Looking for a bold and flavorful chicken masaledar recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight but good enough to impress? You’re in the right place. This dish packs deep, spiced flavor with tender boneless chicken simmered in a rich masala sauce. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a spice-lover at heart, this chicken masaledar will hit the spot. In this post, I’ll walk you through the cooking process, spice combinations, and tips for making it just right. Plus, we’ll explore how it compares to similar dishes like chicken masala or marsala. Let’s get into the kitchen!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love Chicken Masaledar Recipe
Warm Memories in a Spicy Masala Kitchen
My journey with chicken masaledar started on a quiet Sunday night when my kids were tucked in early, and the house smelled like toasted cumin and garam masala. I had some leftover boneless chicken thighs and a strong craving for something cozy and spicy. That night, I improvised with ingredients I had on hand and created a version of this chicken masaledar recipe that’s now a regular in our home. It’s not just a dish—it’s a story in every bite.
Growing up, my family didn’t cook much Indian food, but I’ve always loved how deeply layered masala flavors can turn everyday ingredients into something unforgettable. The richness of the spiced tomato base, the creaminess of yogurt, and the final sprinkle of cilantro bring this dish together like magic.
If you’ve ever tried a dish like this at a restaurant and thought, “I could never make that at home,” let me reassure you—it’s totally doable. It’s as simple as sautéing your onions, adding the spices, tossing in some chicken, and letting it simmer until everything is infused with flavor.
When I first tried something similar like this easy Persian chicken recipe, I was amazed at how pantry spices could create such bold tastes. And once you’ve made this dish, you’ll also love diving into my chicken masala recipe for a different twist on the same theme.
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Chicken Masaledar Recipe
This chicken masaledar recipe delivers bold, spicy flavors with tender boneless chicken cooked in a tomato-yogurt masala gravy. Perfect with naan or rice.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless chicken thigh cut into 1–1½ inch pieces
3 tablespoons oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon garam masala powder
½–¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ cup yogurt, whisked
2 tablespoon cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
½ cup water
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
2. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook until oil separates (5–6 minutes).
5. Add chicken pieces and stir well into the masala.
6. Add ½ cup water, cover, and simmer on medium-low for 15 minutes until chicken is tender.
7. Stir in yogurt and garam masala. Simmer for another 4–5 minutes.
8. Turn off heat, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
You can use bone-in chicken, but cooking time will increase.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter with the yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
How to Make Chicken Masaledar Recipe at Home
Spice It Right: The Core of Chicken Masaledar
The beauty of this chicken masaledar recipe lies in the masala—the spice mix that builds the foundation of flavor. You don’t need a long list of exotic items to get restaurant-quality taste at home. This recipe starts with toasted cumin seeds, followed by sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger. These form the aromatic base. The boldness comes from coriander powder, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala.
Once you’ve sautéed the tomatoes and tomato paste until the oil separates—a key indicator that your masala is perfectly cooked—you’re ready to add the chicken. Use boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. They absorb flavor better and stay juicy, even after simmering.
If you love crispy textures too, try pairing this dish with these crispy chicken cutlet recipes for a fun contrast on the plate.
Cooking Technique That Locks in Taste
Getting this dish just right is all about layering. Once the chicken is added, let it sauté for a few minutes so it soaks up the base flavors. Then add water, cover the pot, and simmer gently. This ensures the chicken becomes tender without overcooking. Yogurt is stirred in near the end, not at the start, to prevent curdling and to preserve its creamy texture.
After simmering, a final touch of garam masala and fresh cilantro elevates the dish beautifully. You’ll notice how the gravy thickens slightly, making it ideal to scoop up with naan or drizzle over basmati rice.
And don’t forget: your oil choice matters. For that authentic touch, use mustard oil or check out the best oils for chicken cutlets; they apply perfectly here too.
Variations of Chicken Masaledar Recipe You’ll Love
Tweaks for Every Taste
One of the best things about a chicken masaledar recipe is its flexibility. The degree of spice can be readily changed to accommodate your household. Want it milder? Cut back on the red chili powder and use Kashmiri chili instead. Need more depth? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of coconut milk for richness. This dish welcomes creativity.
If you’re aiming for a low-carb version, skip the naan and pair it with a big bowl of grilled chicken and zucchini salad. The combination is light yet still satisfying thanks to the bold masala.
To make a dairy-free variation of this chicken masaledar recipe, simply swap the yogurt for cashew cream or coconut yogurt. This tweak works especially well if you want a slightly sweet undertone to balance the heat.
Serving Suggestions: Naan, Rice, and More
You can serve this chicken masaledar recipe in a variety of ways depending on the occasion. Jeera rice or plain steamed basmati rice are excellent options for a traditional supper. The thick, spicy sauce is ideal for scooping up with fresh naan or garlic butter roti.
When I’m hosting, I like to pair it with a tangy side dish like a cucumber salad or a lemony raita to cool things down. You can also go fusion and stuff this chicken masaledar into wraps or rolls.
If you’re planning a weeknight dinner, combine it with these chicken cutlet side dish ideas to round out your plate. Trust me—your family will want seconds.
In short, this chicken masaledar recipe adapts to any table, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Chicken Masaledar Recipe vs. Similar Dishes
Understanding Chicken Masaledar vs. Chicken Marsala
It’s easy to confuse a chicken masaledar recipe with chicken marsala, but they’re worlds apart in flavor and origin. Chicken marsala is an Italian-American dish made with Marsala wine, mushrooms, and cream—it’s rich, mellow, and mildly sweet.
On the other hand, a chicken masaledar recipe brings together bold spices, tangy tomatoes, and yogurt to create a deeply savory and spicy gravy. There’s no wine involved, and every bite is layered with turmeric, chili, and coriander.
In short, one dish soothes, while the other awakens your palate with heat and fragrance. So if you’re debating between the two for dinner, go with chicken masaledar when you’re craving intensity and warmth.
What Is Masaledar Curry Made Of?
A masaledar curry simply means a curry loaded with spices. The heart of any chicken masaledar recipe is a rich base of sautéed onions, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes blended with cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Yogurt adds a subtle tang and creaminess, while fresh cilantro brightens up the final dish.
If you’re already hooked on masala-style meals, you’ll definitely want to try it chilled the next day in a peach basil chicken salad for an unexpected flavor twist.
Looking to experiment even more? Turn your leftovers into a fusion-style lunch bowl, or stuff them into a flatbread wrap alongside crisp greens and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. I’ve even paired it with a buffalo ranch chicken salad for a spicy-meets-creamy combo that works surprisingly well.
At its core, a chicken masaledar recipe is about balance: spice, richness, and simplicity. Whether you’re making it for the first time or adjusting it to your style, it’s a keeper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients for chicken masala?
A traditional chicken masala includes boneless chicken, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a blend of ground spices like coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Most recipes, including this chicken masaledar recipe, also use yogurt to balance the spices and create a creamy gravy.
What is masaledar curry made of?
Masaledar curry means a curry that’s rich in spice and flavor. It typically combines sautéed onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger with a robust mix of Indian spices. This chicken masaledar recipe also uses cumin seeds, ground coriander, red chili powder, and yogurt for added depth.
What makes chicken marsala?
Chicken marsala is made using chicken breasts simmered in a sauce of Marsala wine, mushrooms, garlic, and heavy cream. Unlike a chicken masaledar recipe, chicken marsala has a sweet, creamy profile and uses fewer spices.
What’s the difference between chicken marsala and chicken masala?
The key difference is in the base: chicken marsala uses wine and cream, while chicken masala (like in this chicken masaledar recipe) is made with tomatoes, yogurt, and traditional Indian spices. One is Western, the other is boldly Indian.
Conclusion: Why This Chicken Masaledar Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich in flavor, quick to make, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, this chicken masaledar recipe should be your next dinner. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you can bring the warm, spiced flavors of Indian cuisine right into your kitchen.
From weeknight dinners to meal prep to sharing with guests, this dish checks every box. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy chicken.
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