Chicken Curry Recipe:

Ingredients for Chicken Curry Recipe:

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken (bone-in, skinless)	1.5 kg
Onion (finely chopped)	2 medium-sized
Tomatoes (chopped)	2 medium-sized
Ginger-garlic paste	2 tablespoons
Yogurt	1/2 cup
Cooking oil	3 tablespoons
Cumin seeds	1 teaspoon
Coriander powder	2 teaspoons
Turmeric powder	1/2 teaspoon
Red chili powder	1 teaspoon
Garam masala	1 teaspoon
Salt	To taste
Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)	Optional

How to make a flavorful chicken curry at home?

1. Marination:
   • Clean and wash the chicken pieces.
   • In a bowl, mix the chicken with yogurt, half of the ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, and salt.
   • Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cooking:
   • Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or pot.
   • Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
   • Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
   • Add the remaining ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
   • Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and oil starts to separate.
3. Spices:
   • Add coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Chicken Cooking:
   • Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook on medium heat until it changes color.
   • Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Simmering:
   • Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the chicken cook in its own juices for about 15-20 minutes.
   • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Final Touch:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, uncover the pan and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes to thicken the curry.
   • Adjust the salt and spice levels according to your taste.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
   • Serve hot with steamed rice or naan.

Time Duration:

Step	Time Duration
Marination	30 minutes
Cooking	15 minutes
Spices	10 minutes
Chicken Cooking	20 minutes
Simmering	20 minutes
Final Touch	7 minutes
Total Time	Approximately 1 hour 42 minutes

What is the best marination time for chicken before making curry?

The marination time for chicken before making curry can vary depending on your preferences and the recipe you’re following. However, a general guideline is to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Longer marination, such as 2 to 24 hours or even overnight, can further enhance the taste and tenderness of the chicken.

Here’s why marination time matters:

1. **Flavor Infusion:** Marinating allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the spices, herbs, and other ingredients in the marinade. The longer it marinates, the more pronounced the flavors will be.

2. **Tenderness:** Marination not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken. Ingredients like yogurt or buttermilk in the marinade contain natural enzymes that can break down proteins, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture.

3. **Convenience:** While a short marination time is suitable for quick meals, a longer marination time can be convenient for preparing in advance, allowing you to save time when you’re ready to cook.

If you’re planning to marinate the chicken for an extended period, it’s a good idea to keep it refrigerated to prevent any risk of spoilage. Always follow the specific marination instructions provided in your chosen chicken curry recipe for the best results.

Can you suggest suitable side dishes or accompaniments for chicken curry?