perfect choice! With some basic whole spices and fragrant curry leaves, whip up delicious gravy-less chicken that goes well with any flat bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: approx 40 minutes
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

Chicken – 2 1/2 lbs (skinless, boneless thighs)
Oil – 3 Tbsp
Cinnamon Stick – 2″ piece
Cloves – 5
Whole Black Peppercorn – 1/2 tsp
Bay Leaf – 1 large
Black Cardamom – 1
Fennel Seeds – 1 Tbsp
Curry Leaves – 5 large sprigs
Onions – 2 1/2 large, sliced
Ginger – 2 Tbsp, minced
Garlic – 2 Tbsp, minced
Green Chilies – to taste, minced
Salt – to taste

Method:

1. Heat Oil in a large pan.
2. Add whole spices (except Fennel Seeds) and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Add Fennel Seeds and stir for another 30 seconds.
4. Add Curry Leaves and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add Onions and a little salt and cook for a few minutes until translucent.
6. Add Ginger, Garlic and Green Chilies. Stir frequently and cook until onions caramelize (approx 12-15 minutes).
7. Add Chicken and Salt. Mix well, cover and cook until chicken is no longer pink on the inside (approx 15 minutes). Stir frequently.
8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and continue to cook until the chicken is lightly browned and oil starts to release (approx 10 minutes).
9. Serve hot with parotta, paratha, roti, dosa, appam, etc.

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29 thoughts on “Masala Chicken Recipe

    1. Hi Priya,

      We use a non-branded one for the show as it is a pretty one and the food shows well 🙂 We bought it at TJ Maxx a couple of years ago. Hope that helps.

      1. Ha ha ok anuja , thanks .
        But as ur personal suggestion which cookware do u suggest . I do a lot of cooking , but all the oily stuff that we cook in indian cooking does not clean up properly in dish washer and I have to redo my cookware by hands, so if u could suggest a idea , that should be great.

        1. Hi Priya,
          Both Hetal and I have different preferences.
          I try to avoid non-stick. I use a brand called ‘Green Pan’, and I really do like them. You can get them at outlet malls for a little cheaper price.
          Hope that helps.

  1. Hi,

    Can this chicken receipe be prepared on day 1 and kept outside for a long time on day 2 ? ..say 7 hours outside the refrigerator? planning to try this for a picnic. Please suggest.

    Pooja.

    1. Hi Pooja,

      We always suggest you take care when keeping meats outside. If you are planning to take it for a picnic, we suggest you use a ice box with ice in it. That way there is no chance of the chicken getting spoilt and anyone getting sick. Make sure that the ice does not melt and you keep replacing it when it does.
      Have fun at the picnic 🙂

  2. Hi Hetal & Tanuja,

    Checked out your recipe! Thought I’d give it a try and the results were amazing! Yummy!!! Thanks for the Lovely and Delicious and Simple recipe. 🙂

  3. Hi aunties!
    How are you? Nice recipe. I’m coming after long time,but, sorry to tell. You have written “EXPECT fennel seeds”, this should be written “EXCEPT” na.

    1. Hi Teja,

      Unfortunately, our red/orange spatula is no longer available (believe me, we have looked and looked and looked). There is no brand written on it.

  4. o.k….so u posted masala chicken and not chicken masala,if u surprized how will be the difference between two..check it out at Lucknow’s Chicken masala and u’ll know the difference.It was o.k. for ur version too.

  5. Hi, receipe is wonderful and simple. if you guys don’t mind please tell us where u buy those pots, pans and especially spatulas please.

  6. Superb ! Masala chicken with whole spices. Brilliant ladies. Btw, would u mind if I ask u where u buy that cooking pan with lid ? I’m looking to buy one for briyani. Pls reply me ladies

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