What is Chicken Masala?

Chicken Masala is a delicious Indian dish that combines aromatic spices with a creamy sauce, making it a delightful addition to your meal rotations. It requires minimal marination time and can be brought together in just about 45 minutes. This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice, homemade naan bread, or even crispy onion bhajis with a side of spiced mango chutney.

What is This Dish Like?

• Difficulty – This dish is quite easy to prepare. It consists of just two main components: the marinade and the rest of the cooking ingredients. Overall, you’ll be able to prepare it in under an hour, with the option to marinate the chicken in advance.
• Taste – Expect a lightly spiced, creamy curry that pleases the palate. While there is a hint of warmth, the flavors are generally mild, making it enjoyable for all. The chicken remains tender, swaddled in a rich and flavorsome sauce.
• Serving – This recipe yields enough for 6 servings, particularly when paired with rice and bread. If you’re serving it alongside just vegetable sides, it can comfortably serve about 4.

Ingredients

• The Chicken Marinade: A mix of fresh ginger root, minced garlic, chili powder, turmeric, ground coriander, salt, olive oil, lime juice, and lemon juice.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Onion: A large white onion, coarsely chopped.
• Other Seasonings: Ground turmeric and chili flakes, added to the sauce for an extra flavor boost.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and onions.
• Heavy Cream: This ingredient provides a luxurious creamy texture to the dish.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds a lightness and tanginess to balance the richness of the cream.

*Find the complete recipe and detailed instructions at the end of this post in the recipe card.

Instructions

1. Make the Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl, combine fresh ginger, minced garlic, chili powder, ground coriander, ground turmeric, salt, lime juice, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until well combined. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover and set aside.
2. Cook the Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Toss in dried chili flakes and turmeric; stir for about a minute. Add the chopped onions, fully coating them in the spices. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 5–8 minutes, or until the onions soften.
3. Cook the Chicken and Make Sauce: Increase the heat to high and add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Stir well and let it brown for about 5 minutes. Then pour in the heavy cream and add Greek yogurt, stirring again to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander if desired. Serve with fluffy Basmati rice for an exquisite meal!

Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for better flavor.
• Cook Ahead: This dish can be made a day before serving. Allow it to cool, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through.

What to Serve With Chicken Masala

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some excellent options to enhance your meal:

• Basmati Rice: Fluffy white rice is classic and absorbs the rich flavors of the masala beautifully.
• Stovetop Naan: Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted or sautéed veggies add a splash of color and nutrition to your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions