Kadai Chicken Recipe
Kadai Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic North Indian dish made with tender chicken cooked in a spicy tomato-onion gravy, enhanced with freshly roasted and ground spices, creamy textures, and garnished with fresh coriander and ginger. This vibrant dish is traditionally prepared in a heavy-bottomed pan or Kadai, delivering a rich, well-balanced taste perfect for a hearty meal.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Main Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken
- 2 large Onions, peeled and sliced
- 2 Tomatoes, chopped finely
- 1 Bell Pepper, chopped
- 2 Green chillies, slit
- 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic paste
- 2 tsp Garam masala powder
- 1 cup Cream
- 2 tbsp Oil
- Salt to taste
For Roasting and Grinding Spices
- 7 Dry Red chillies
- 3 tbsp Coriander seeds
For Garnishing
- 3 tbsp Coriander leaves
- 1 tbsp Ginger, peeled and julienned
- Roast Spices: Heat a pan and dry roast the dry red chillies and coriander seeds until they turn aromatic and slightly darker, being careful not to burn them. Once roasted, grind these spices into a coarse powder using a blender or spice grinder.
- Sauté Onions: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or Kadai over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they are golden brown and caramelized, which gives the dish its signature depth of flavor.
- Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the raw smell disappears, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook them thoroughly until they soften and blend well into the mixture, forming a rich base gravy.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes, ensuring they are nicely coated in the spice mixture.
- Add Ground Spices: Incorporate the freshly ground spice powder, garam masala, and salt into the pan. Mix well and cook until the chicken is fully done and tender, allowing the spices to infuse deeply into the meat.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped bell pepper and slit green chillies, cooking for another 5 minutes to retain their crunch and freshness.
- Finish with Cream and Garnish: Reduce the heat and stir in the cream to add richness and mellow the spices. Finally, garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves and julienned ginger before serving hot.
Notes
- Use fresh cream for a rich and creamy sauce, or substitute with yogurt for a lighter option.
- Adjust the number of green chillies according to your preferred spice level.
- Browning the onions properly is key to developing the deep flavor profile of Kadai Chicken.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.
- For a smoky flavor, you can char the bell pepper before adding it to the dish.
Keywords: Kadai Chicken, Indian Chicken Curry, Spicy Chicken Recipe, North Indian Chicken, Chicken Masala, Creamy Chicken Curry, Traditional Indian Chicken