Classic Chicken Curry With Freshly Ground
Spices

Whether it is the hot summers or the winters, a classic chicken curry never goes out of date. You
can enjoy a simple chicken curry with your selection of items like fried rice, pulao, plain rice,
different types of tandoor bread, and so on. You can prepare this amazing recipe at home in just a
few simple steps. Whether you are an amateur in cooking skills or whether you are a pro this
recipe is just as simple to make.

Oh, and we have given the entire recipe here in case you wish to follow the steps. You can follow
the steps and enjoy a classic chicken curry delight at home with as good a flavor as the
restaurants.

Making A Classic Chicken Curry At Home

To make a classic chicken curry at home you will need to buy chicken, vegetables of your choice,
and fresh Indian spices. Let us check out the list of ingredients first and then get on with the steps
of this amazing recipe.

Ingredients

Chicken

To make a classic chicken curry you need chicken cut into medium size dice. The chicken legs
add an extra flavor profile to your curries as it mixes with the broth. You can also add meat from
the chicken breast if you want to make it boneless and enjoy the juicy and savory meat.

Vegetables of your choice

You can add vegetables as you like. Generally, if you want to make a restaurant-style chicken you
do not add vegetables. But since you are trying it at home, you can add any vegetables you want
to. Make sure to wash and cut them before preparing the dish.

Here are the vegetables that you need

• Potatoes
• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Tomatoes

Fresh whole spices

Spices add life to the curry. Without the addition of spices, it will turn into a bland soup. It is the
spices that hit your taste buds and give a good aroma to your classic chicken curry.

Here are the spices that you need-

• Cumin
• Coriander
• Turmeric
• Cinnamon
• Red chili
• Bay leaf
• Cloves
• Cardamom

Yogurt

Yogurt adds a good creamy profile to classic chicken curries and it also aids in digestion. You can
use curd made at home or buy it from the market.

Steps for Making Classic Chicken Curry at Home

1. Toast the Whole Spices

The first step is to toast the spices under gentle heat for a few minutes to let their aroma increase.
Remember not to burn them under high heat and gently toast them. After taking it out from the
pan divide it into two parts.

• One part of the spices goes in whole to the curry.
• The other part, you will have to grind in a mixer to make your DIY garam masala at home
  and sprinkle it over the top at the end.

2. Marinade Chicken

Of course, the next and most important part is to marinate the chicken. Marinading with spices
adds a next-level aroma to your recipe.

Here are the things that you need for marination-

• Yogurt
• A bit of the ground spices as you have made in the first step
• Turmeric
• Ginger garlic paste
• Oil which you can choose as per your choice, you can add olive oil or mustard oil if you
  want to make it in the traditional Indian style.
• Chicken

So, here is what you do.

First Stage of Marination

Take the chicken in a bowl, add vinegar, and ginger garlic paste to it, and gently massage the
chicken. You need to leave it for at least 10 to 15 minutes before getting on with the second
stage of marination.

Second Stage Marination

In the second stage, add a spoonful of fresh ground spices, hung curd, oil, and a pinch of salt.
Now you need to rest it for at least 2 to 3 hours.

Stages of Preparing Your Classic Chicken Curry

1. Saute The Vegetables

In the first step, you need to sauté the veggies which you will add later in the curry. If do not want
to add any veggies to your classic chicken curry, this step can be avoided. Add the veggies that
you have cut and washed gently toss them in a small amount of oil for a few minutes and allow
them to cook. Take it out from the pan.

2. Add The Whole Spices

Remember that we told you to keep one part of the spices whole? It is time to add them to the hot
oil and allow it to simmer for a few minutes.

3. Add Ginger, Garlic, Onions and Tomatoes

The next step is to cut ginger and garlic as small as you can and add it to the spices. Let it fry for
another 30 seconds to 1 minute over medium heat. Now add the sliced onions, and let it fry till it
gets light golden brown. Next up it is time to add the tomatoes. Remember to add the tomatoes at
the end as they leave a lot of water as they continue to fry.

4. Add Marinated Chicken

Now it is time to add the marinated chicken and let it fry on medium to high heat. Remember that
you do not need to add any water at this stage. Let the chicken cook for some time to make sure
it is soft. Mix well with the spices, ginger, garlic onions, and tomatoes. Let it cook for 20 to 30
minutes at least.

5. Add the veggies

Now you can add the veggies and toss everything up. Let it simmer for about a minute or two and
now add water. Close the lid of the pan turn the heat to low and let it simmer for around 15 to 20
more minutes. Open the lid and check if the veggies have boiled enough to become soft, and the
chicken has become juicy and tender.

6. Add the ground DIY garam masala

Now, it is time to add your DIY powder whole spices masala from the top and give it a gentle mix.
This gives a rich flavor and a good texture.

Voila, Your Classic Chicken Curry is Ready

And there you go, it's done. Turn off the gas and garnish with fresh parsley or coriander leaves as
your classic chicken curry is now ready to enjoy.