This authentic Indian Chicken Curry is made with bone-in chicken, toasted spices, tomatoes, onions, and a yogurt-based marinade for a bold, balanced, and richly flavored dish perfect for pairing with rice or naan.
2 lbs chicken (bone-in or boneless thighs)
2 large onions, finely chopped
2 tomatoes or 1 cup puree
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced ginger
¼ cup plain yogurt (for marinade)
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 bay leaf
2 cardamom pods
1 small cinnamon stick
½ tsp turmeric
2 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
½–1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp garam masala
3 tbsp oil or ghee
1 cup water
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Marinate chicken with yogurt, turmeric, and salt for 30 min.
Heat oil, add whole spices. Let them sizzle.
Add onions and sauté until golden.
Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook 1–2 min.
Add tomatoes. Cook until thick and oil separates.
Add ground spices. Toast for 1–2 min.
Add chicken and sear until lightly browned.
Add water, cover, and simmer 20–30 min until chicken is tender.
Add garam masala, simmer 5 min. Garnish with cilantro.
Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor
Adjust chili powder to your spice preference
Add coconut milk for a creamy variation
Curry deepens in flavor the next day