Description
Enjoy a comforting Chicken Gravy made with tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato-onion base. This rich and flavorful dish pairs perfectly with rice or naan, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs chicken (cut into pieces, bone-in preferred)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece of ginger (grated)
- 2 medium tomatoes (pureed)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by cleaning the chicken pieces under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken with salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or skillet, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped onions to the pot. Sauté the onions for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once the onions are golden, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Next, add the pureed tomatoes to the pot. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the oil starts to separate from the tomato mixture.
- Once the tomato mixture is cooked, add the coriander powder, garam masala, and remaining turmeric powder. Stir well to combine the spices with the tomato-onion mixture.
- Cook the spices for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to bloom and release their flavors.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot. Stir well to coat the chicken with the gravy mixture.
- Cook the chicken on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water, ensuring that the chicken is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check the chicken for doneness; it should be tender and cooked through. If necessary, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- If you prefer a creamier gravy, stir in the heavy cream at this stage. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and additional spices if needed. Taste the gravy and modify according to your preference.
- Once the chicken gravy is ready, remove it from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the chicken gravy hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture of this dish!
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or two while cooking the onions.
- Using bone-in chicken will enhance the flavor of the gravy, as the bones release gelatin during cooking.
- If you like a thicker gravy, you can blend a portion of the cooked chicken and gravy mixture and return it to the pot to thicken it up.
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes