Hyderabadi Chicken Masala

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Hyderabadi Chicken Masala is a spicy and flavorful dish with tender chicken, yogurt, onions, herbs, and basic Indian spices. Perfect with rice, naan, paratha, chapati, or roti, this authentic chicken curry recipe brings the taste of Hyderabad to your kitchen.

While you are here, don't miss our popular Hyderabadi chicken dum biryani and Indian butter chicken.

Hyderabadi Chicken Masala - Chicken Curry - side dish for rice, naan, roti, chapati, paratha.

Chicken Curry Hyderabadi

In this Hyderabadi-style chicken curry, the chicken is marinated in spice powders and yogurt and then cooked with caramelized onions, herbs like mint and coriander leaves, and coconut milk. This versatile curry recipe pairs well with almost anything from rice and onion rice to naan, roti, chapati, paratha, dosa, and idiyappam. It is one of the best chicken recipes for weekend meals or special occasions.

Check out our list of Indian flatbreads that can be served with this curry.

Classic Indian meal - chicken masala curry Hyderabad style with steamed rice and roti.

Ingredients

Spice powders: turmeric, red chile, cumin, coriander, and garam masala powder.

Chicken: thigh pieces are used. Bone-in tastes much better for this curry.

Yogurt: Makes chicken tender and adds a nice flavor.

Hrebs: Pudina (mint) and coriander leaves(cilantro).

Coconut milk: Adds an aromatic and rich flavor.

Onions: classic and traditional flavor.

Check out the recipe card for the full list of ingredients.

Marinate the chicken

In a bowl, add turmeric, red chile, coriander, cumin, garam masala, salt, ginger garlic paste, and curd, and mix well.
Add chicken and mix well.
Marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Making of the chicken masala

Making of rich and creamy chicken masala.

Heat oil in a pan. Add cinnamon stick, onion, and green chilies and saute for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden and caramelized.
Add marinated chicken.
To this, add mint and coriander leaves. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
Flip the chicken pieces. Add ½ cup water.
Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Flip again, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes.
Add coconut milk, mix well, and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes. (After adding chicken, you must cook for a total of 20 minutes).
Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice, roti, naan, chapati, or paratha, and enjoy.

Tips

Use bone-in chicken pieces for the best flavor.
Adjust the spice powders to your taste.
You can add crispy fried onions at the end for enhanced flavor.

Chicken masala - chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked in coconut milk.

Recipe FAQ

What is Hyderabadi Chicken?

Hyderabadi chicken refers to various flavorful dishes like curries, masala, and biryani originating from Hyderabad. These are known for the use of aromatic spices and flavors, including yogurt, caramelized onions, and lots of fresh herbs like pudina (mint) and coriander leaves (cilantro). It is a blend of Mughlai and Turkish flavors.

Serving suggestions

This chicken dish can be served with any Indian breads and flatbreads like naan, roti, chapati, paratha, kulcha, kori rotti, or rice items like ghee rice, onion rice, steamed rice or with breakfast items like neer dosa, idiyappam, appam, etc.

Recipe card

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