Indian Red Chicken Curry: A Warm, Spicy Delight
This Spicy Indian Red Chicken Curry is perfect if you’re craving a warm, home-cooked dish with vibrant flavors! Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks combine with tender potatoes, all simmered in a blend of aromatic spices that fill your kitchen with a rich, savory aroma. In no time, you can enjoy this deeply flavorful, warming curry.
This curry is a flavorful tomato sauce made with a simple, yet powerful blend of onion, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. This base, combined with creamy yogurt, provides the perfect canvas for a robust mix of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, and garam masala. Every bite bursts with warmth, bringing a true taste of Indian cuisine to your table.
What Makes Spicy Indian Red Chicken Curry So Delicious?
- Authentic Flavors: Indian spices—especially whole spices like cinnamon and cardamom—add an unmistakable depth and warmth to each bite.
- Tender Chicken and Potatoes: Bone-in chicken enhances the flavor and keeps the curry moist and juicy. At the same time, potatoes soak up the delicious spices, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.
- Adjustable Heat: With moderate heat from red chili powder and paprika, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference. Creamy yogurt tempers the heat, ensuring a well-rounded, balanced flavor.
- One-Pot Wonder: All the ingredients cook together in one pot. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and making cleanup a breeze.
Recommended Sides
This spicy Indian red chicken curry pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Consider these options:
- Aromatic Basmati Rice: Light and fragrant, basmati rice absorbs the flavorful curry sauce perfectly, making it an ideal base.
- Buttery Naan or Roti: These soft, comforting breads are perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
- Cucumber Raita: A cool, refreshing yogurt and cucumber side dish that balances the curry’s heat.
- Mango Chutney or Pickled Onions: Sweet and tangy condiments like mango chutney or pickled onions bring a burst of contrasting flavor, balancing the curry’s richness with a hint of sweetness.
In conclusion
This Spicy Indian Red Chicken Curry is a homemade dish that brings the vibrant, bold flavors of India to your kitchen. Featuring succulent chicken, tender potatoes, and a blend of warming spices, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Pair it with basmati rice, naan, or a refreshing raita for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a longtime fan, this curry is sure to impress. Embrace the chance to customize each flavorful bite to make it uniquely yours!
Indian Red Chicken Curry: A Warm, Spicy Delight
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 large pan or pot with Lid
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken drumsticks and thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 3-4 medium Potatoes cubed
- ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt
For the Puree
- 1 whole onion diced (reserve 2 tablespoons to add to the pan)
- 1- inch piece ginger
- 6-8 garlic cloves
- 3 medium tomatoes
Spices
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 whole cardamom pods
- 2 star anises
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
Gather Ingredients
- Have all ingredients prepped and ready to streamline the cooking process.
Create the Puree Base
- Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes to a blender and blend until smooth. This will give your curry a silky texture.
Cook the Spices
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, star anise, and cloves. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the spices release their fragrance.
- Add the onions and cook, stirring, for 4-5 minutes until the onions become semi-transparent and the spices are aromatic. This step builds the essential flavor foundation, so don’t skip it!
Season the Curry
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, red chili powder, and turmeric. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is distributed evenly throughout the dish.
Add the Puree and Chicken
- Pour in the blended puree and stir well. Add the chicken pieces and mix thoroughly to coat them in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Incorporate Additional Spices
- Add the garam masala and ground coriander, stirring to blend everything well.
Add the Yogurt
- Stir the yogurt before adding it to prevent curdling. Gradually add the yogurt to the pan, stirring continuously to keep the sauce smooth.
Add Water and Potatoes:
- Add water and the cubed potatoes, stirring well so that everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
Slow Simmer for Tenderness
- Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
- Then, uncover and cook for another 15 minutes, allowing the chicken and potatoes to become perfectly tender as they absorb the flavorful spices.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with basmati rice or naan for a complete meal.
Video
Notes
- Adjust the Heat Level: For a milder curry, reduce the amount of red chili powder and paprika, or add a bit more yogurt to balance the spice.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Enhance the dish’s color, flavor, and nutritional value by adding green peas, bell peppers, or carrots.
- Make it Vegetarian-Friendly: For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with chickpeas, or if you prefer, try lamb for a heartier option.