Chicken Masala recipe is inspired by my mum. My mum is the best cook, or rather, I would say no matter where we go or what we eat, there is nothing that can beat a mum’s cooking. The same goes for me too. Even though I am a cook myself, I always crave my mum’s cooking.This is a very simple and quick to make yet delicious to savor dish. Creating a basic rich and spicy onion tomato-based sauce, followed by all the other spice powders, and lastly cooking the chicken on low flame helps to infuse all the spices into the chicken, making it a succulent dish to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions For Chicken Masala
This chicken masala recipe is best enjoyed with some plain rice and a vegetable side. If you are cooking this dish for a special occasion, try serving it with Ghee Rice or pulao like Peas Cheese Pulao. These main dishes are also simple and quick to make, yet create an amazing taste combination. You’ll get the feeling of dining in an authentic Indian restaurant, elevating your meal experience to a new level of satisfaction.
A Funny Story for Chicken Masala
When I first started to cook, about 20 years ago, my knowledge of cooking was quite basic. Eager to try my hand at making this chicken masala, I put a kadai on the stove, heated some oil, and threw in all the spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, intending to roast them until fragrant. Suffice to say, I learned a valuable lesson that day. As I watched, in disbelief, one of the cloves flew through the air and out of the window while a cardamom, infused with hot oil, shot straight into my ear.
Fortunately, nothing happened to my ear, but the incident left me slightly traumatized by these feisty spices. I learnt that i should not have added those spices when the oil is too hot. Nonetheless, their wonderful flavors and aromas are indispensable to achieving the dish’s magic. Here’s a tip for all you cooking newbies: never throw spices into very hot oil. Instead, add them when the oil is slightly warm. Don’t worry, though; you’ll be fine!
Pro Tips
For this chicken masala, after adding the chicken and masala powders, it is crucial to cover the pan and cook the chicken masala on a low flame. This allows the chicken to release its natural juices, resulting in more tender meat. When covering the pan, resist the urge to open it immediately to stir, as this can prevent the masala from cooking properly, leaving a raw masala aroma in the chicken even after it is cooked. Instead, wait for the covered pan to release some steam; this is the right moment to open the lid and give it a good stir. Stirring occasionally is essential to ensure the masalas do not settle at the bottom of the wok.
Adding of Pandan Leaves
Adding pandan leaves has been a custom in the place where I live. However, if you find yourself short of these aromatic leaves, don’t worry. You can simply omit them. The mint leaves and coriander leaves alone can make this chicken masala a very flavorful and aromatic dish. However, I urge you to give it a try using the pandan leaves, as they naturally have an aroma that can increase your appetite. You can also grow it in your garden and use it for various other Asian dishes like this chicken masala and Chicken Curry.
Try Out the Chicken Masala
Enjoy this homemade delicious chicken masala and thank your taste buds later. Sharing this culinary delight with those around you can make the experience even more special. Do remember to share your experience of making this dish in the comments below, as your feedback and personal twists on the recipe might inspire others to embark on their own flavorful journey.
Chicken Masala
Description
This simple and aromatic chicken masala recipe combines a medley of spices and fresh ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dish. The chicken is first marinated and then sautéed in a blend of Indian spices, including cardamoms, cinnamon, and cloves, adding depth to its flavor profile. The use of yogurt helps tenderize the chicken, while a handful of mint leaves introduces a fresh and vibrant note. Perfectly paired with rice or naan, this dish offers a delicious taste journey that's both satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients for the Chicken Masala
Instructions on how to make the Chicken Masala
Instructions on how to make the Chicken Masala
Instructions on how to make the Chicken Masala with step-by-step photos
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Preparing the Spices
Heat oil and ghee in a large pan or kadai.
Once the oil becomes hot, add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamoms, and cloves.
Sauté until the spices become fragrant.
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Cooking the Aromatics
Add the sliced onions to the pan and sauté on medium flame until they turn light golden brown.
Add the chopped tomatoes and sauté for 1 minute.
Add the ginger garlic paste and sauté on low flame for 5 minutes.
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Adding Heat and Flavor
Add the chili powder and the green and red chilies to the pan.
Continue to sauté on low flame for 2 minutes.
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Cooking the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces, salt, yogurt, and a handful of mint leaves to the pan.
Sauté on medium flame for 5 minutes until the masala is well-coated on the chicken.
Cover the pan and cook on low flame for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, fennel powder, cumin powder, black pepper powder, and garam masala to the pan. Mix well until all the spices are thoroughly combined with the chicken.
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Add a cup of water and stir again.
Cover the pan and cook on low flame for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Final Touches
After 15 minutes, remove the cover and sauté the chicken masala on low flame until it reaches a semi-dry consistency. Garnish with some chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
