Description
Masala Chicken brings incredible warmth from traditional Indian spices right to your dinner table. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, aromatic sauce that delivers authentic flavor faster than ordering takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thigh
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- ½–¾ teaspoon salt
Base and Supporting Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 inch ginger
- 2 large tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Pour 3 tablespoons oil into a large skillet, heating over medium-high heat. Toss 1 teaspoon cumin seeds into the hot oil and let them crackle and pop for 30 seconds.
- Add 1 large finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onions transform into a rich, golden-brown color.
- Introduce 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch grated ginger. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the aromatic mixture becomes fragrant.
- Drop 2 large finely chopped tomatoes and 1 tablespoon tomato paste into the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes break down and the oil starts to separate.
- Sprinkle 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, and 1 teaspoon garam masala into the mixture. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add 2 pounds of chicken thighs cut into 1-1½ inch pieces. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure each piece gets lightly browned.
- Lower the heat and pour in ½ cup whisked yogurt and ½ cup water. Stir gently to combine, creating a creamy sauce around the chicken.
- Simmer the chicken for 15-20 minutes at medium-low heat, covered, until the meat is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh burst of flavor.
Notes
- Always use fresh whole spices for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender, juicy meat that absorbs spices better than chicken breast.
- Let the masala base develop slowly by cooking onions until deeply golden brown, which creates a rich foundational flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute full-fat yogurt with low-fat Greek yogurt and reduce oil quantity without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg