Chicken Masala

Chicken Masala is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Madras Samayal on YouTube.

Prep: 24 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 52 min

Cost: $8.12 total, $2.03 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Chicken Thighs, boneless, skinless (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 medium Onion (finely sliced)
  • 2 medium Tomato (chopped)
  • 4 pieces Garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 inch Fresh ginger (peeled and minced)
  • 2 pieces Green chilies (slit lengthwise)
  • 2 tablespoons Chicken Masala Powder (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder (ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (whole)
  • 10 pieces Curry Leaves (fresh)
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (neutral oil)
  • to taste Salt
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Finely slice the onions, chop the tomatoes, mince the garlic and ginger, and slit the green chilies. Cut the chicken into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Heat Oil and Temper Spices

    Add oil to the skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add cumin seeds and fresh curry leaves. Fry for about 30 seconds until aromatic.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Sauté Onions

    Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Stir continuously and cook until they turn golden brown, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Add Aromatics

    Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for 1 minute until the raw smell disappears.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Cook Tomatoes

    Add the chopped tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and oil begins to separate, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Add Spice Powders

    Sprinkle in the chicken masala powder, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Introduce Chicken

    Add the chicken pieces to the masala mixture. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to sear slightly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  8. Simmer Until Done

    Pour in 1 cup of water, increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the gravy thickens to desired consistency.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Low simmer

  9. Finish and Serve

    Turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with rice, chapati, or dosa.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
10 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein

Allergens: None

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Chicken Masala

Recipe by Madras Samayal

A flavorful South Indian style chicken masala made with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and fresh curry leaves. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that brings the taste of Madras to your kitchen.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
11m
Prep
31m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.12
Total cost
$2.03
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Tempering the cumin seeds and curry leaves without burning them
  • Cooking the onions to a deep golden color for flavor depth
  • Ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through during the simmer step

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatters.
  • Use a sharp knife and cut away from your body.

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