If you’re craving something spicy, rich, and bursting with flavor, chicken madras curry is the dish for you. This classic Indian recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a delightful blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Originating from South India, Madras curry brings warmth and depth to any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you whipping up a deliciously aromatic dish in no time. Get ready to impress family and friends while satisfying your own cravings!
Chicken Madras Curry Recipe
Chicken Madras curry is a delightful dish that features succulent pieces of chicken simmered in a rich and spicy sauce. The vibrant flavors come from an array of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
Perfectly paired with rice or naan, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. With just the right amount of heat and aromatic goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience!
Chicken Madras Curry Ingredients
To create a delicious Chicken Madras curry, you’ll need some key ingredients,
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Boneless chicken breasts | 500 grams |
Onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
Ginger, minced | 1-inch piece |
Tomatoes, chopped | 2 medium |
Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
Coconut milk | 400 ml |
Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
Madras curry powder | 2 tablespoons |
Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
Ground coriander | 1 teaspoon |
Turmeric powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
Garam masala | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Fresh cilantro, chopped | For garnish |
Chicken Madras Curry Instructions
Let’s start the cooking process of chicken madras recipe
1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger, ensuring they are ready for cooking.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
4. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
5. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
6. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until the tomatoes soften and the mixture is well combined (about 5-7 minutes).
7. Add the Madras curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
8. Add the chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they are well coated with the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides (approximately 5-6 minutes).
9. Pour in the coconut milk and stir well to combine. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a simmer.
10. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
11. Add salt to taste and stir in the garam masala. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
12. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Chicken Madras Curry with rice or naan!
Chicken Madras Curry Nutrition Details
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 25 grams |
Carbohydrates | 10 grams |
Fat | 25 grams |
Saturated Fat | 15 grams |
Fiber | 3 grams |
Sodium | 500 mg |
Sugar | 6 grams |
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Chicken Madras Curry Variations
Vegetarian Madras Curry
- Ingredients: Replace the chicken with a combination of vegetables such as cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, peas, and bell peppers.
- Instructions: Follow the same cooking steps. Add the vegetables after sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook the vegetables until they are tender before adding the spices. Continue with the recipe as usual.
- Result: A hearty and satisfying vegetarian curry that retains all the rich flavors of the original dish.
Seafood Madras Curry
- Ingredients: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), or a mix of seafood.
- Instructions: Follow the same cooking steps. Add the seafood after sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for a shorter time, about 5-7 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the seafood.
- Result: A delightful seafood curry with a spicy kick, perfect for seafood lovers.
Creamy Madras Curry
- Ingredients: Add a few tablespoons of plain yogurt or heavy cream towards the end of the cooking process.
- Instructions: After the chicken is fully cooked and the curry is almost ready, stir in the yogurt or cream. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the curry does not boil to prevent curdling.
- Result: A richer and creamier curry that balances the heat with a smooth, velvety texture.
Chicken Madras Curry Serving Suggestion
Basmati Rice:
- Serve the Chicken Madras Curry over a bed of fluffy, fragrant basmati rice. The rice helps to balance the spicy flavors and soak up the delicious sauce.
- Cook basmati rice according to package instructions, adding a pinch of salt and a few cloves or a cinnamon stick for extra aroma.
Naan Bread:
- Soft, warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the rich and spicy curry. It adds a chewy texture and complements the flavors of the curry.
- Heat store-bought naan bread in the oven or on a skillet, or make homemade naan for a fresh and authentic experience.
Raita:
- A cooling yogurt-based side dish that helps to balance the heat of the curry. Raita typically contains yogurt, cucumber, mint, and a touch of cumin.
- Mix plain yogurt with finely chopped cucumber, fresh mint leaves, a pinch of salt, and a dash of ground cumin. Chill before serving.
Mango Chutney:
- Sweet and tangy mango chutney provides a delightful contrast to the spicy curry. It adds a burst of fruity flavor and a hint of sweetness.
- Use store-bought mango chutney or make your own by simmering ripe mangoes with sugar, vinegar, ginger, and spices until thickened.
Enjoy this delicious Chicken Madras Curry with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal!
Conclusion
Chicken Madras curry is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Indian cuisine right into your kitchen. Its vibrant spices and tender chicken create an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
Whether you enjoy it with rice or naan, this recipe allows for creativity in every serving. Experimenting with variations can lead to new favorites while keeping the essence of this classic dish alive. Enjoy making it part of your cooking repertoire!

Chicken Madras Curry Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 grams Boneless chicken breasts
- 1 large Onion finely chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves minced
- 1- inch piece Ginger minced
- 2 medium Tomatoes chopped
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 400 ml Coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Madras curry powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- Salt
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger, ensuring they are ready for cooking.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until the tomatoes soften and the mixture is well combined (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the Madras curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they are well coated with the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides (approximately 5-6 minutes).
- Pour in the coconut milk and stir well to combine. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Add salt to taste and stir in the garam masala. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Chicken Madras Curry with rice or naan!
FAQ
What are chicken madras made of?
Chicken Madras is a flavorful dish that hails from South India. It primarily consists of tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of spices, offering a rich taste profile.
The curry typically includes ingredients like onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and an array of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Coconut milk may also be added for creaminess. This combination creates a deliciously spicy and aromatic experience that’s hard to resist.
What is the difference between curry and Madras?
Curry is a broad term that encompasses various dishes made with spices, herbs, and ingredients like meat or vegetables. It can range from mild to extremely spicy and varies significantly across regions.
Madras curry, on the other hand, refers specifically to a style of curry originating from the southern part of India. It’s known for its rich flavors and fiery heat, typically featuring a blend of spices like coriander and turmeric along with chili peppers. This distinctive spiciness sets it apart from other curry types.
What is the difference between Kashmiri and Madras curry?
Kashmiri curry and Madras curry differ significantly in flavor profiles. Kashmiri curry is typically milder, often featuring ingredients like yogurt and nuts, which create a rich, creamy texture. It’s known for its vibrant red color, primarily from Kashmiri chili.
In contrast, Madras curry packs more heat and intensity. It uses a combination of spices such as tamarind and mustard seeds that give it a distinctive tangy flavor. This spice blend makes Madras curry bolder compared to the subtlety found in Kashmiri dishes.
Who invented the chicken madras?
Chicken Madras, like many Indian dishes, has roots steeped in history and culture. It is believed to have originated in the southern city of Madras, now known as Chennai. The dish reflects a blend of traditional South Indian flavors with influences from British colonial times.
While there’s no single inventor credited with Chicken Madras, it became popular among those seeking bold and spicy curry options. The use of rich spices showcases the culinary expertise developed over generations by local chefs and home cooks alike.
What curry is similar to madras?
Chicken Madras is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Indian cuisine. If you enjoy this flavorful curry, you might also like dishes such as Vindaloo or Rogan Josh. Both share a rich blend of spices and vibrant flavors, making them excellent alternatives. Each offers its unique twist while retaining that delightful warmth synonymous with Madras curry. So whether you’re exploring new recipes or craving familiar tastes, these curries will satisfy your palate just as much!