Chicken curry is one of the most popular dishes in Indian homes. It is tasty, spicy, and goes well with rice, roti, chapati, dosa, and pulao. This simple homemade recipe is easy to follow and gives a delicious restaurant-style taste.
Ingredients
- 500 grams chicken (cleaned)
- 2 onions (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 2 green chilies (slit)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1½ teaspoons red chili powder
- 2 teaspoons coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Curry leaves (a few)
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- Salt to taste
- 1 to 1½ cups water
How to Make Chicken Curry
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Wash the chicken well. Add turmeric, a little salt, and half of the ginger-garlic paste. Mix well and keep it aside for 20–30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Masala
Heat oil in a pan or pressure cooker. Add curry leaves and green chilies. Add chopped onions and fry until they become golden brown.
Add the remaining ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
Now add:
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Coriander powder
- Cumin powder
Mix everything well and cook for 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken and mix well with the masala. Cook on medium flame for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add Water
Pour 1 to 1½ cups of water depending on how thick you want the curry. Close the pressure cooker and cook for 3 whistles, or cook in a pan for 25–30 minutes until the chicken becomes soft.
Step 6: Finish the Curry
Open the cooker, add garam masala, and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top.
Read How to make Dragon chicken?
Serving Suggestion
Serve hot with:
- Steamed rice
- Chapati
- Roti
- Jeera rice
- Pulao
- Dosa
Tips
- Marinating the chicken makes it soft and flavorful.
- Homemade ginger-garlic paste gives the best taste.
- Add coconut milk at the end if you prefer a creamy curry.
- Use fresh coriander leaves for extra aroma.
This easy South Indian chicken curry is perfect for lunch, dinner, or special family meals. It is full of flavor, simple to prepare, and tastes even better the next day.

