5 from 1 vote

Chicken Masala Gravy is a delectable and flavorful dish that features succulent pieces of chicken cooked in a rich and aromatic gravy.

This popular Indian dish is known for its tantalizing blend of spices and the perfect balance of flavors.

The chicken is marinated in a mixture of spices, and sometimes lemon juice, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors.

It is then cooked in a thick, luscious gravy made from a combination of onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a variety of aromatic spices.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Chicken Masala Gravy is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring succulent chicken in a rich gravy.

Marinating the chicken helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavors.
Slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb the spices and results in tender, juicy meat.
The gravy is made with a combination of onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a variety of aromatic spices.

Chicken Masala Gravy pairs well with rice, naan bread, or roti, and is a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions.

The Ingredients:

Chicken: 1 and ½ kg (cut and cleaned)

Onion: 300 gms (finely chopped)
Ginger-Garlic Paste: 4 tbl spoons (2 tbl spoons Each of Ginger Paste and Garlic Paste)
Turmeric Powder: 1 and ½ tbl spoon

Chili Powder: 1 and ½ tbl spoon
Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: 1 tbl spoon
Coriander Powder: 1 tbl spoon

Cumin Powder: 1 tbl spoon
Garam Masala Powder: 1 tbl spoon
1 Lemon Cut into Four Pieces

Coriander Leaves – 1 tbl spoon
Mustard Oil – 4 tbl spoon
Salt to Taste

Whole Spices: Bay Leaves: 2, Cinnamon Sticks: 2, Black Cardamom: 1, Green Cardamom: 4, Cloves: 2, Black Pepper: 8, Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp

How to Cook Chicken Masala Gravy (Step by Step Images)?

1. Marinate the chicken with 2 teaspoons of salt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Set it aside for half an hour.

2. Keep the marinated chicken aside.

3. Put a wok on the stove.

4. Once the wok is hot, pour mustard oil into it.

5. Add the whole spices to the smoking oil. Stir for 1 minute.

6. You will now notice the aroma coming out of them. Add chopped onions and fry until they turn light brown.

7. Add the marinated chicken pieces.

8. Mix well and cover the wok with a lid. Leave it for 5 minutes.

9. Open the lid. The chicken has already started releasing water. Add 4 teaspoons of salt, garam masala, and Kashmiri red chili powder.

10. Mix well and cover the wok for 5 minutes.

11. Stir again and keep it covered for another 5 minutes.

12. Stir again and add water. Cover the pan for 15 minutes to allow the chicken to boil.

13. Adding coriander leaves to the Chicken Masala Gravy.

14. Chicken Masala Gravy is ready.

15. Pour Chicken Masala Gravy into a bowl.

Pro Tips for Cooking Chicken Masala Gravy

Marination: For a more flavorful and tender chicken, marinate the chicken pieces in the spice mixture, yogurt, or lemon juice for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and make it more succulent.

Browning the chicken: It’s a good idea to lightly brown the marinated chicken pieces in a separate pan. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and helps seal in the juices, resulting in moist and flavorful chicken.

Slow cooking: Chicken Masala Gravy is best cooked on low heat to allow the flavors to develop fully. Simmer the gravy gently and let it cook slowly, allowing the spices to infuse and the chicken to become tender. Avoid rushing the process by cooking on high heat, as this can result in unevenly cooked chicken and a less flavorful gravy.

Spice balance: Adjust the spices according to your preference. If you like it spicier, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed to achieve your desired level of spiciness.

Use quality spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavors of your Chicken Masala Gravy. Consider using whole spices and grinding them yourself for the best results. This will bring out the aromatic oils and add a depth of flavor to the dish.

Garnish with fresh herbs: Just before serving, garnish the Chicken Masala Gravy with freshly chopped cilantro or coriander leaves. This adds a burst of freshness and a touch of vibrant color to the dish. You can also sprinkle some roasted cumin seeds on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Resting time: After cooking, allow the Chicken Masala Gravy to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the gravy to thicken slightly. The resting time also helps the chicken absorb the flavors even more, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive dish.

Remember, cooking Chicken Masala Gravy is a culinary adventure, and you can always adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences. Enjoy the process, experiment, and make it your own signature dish!

What to Serve with Chicken Masala Gravy?

Chicken Masala Gravy pairs well with a variety of accompaniments that complement its rich and flavorful profile. Here are some popular options:

Rice: Serve the Chicken Masala Gravy with steamed basmati rice or fragrant biryani rice. The rice absorbs the flavors of the gravy and provides a neutral base to balance the spices.

Naan or Roti: Indian breads like naan or roti are perfect for scooping up the chicken and gravy. Their soft and chewy texture complements the sauciness of the dish.

Paratha: Another great bread option is paratha, a flaky and layered flatbread. It adds a delightful texture and richness to the meal.

Vegetable Pulao: A fragrant and colorful vegetable pulao is an excellent choice to serve alongside Chicken Masala Gravy. The combination of the aromatic rice and the flavorful gravy creates a satisfying meal.

Yogurt: A bowl of plain yogurt can be served alongside Chicken Masala Gravy to provide a cooling element and help balance the spices.

Feel free to mix and match these options based on your personal preferences and the occasion.

How Does Chicken Masala Gravy Taste?

Chicken Masala Gravy is known for its rich, aromatic, and flavorful taste. It combines a harmonious blend of spices and ingredients, resulting in a savory and satisfying dish. Here are some key characteristics of its taste:

Spicy: Chicken Masala Gravy typically has a moderate level of spiciness. The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala adds warmth and a hint of heat to the dish. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted to suit personal preferences.

Aromatic: The use of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves infuses the gravy with a fragrant and enticing aroma. These spices contribute to the overall flavor profile and enhance the sensory experience.

Bold and Savory: The combination of onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes creates a savory base for the gravy. The flavors intensify as the ingredients are cooked together, resulting in a robust and well-rounded taste.

Tangy: Chicken Masala Gravy often incorporates tangy elements, such as the addition of yogurt or lemon juice. This tanginess helps balance the spices and adds a refreshing touch to the overall taste.

Umami: The chicken itself contributes to the umami flavor, which is the savory taste often associated with meat. The combination of spices and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a satisfying umami experience.

Overall, Chicken Masala Gravy has a well-balanced and complex taste profile. It combines spiciness, aromatics, savory notes, and a touch of tanginess to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Chicken Masala Gravy Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to Chicken Masala Gravy, here are a few options that offer similar flavors and textures:

Paneer Masala: Paneer is a popular Indian cheese that can be cooked in a similar masala gravy. It provides a vegetarian alternative to chicken and absorbs the flavors of the spices and sauce beautifully.

Vegetable Masala: A medley of mixed vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, peas, bell peppers, and cauliflower cooked in a masala gravy can be a delicious alternative. It offers a variety of textures and flavors while still providing a hearty and flavorful dish.

Mushroom Masala: Mushrooms have a meaty texture and can be used as a substitute for chicken in a masala gravy. They absorb the flavors well and provide a satisfying umami taste.

Tofu Masala: Tofu is a versatile protein source that can be used as a substitute for chicken. It takes on the flavors of the spices and sauce and offers a soft and creamy texture when cooked in a masala gravy.

Fish Masala: If you enjoy seafood, you can try making a fish masala gravy. Choose firm fish fillets such as tilapia, salmon, or cod and cook them in a flavorful masala sauce. The fish adds its own unique flavor to the dish.

Lamb/Goat Masala: If you prefer red meat, you can use lamb or goat as an alternative to chicken. These meats have a rich and robust flavor that pairs well with the spices and gravy in a masala dish.

Remember to adjust the cooking times and methods based on the protein or vegetables you choose to ensure they are cooked thoroughly. Enjoy experimenting with these alternatives to create flavorful and satisfying dishes.