Authentic Indian Masala Chicken Curries & Dry Recipes

(Updated Version)

Making masala chicken curry is absolutely doable! Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Even if your first attempt isn’t perfect, remember that cooking is about learning from mistakes. Here’s a dose of encouragement: You’ve got this!.

 

Here’s What to Keep in Mind

Masala Basics

Masala means curry paste or spice mix. It sounds fancy, but it’s quite simple.

Types of Masalas

Different masalas create unique flavors. Experiment with them to find your favorites.

Garam Masala

This blend enhances your masala chicken. It includes spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Use it sparingly; too much can overpower the dish.

Oil Usage

Use oil sparingly, especially if you’re leaving the chicken skin on. Chicken releases oil as it cooks. If there’s excess, simply skim it off.

Potato Addition

Adding potatoes to your curry can enhance the flavor and texture. It’s a delightful treat.

Classic Indian Masala Chicken Curry

Ingredients
For the Curry Paste
1 tbsp coriander seeds
1/2 tbsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp plain chili powder (or as needed)
50g almonds without skin
4 sprigs curry leaves
Blend these ingredients with some water to form a paste.

Other Ingredients
1/2 chicken (about 450g), cut into bite-size pieces
3 potatoes, cut into medium pieces
1 large red onion, cut into rings
2 medium-sized tomatoes, sliced
2 sticks cinnamon
2 star anise
3 cardamom pods
3 cloves
1/4 cup oil
Salt to taste

Method
Heat oil and fry the spices for 1 minute.
Add the curry paste and fry on low heat until aromatic and oil splits.
Add chicken, potatoes, tomatoes, and salt.
Pour enough water, stir, and simmer until the chicken and potatoes are cooked.
Remove from heat.

Murungakkai Masala Chicken Curry
This recipe holds a lot of emotion for me, as it’s my late mum’s recipe. I remember visiting her 10 years ago while she was making this curry, and I’m grateful I captured the recipe that day. Revisiting it now brings up deep feelings.

Ingredients
For the Chicken
½ chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
Some ginger paste
Some garlic paste
Mix these ingredients together.

Other Ingredients
1 tsp cumin seeds
2-3 small cinnamon sticks
1 red onion, sliced
Some curry leaves
2 potatoes, sliced
2 sticks murungakai (moringa fruits/drumsticks), sliced and strings removed
Chicken curry powder to taste
Plain chili powder to taste
3 tbsp oil
Water as needed
Salt to taste

Method
Heat oil and fry cumin seeds and cinnamon.
Add onion and curry leaves, stir.
Add the marinated chicken, stir well.
Add potatoes and murungakai, stir again.
Mix in chicken curry powder and plain chili powder.
Pour water and allow the chicken and murungakai to cook through.
Stir occasionally and dish out once cooked.

Easiest Masala Chicken Curry For Beginners

Ingredients
For the Chicken
½ chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
½ tbsp turmeric powder
Mix these two ingredients together.

Other Ingredients
1 cinnamon stick (broken into pieces)
2 star anise
A few cloves
7 shallots, sliced
2 green chilies, cut into pieces
Some curry leaves
1 tomato, sliced
Chili powder (mixed with some water for a paste)
Water as needed
3 tbsp oil
Salt to taste

Method
Heat oil and add spices, green chilies, shallots, and curry leaves.
Sweat the ingredients.
Add tomato and chili powder paste, cooking until oil floats.
Add chicken, stirring for a couple of minutes.
Pour water, add salt, and cook until chicken is tender.

Dry Cashew Masala Chicken 

For a crunchy twist, stir fry the chicken with a handful of cashew nuts. You can also add a small portion of coconut milk for a creamy burst of flavor.

Butter Masala Chicken
For a creamy and buttery taste, use butter instead of oil. You can also swap tomatoes with whisked yogurt for natural tanginess.

Dry Raisin Masala Chicken

Dried raisins are made from grapes that are dried, resulting in a sweet treat with varying sizes, colors, and textures depending on the grape variety. For a delightful sweet and spicy balance, toss a handful of raisins into your dry-style masala chicken. The raisins add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Dried Blackcurrant Masala Chicken

(Choose a dry variation or add a curry gravy)

Dried black currants come from black currants, a small, tart fruit. They are smaller and have a more intense, tangy flavor compared to raisins, with a darker color and chewier texture. They can be used to add a unique flavor to your masala chicken, either dry or with a curry gravy.

Honey Masala Chicken

Using honey in your masala chicken is a great way to balance spiciness with natural sweetness. Opt for pure honey, as imitation honey lacks the benefits of real honey and is mostly empty calories.

Dahi Masala Chicken  (Yogurt Masala Chicken Curry)
This is a simple variation where whisked yogurt is incorporated into the curry. Instead of curry leaves or coriander, use spring onions for a fresh aroma. Potatoes are also included in this version.