Name: Chicken Madras Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 onion (peeled and roughly chopped): The base of the curry, adding a natural sweetness when cooked.; 2 garlic cloves (peeled): Essential for depth and aroma.; 2 teaspoons minced ginger: Fresh ginger complements the spices perfectly.; 3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil: Adds richness and helps toast the spices beautifully.; 3 chicken breasts (chopped into bite-size pieces): Use fresh chicken for the best texture and flavor.; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.; 3 tablespoons madras hot curry powder: The star spice mix that defines this dish.; 1 ½ teaspoons paprika: Enhances the color and adds a mild sweetness.; ¼ teaspoon ground fenugreek (optional): Gives a slightly tangy note, but the recipe still works well without it.; ½ teaspoon tamarind paste: Adds the signature tanginess of a Madras curry.; ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Balances and enhances the flavors.; 400 ml passata (about 14 oz): A smooth tomato base for the curry.; 2 tablespoons tomato puree: For a deeper tomato flavor.; 200 ml coconut milk (about 7 oz, full-fat): Adds a creamy richness to the curry.

When I first made Chicken Madras at home, the rich, spicy aroma that filled my kitchen was irresistible. I remember thinking, “This is better than any takeaway I’ve ever had!” The beautiful balance of spices, a slight tanginess, and the creamy finish from the coconut milk made it an instant favorite.

If you’re ready to bring restaurant-quality curry to your dining table, this recipe is a must-try. It’s easier than you think, and the flavors are nothing short of extraordinary.

Credit: kitchensanctuary

Ingredients

Creating a standout Chicken Madras comes down to using the right mix of fresh and aromatic ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

1 onion (peeled and roughly chopped): The base of the curry, adding a natural sweetness when cooked.
2 garlic cloves (peeled): Essential for depth and aroma.
2 teaspoons minced ginger: Fresh ginger complements the spices perfectly.
3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil: Adds richness and helps toast the spices beautifully.
3 chicken breasts (chopped into bite-size pieces): Use fresh chicken for the best texture and flavor.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
3 tablespoons madras hot curry powder: The star spice mix that defines this dish.
1 ½ teaspoons paprika: Enhances the color and adds a mild sweetness.
¼ teaspoon ground fenugreek (optional): Gives a slightly tangy note, but the recipe still works well without it.
½ teaspoon tamarind paste: Adds the signature tanginess of a Madras curry.
¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Balances and enhances the flavors.
400 ml passata (about 14 oz): A smooth tomato base for the curry.
2 tablespoons tomato puree: For a deeper tomato flavor.
200 ml coconut milk (about 7 oz, full-fat): Adds a creamy richness to the curry.

Note: Several servings. Adjust ingredient quantities proportionally if cooking for more people or meal prepping for the week.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to customize! Here are some ways to adjust the recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs:

Dairy-Free – Swap the ghee with vegetable oil and ensure your coconut milk is dairy-free.
Vegetarian – Replace chicken with tofu, paneer, or a blend of hearty vegetables like cauliflower and chickpeas.
Extra Heat – Add fresh chopped chilies or cayenne pepper for an even spicier kick.
Low-Carb – Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Flavor Enhancements – A squeeze of lemon or lime at the end brightens the dish beautifully.

You can also enjoy a comforting Chicken Biryani Recipe for another satisfying meal idea.

Cooking Time

This recipe is quick and perfect for weeknights! Here’s the timeline:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Gather these tools to make cooking smoother:

Food processor (to blend onion, garlic, and ginger into a paste)
Large frying pan or skillet (to cook the curry evenly)
Wooden spoon (for stirring the ingredients without scratching your pan)
Knife and chopping board (for prepping the chicken and vegetables)

How to Make Chicken Madras?

Making Chicken Madras is straightforward, but every step adds important layers of flavor. Here’s how I make this incredible dish.

Prepare the Base

Blend the onion, garlic, and ginger into a smooth paste using a food processor. A splash of oil can help get the right consistency. Heating your pan to a high temperature, fry this paste in ghee or oil for three to four minutes, stirring, until it begins to brown. This creates the aromatic foundation of the curry.

Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the sizzling pan and cook for two or three minutes until sealed. This step locks in the juiciness of the chicken, ensuring each bite remains tender.

Toast the Spices

Turn the heat down to medium and sprinkle in the cinnamon, madras curry powder, paprika, ground fenugreek, tamarind paste, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously for one minute to release their heavenly fragrances. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Build the Sauce

Pour in the passata and add the tomato puree to intensify the tomato base. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, add the coconut milk for a creamy, silky finish. Reduce the heat and simmer for about ten minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken.

Final Touch

Before serving, taste the curry and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander, thinly sliced red onions, and red chili slices for extra flair.

Credit: neyskitchenofficial

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I’ve made this recipe many times, and here are a few tips to make it even better:

Use freshly ground spices whenever possible for the most vibrant flavors.
Don’t rush the spice toasting step; this is what intensifies the depth of the curry.
If you like a smoother sauce, blend the passata with the onion mixture before adding it.
Marinate the chicken in mild spices or yogurt a few hours beforehand for extra tenderness.
Serve the curry immediately for the freshest taste, but it also develops great depth as leftovers.

If you’re in the mood for something zesty with a touch of heat, you might enjoy the bold and tangy Chicken Scarpariello Recipe too.

How to Serve Chicken Madras Recipe?

Serving this curry right adds an extra dose of enjoyment! Place a generous ladle of Chicken Madras over fluffy basmati or pilau rice. Tear some warm, soft naan bread or roti to scoop up the sauce. For a refreshing side dish, a simple tomato and onion salad works beautifully. Sprinkle some chopped coriander and sliced chilies on top for a pop of color and fresh taste.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 466
Protein: 40 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fat: 27 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Chicken Madras is a great recipe to prepare in advance or store for later.

Refrigeration – After cooling, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freezing – Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating – Heat on the stovetop for 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until thoroughly heated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you’re still on the fence, here’s why this recipe stands out:

Quick and Easy – Perfect for weeknights, this takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.
Customizable Heat Levels – Adjust the spiciness to suit everyone’s taste, from mild to fiery.
Authentic Flavor – It captures the essence of Indian cuisine with bold, aromatic spices.
Versatile – Serve it with rice, naan, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Flavors develop even further when stored and reheated for leftovers.

Try this Chicken Madras recipe once, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation. There’s something incredible about creating your curry from scratch, and this dish truly delivers comfort, warmth, and a touch of spice. You might also want to explore more chicken recipes for different takes on comforting dinners.