Chicken Masala

Chicken Masala

I thought it seemed fitting to start off with a recipe that is part namesake of this blog: Chicken Masala.  This is one of the most common recipes in an Indian household.  It takes very few ingredients and you can prepare it pretty quickly.  The flavor in this dish is amazing without having to marinate the chicken and you can easily customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder that you add.  

Ingredients: 

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 tbs. cumin seeds

1/2 tbs. turmeric

2 tbs. ginger & garlic paste

(or 1 tbs. minced ginger & 1 tbs. minced garlic)

2 large onions (chopped)

2 lbs. boneless/skinless chicken thights (cubed)

2 tbs. garam masala

1/2 tbs. chili powder (use 1 tbs. for more heat and 1/4 tbs. for less heat)

1 tsp. salt (or to taste)

1 cup tomato sauce

1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth

Cilantro for Garnish

Start off by by warming a large skillet on the stove.  Add 1/4 cup of oil and as soon as the oil is hot add 1 tbs. cumin seeds, 1/2 tbs. turmeric, 2 tbs. ginger & garlic paste (if you are cooking without the paste add 1 tbs. minced ginger and 1 tbs. minced garlic) and 2 large onions (chopped) and sauté until the onions are translucent.

Oil, Cumin Seeds, Turmeric, Ginger & Garlic Paste and Onions

When the onions have cooked add 2 lbs of 1 or 2 inch cubed boneless/skinless chicken thighs.  On top of the chicken add 2 tbs. garam masala and the chili powder (this is where you can control the heat of the dish 1 tbs. will give the dish pretty good heat, 1/2 tbs. will make it pretty mild and you can use 1/4 tbs. if you don't enjoy heat.  You can always start with a lesser amount and after adding the tomato sauce and water add more chili powder if needed.) and finally 1 tsp salt (you can also adjust to taste with the salt).  Stir ingredients together, cover and continue sautéing the dish until chicken has cooked.  It should take approximately 10 - 15 minutes.

Add the Chicken, Garam Masala, Chili Powder and Salt

When your chicken is ready add 1 cup of tomato sauce and 1 1/2 cups of water or chicken broth.  Stir and cover and cook on medium heat until oil rises to the top about 10 - 15 minutes.


Stir in Tomato Sauce and Water or Chicken Broth.

Remove dish and garnish with chopped cilantro (if you desire).  Serve with rice, roti or naan bread.  Enjoy.


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