Guntur Chicken Masala

Guntur Chicken Masala is a medium Indian (Andhra) recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by HomeCookingShow on YouTube.

Prep: 55 min | Cook: 31 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $8.17 total, $2.04 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Coriander Seeds (dry roasted)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns (dry roasted)
  • 2 teaspoons Cumin Seeds (1 tsp for roasting, 1 tsp for tempering)
  • 6 pieces Dried Red Chilies (whole, dry roasted)
  • 1 inch piece Fresh Ginger (peeled and chopped)
  • 4 pieces Garlic Cloves (peeled and chopped)
  • 500 grams Chicken Pieces (bone‑in or boneless, washed and patted dry)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons Salt (1 tsp for marination, ½ tsp later)
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Chili Powder
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for tempering and sauté)
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
  • 2 medium Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 pieces Green Chili (slit lengthwise)
  • 2 medium Tomato (finely chopped)
  • 8 pieces Curry Leaves (fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped, for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons Water (for masala paste)
  • 0.5 cup Water (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Dry‑roast whole spices

    Heat a small pan over low heat. Add coriander seeds, peppercorns, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies. Roast for 3‑4 minutes, stirring constantly, until aromatic and slightly darker in color.

    Time: PT4M

  2. Cool and grind spices

    Transfer the roasted spices to a plate and let them cool for about 2 minutes. Then move them to a mixer jar and grind to a fine powder.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Prepare masala paste

    Measure 2 teaspoons of the freshly ground powder into a bowl. Add the remaining 1½ teaspoons, the chopped ginger, and garlic cloves. Blend into a smooth paste, adding a little water if needed.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Marinate chicken

    Place 500 g chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add turmeric powder, 1 tsp salt, Kashmiri chili powder, and the prepared masala paste. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Rest the marination

    Cover the bowl and let the chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  6. Temper mustard and cumin seeds

    Heat 3 Tbsp oil in the large white pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and 1 tsp cumin seeds. When the mustard seeds begin to pop, proceed to the next step.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Sauté onions and green chilies

    Add the finely chopped onions and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for 2‑3 minutes until the onions become translucent.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Cook the chicken

    Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown slightly.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Add tomatoes

    Stir in the finely chopped tomatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes until they soften.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Incorporate masala powder and curry leaves

    Add 1 tsp of the remaining masala powder and a handful of fresh curry leaves. Mix well.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Simmer with water

    Pour in ½ cup water and add the remaining ½ tsp salt. Stir, then cover the pan and simmer on medium flame for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium flame

  12. Finish and garnish

    Uncover, sprinkle the last ½ tsp of masala powder, and fold in chopped coriander leaves. Mix gently and turn off the heat.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
10 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Mustard

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Guntur Chicken Masala

Recipe by HomeCookingShow

A fiery Andhra-style Gur Chicken Masala packed with aromatic roasted spices, ginger‑garlic paste, and fresh curry leaves. This spicy chicken curry pairs perfectly with plain rice, sambar rice, or rasam for a hearty Indian meal.

MediumIndian (Andhra)Serves 4

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

Source Video
44m
Prep
31m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 25m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.17
Total cost
$2.04
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Dry‑roasting whole spices without burning them.
  • Grinding the roasted spices to a fine powder.
  • Marinating the chicken long enough for flavor absorption.
  • Tempering mustard and cumin seeds correctly.
  • Simmering the chicken covered for the full 15 minutes to ensure tenderness.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter when mustard seeds pop; keep a splatter guard nearby.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
  • Handle the spice grinder carefully; the roasted spices are hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Gur Chicken Masala in Andhra cuisine?

A

Gur Chicken Masala is a classic Andhra specialty known for its bold, fiery flavor profile. It showcases the region’s love for dry‑roasted spice powders and fresh curry leaves, reflecting the coastal state's abundant use of chilies and aromatic herbs.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Gur Chicken Masala within Andhra Pradesh?

A

In coastal Andhra districts, the dish often includes coconut milk for a richer texture, while inland versions may use more tamarind for tanginess. Some families add a pinch of fenugreek seeds to the tempering for extra depth.

cultural
Q

How is Gur Chicken Masala traditionally served in Andhra households?

A

It is typically served hot with plain steamed rice, sambar rice, or rasam, accompanied by a side of pickles and a dollop of ghee. In festive settings, it may be paired with pulihora (tamarind rice) or curd rice.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions is Gur Chicken Masala commonly prepared in Andhra culture?

A

Gur Chicken Masala is a favorite for family gatherings, festivals like Sankranti and Ugadi, and special weekend meals. Its spicy profile makes it a crowd‑pleaser for celebrations where hearty, comforting dishes are desired.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a true Gur Chicken Masala versus common substitutes?

A

Key authentic ingredients include dry‑roasted coriander, cumin, peppercorns, dried red chilies, fresh curry leaves, and Kashmiri chili powder. Substitutes like regular red chili powder or paprika can be used, but they alter the signature color and flavor.

cultural
Q

What other Andhra dishes pair well with Gur Chicken Masala?

A

Gur Chicken Masala pairs beautifully with Andhra-style plain rice, lemon rice, or curd rice. Side dishes like avial, pappu (lentil dal), and a simple cucumber raita balance the heat.

cultural
Q

How has Gur Chicken Masala evolved over time in modern Andhra cooking?

A

Modern home cooks often streamline the recipe by using pre‑made spice blends or a food processor for the paste. Some also incorporate ghee or butter for a richer mouthfeel, but the core technique of dry‑roasting spices remains unchanged.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Gur Chicken Masala at home?

A

Common pitfalls include over‑roasting the spices, which makes the powder bitter, and over‑cooking the chicken before adding liquid, leading to dryness. Also, adding too much water early can dilute the flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this Gur Chicken Masala recipe use a dry‑roasted spice powder instead of a pre‑made masala blend?

A

Dry‑roasting releases essential oils and deepens the flavor of each spice, creating a fresher, more aromatic powder that cannot be matched by store‑bought blends, which often lose potency over time.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel HomeCookingShow specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel HomeCookingShow, hosted by Hima Subramanyan, specializes in approachable Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on regional specialties, step‑by‑step techniques, and tips for everyday cooks.

channel

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