Hey there! Are you tired of having the same old boring chicken dinner every night? Why not add a little spice to your life with this authentic Chicken Masala recipe. This dish is popular in Indian cuisine and has a unique blend of spices that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Don’t let the long ingredient list intimidate you. Once you gather all the ingredients, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and will leave you feeling satisfied with your culinary abilities. So, put on your apron and let’s get cooking!
Chicken Masala Recipe
Introduction
Are you a fan of Indian cuisine? If yes, then you must try making chicken masala at home with our easy-to-follow recipe. With the right blend of spices and ingredients, creating this classic Indian dish is easier than you think. Nothing beats the aroma of freshly cooked chicken masala, and it’s perfect for any occasion. So get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delicious and aromatic dish.
Ingredients
The key to making perfect chicken masala is to have the freshest and best-quality ingredients. Here are the necessary ingredients you’ll need to prepare a mouth-watering chicken masala:
- 5-6 boneless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ginger paste
- 2 tablespoons garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 teaspoons coriander powder
- 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- Coriander leaves (cilantro) for garnishing
When choosing ingredients, try to get them from an Indian grocery store to ensure their authenticity.
Preparation
Now that you have all the ingredients ready let’s move on to the preparation of chicken masala.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, add chicken pieces, yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix well and marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add marinated chicken. Fry for 10-15 minutes on medium heat until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Masala
In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil and fry chopped onions, green chilies until golden brown. Add 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder and stir well for a minute.
Add tomatoes and fry for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are soft. Add 1/2 cup of water to the pan and bring it to boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cooked Chicken
Add the cooked chicken pieces to the masala and let it cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the chicken has absorbed all the flavors of the masala.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or naan bread. Enjoy your homemade chicken masala dish with your family and friends.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken masala may seem daunting, but it’s a simple process that anyone can master with a little practice. With our easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to make delicious and aromatic chicken masala at home in no time. So why not impress your loved ones with the flavors of India today? Happy cooking!
Cooking
In this section, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to cook a flavorful chicken masala dish. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can recreate the delicious taste of this classic Indian recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Cooking Process
The first step to cooking chicken masala is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need boneless or bone-in chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, spices (such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and red chili powder), and oil or ghee.
Start by heating some oil or ghee in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Next, add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
Now it’s time to add the spices. Mix together cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and red chili powder in a bowl. Add this spice mixture to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
Add chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the chicken pieces to the mixture and stir well to coat the chicken in the spice mixture.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and cook for another 5-7 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and it’s ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your chicken masala is ready, it’s time to plate it up and serve it in style. This dish is typically served with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also pair it with a side dish of raita (yogurt sauce), cucumber salad, or aloo gobi (spiced cauliflower and potatoes).
To make it look appetizing, arrange the chicken pieces and sauce in a deep dish and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. You can also add a dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance the flavors.
Variations
While chicken masala is a classic Indian recipe, there are many variations to explore. Here are a few ideas:
– Butter Chicken Masala: This variation adds a creamy twist to the classic recipe by stirring in some heavy cream or cashew paste towards the end of the cooking process.
– Lamb Masala: Replace the chicken with lamb meat to add a more robust and hearty flavor to the dish.
– Vegetarian Masala: Replace the chicken with paneer (a type of Indian cheese) or mixed vegetables such as cauliflower, potatoes, and peas.
– Tandoori Masala: This variation uses tandoori spices and yogurt to marinate the chicken before cooking, resulting in a smoky and flavorful dish.
Experiment with these variations and make the dish your own!
Enjoy Your Flavorful Meal!
We hope you enjoy preparing and savoring this authentic chicken masala recipe. Adding this flavorful dish to your dinner repertoire is sure to impress all those lucky enough to indulge in its rich and aromatic flavors. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So get started in the kitchen and let the heaven-sent scents of spices transport you to the lively streets of India.
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FAQ
1. How spicy is this chicken masala?
This chicken masala recipe has a moderate level of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
2. Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?
Sure! You can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3. How long can I store the leftovers for?
You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I substitute the garam masala with curry powder?
If you can’t find garam masala, you can substitute it with curry powder. Keep in mind that the flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.
5. What can I serve with chicken masala?
You can serve chicken masala with rice, naan bread, or roasted vegetables.
6. Do I have to marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken is optional, but it does add extra flavor to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step.
7. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make this recipe in advance and reheat it before serving.
8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as written. Just be sure to check your chicken broth label to make sure it’s gluten-free.
9. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
10. What’s the best way to reheat chicken masala?
The best way to reheat chicken masala is in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet if it seems too dry.
