Spicy Chicken Madras Curry

Spicy Chicken Madras Curry is a bold, flavorful Indian-inspired dish known for its deep red color, fiery heat, and complex blend of spices. Tender pieces of chicken simmer in a thick, fragrant sauce made from tomatoes, chilies, garlic, and aromatic curry spices, delivering a satisfying and hearty meal best served with rice or naan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Madras is perfect for those who enjoy bold, warming flavors with a spicy edge. This recipe is easy to prepare at home and far more rewarding than takeout. It’s rich, aromatic, and customizable in heat level. The sauce is thick and satisfying, and the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers in the flavorful curry base.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (grated)
• Tomatoes (crushed or pureed)
• Tomato paste
• Red chili powder or cayenne pepper
• Garam masala
• Ground coriander
• Ground cumin
• Turmeric
• Paprika
• Oil (vegetable or coconut)
• Water or chicken broth
• Salt
• Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
2. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste and spices (chili powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, garam masala). Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
4. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
7. Season to taste and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
8. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Creamier Version: Stir in coconut milk or cream at the end for a milder, richer curry.
• Extra Spicy: Add fresh green chilies or increase red chili powder to taste.
• Vegetable Add-In: Add potatoes or peas for extra body and nutrition.
• Slow Cooker: Combine ingredients and cook on low for 5–6 hours after sautéing onions and spices.

Storage/reheating

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This curry also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Is Chicken Madras very spicy?

It’s typically medium to hot. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the chili powder.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, though thighs stay more tender. Be careful not to overcook breasts.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or mixed vegetables.

What’s the difference between Madras curry and regular curry?

Madras curry is spicier and has a deeper red color due to more chilies and tomatoes.

What should I serve with this curry?

Basmati rice, naan, or roti are traditional choices. Cucumber raita is a great cooling side.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors deepen as it rests. It’s excellent for meal prep or next-day serving.

Do I need curry powder for this recipe?

No. The individual spices in this recipe replicate a Madras-style curry flavor without needing generic curry powder.

Can I add yogurt to the sauce?

Yes, stir in a few tablespoons at the end for creaminess and a slight tang.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid, or stir in a spoon of ground almonds or cashew paste.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Spicy Chicken Madras Curry is a bold and satisfying dish that brings the warmth and complexity of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. With its fiery sauce, tender chicken, and deep spice blend, it’s the perfect meal for fans of heat and flavor. Easy to make and even better the next day, this curry is sure to become a favorite.

Spicy Chicken Madras Curry

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Spicy Chicken Madras Curry is a rich, bold Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a spicy tomato-based sauce loaded with aromatic spices. It’s a hearty and satisfying curry perfect for spice lovers and best served with rice or naan.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or coconut)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed or pureed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder or cayenne (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden, about 5–6 minutes.
2. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
4. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
8. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

Notes

• For a creamier curry, stir in 1/4 cup of coconut milk or cream at the end.
• Adjust heat level by varying the amount of chili powder or adding fresh green chilies.
• Use chicken thighs for more tender, flavorful meat.
• This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 110mg