Chicken Curry – South Indian Style
Main Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Sauté Aromatics
Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds and curry leaves. Stir for about until fragrant.
Cook Onions and Ginger-Garlic
Add sliced onion and ginger garlic paste to the pan. for until the onions soften and turn translucent.
Brown the Chicken
Add the chopped chicken pieces and salt to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the aromatics. Cook for , stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces change color and are lightly browned.
Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add chopped fresh tomato and fresh chili to the pan. Sprinkle in turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
Simmer with Water
Pour 200 ml of water into the pan. Stir everything together, then cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for on medium heat, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Add Coconut Milk and Cook
Remove the lid and add 300 ml of coconut milk. Stir well. the heat to just above a . Cover the pan again and cook for another , allowing the curry to thicken slightly and the chicken to cook through.
Reduce and Thicken Gravy
Remove the lid and increase the heat to high. Cook for approximately , stirring frequently, to the gravy to your desired consistency. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will intensify.
Final Touches
Turn off the heat. Check the curry for salt and adjust if necessary. Sprinkle garam masala powder and fresh chopped cilantro over the curry. Stir gently to incorporate. Serve hot.
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 6 swaps
No Curry leaves?
- 1 bay leaf + a pinch of lemon zest — Aroma only — flavor is unique.
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Coconut milk?
- Equal parts heavy cream + 1/2 tsp coconut extract
- Whole milk + 1 tsp coconut oil (per cup)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
Variations
Simple ways to adapt this recipe.
- Use chicken breast for a leaner version
Adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Add potatoes or other vegetablesCustomise
Add potatoes or other vegetables for extra bulk and nutrition.
Helpful Tips
Small details that can improve the final result.
Your Notes
Save your personal tweaks, substitutions and cooking adjustments.
Saved only on this device.Example: Used less salt, cooked 5 minutes longer, added extra coriander.
Included when you print this recipe.
More from HOW TO COOK GREAT FOOD
Other recipes converted from HOW TO COOK GREAT FOOD's cooking videos.
Chicken Biryani – Royal Style
Cuisine
Indian · South Asian
Prep + Cook Time
1 hr 30 min
Difficulty Level
Medium
Simple Vegetable Dal – Indian Style
Cuisine
Indian
Prep + Cook Time
35 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Easy
Yellow Toor Dal Fry – Indian Style
Cuisine
Indian · South Indian
Prep + Cook Time
1 hr 10 min
Difficulty Level
Easy
You might also like
Other recipes in the same cuisine, meal type, or style — ready to cook whenever you are.
Meat Ball Curry – North Indian Style
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
45 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Medium
Chicken Curry – Indian Style
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
45 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Medium
Chicken Curry – Easy & Tasty
Cuisine
Indian · South Indian
Prep + Cook Time
1 hr 5 min
Difficulty Level
Easy
Country Chicken Fry & Gravy | Nattu Kozhi Varuval & Kuzhambu
Cuisine
Indian · South Indian
Prep + Cook Time
1 hr 10 min
Difficulty Level
Medium
Chole Masala - Quick & Easy Chickpea Curry
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
45 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Easy
Crispy Spicy Onion Paratha
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
45 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Comments (0)
Sign in to leave a comment on this recipe.
Loading comments...