Indian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and rich cultural heritage. Among the many gems it offers, Desi-style Chicken Masala stands tall as one of the most loved and soul-satisfying dishes.
Whether it’s a family dinner, festive occasion, or a weekend indulgence, Chicken Masala never fails to impress. In this post, we’ll explore a flavorful and authentic way of making Chicken Masala in Desi style — just like it’s cooked in Indian households with a lot of love, spices, and tradition.
What is Desi-style Chicken masala
“Desi” means traditional or local in Hindi, and Desi Chicken Masala is all about preparing chicken using Indian-style cooking methods and spices. It usually features marinated chicken cooked in a rich, spicy onion-tomato gravy flavored with ginger, garlic, garam masala, and fresh coriander. Every region in India has its own twist — from North India’s buttery masalas to South India’s coconut or curry leaf touch.
But in this blog, we’re focusing on a North Indian Desi Chicken Masala, the kind that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and your heart crave for more.
Ingredients need for chicken masala Desi-style
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Desi-style Chicken Masala:
For the Chicken Marinade:
500 gm chicken (bone-in preferred for more flavor)
1/2 cup yogurt (curd/dahi)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp red chili powder
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
Salt to taste
For the Gravy:
2 tbsp oil or ghee
1 bay leaf
1-inch cinnamon stick
2-3 green cardamoms
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 medium onions (finely chopped)
2 medium tomatoes (pureed or finely chopped)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Green chilies (optional, for extra spice)
Water as needed
Cooking step For Chicken masala-Desi style
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the chicken with yogurt, turmeric, red chili powder, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you have time, overnight marination gives the best flavor.
> Marination helps the chicken soak up all the spices and become tender and juicy during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base
Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan or kadai. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, and cardamom. Let them sizzle for a few seconds to release their aroma.
Add chopped onions and sauté on medium heat until golden brown. This step is important as caramelized onions form the base of the gravy.
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell goes away (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Ground Spices
Now add the pureed tomatoes and cook till the oil separates from the masala. This may take about 6-8 minutes. Stir often and be patient — this step builds flavor.
Add coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Cook the spices until they blend well with the tomato-onion mixture.
Step 4: Add Marinated Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the pan and mix it well with the masala. Cook on medium-high heat for 7–10 minutes until the chicken turns white and starts to get a slight brown sear.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook
Add around 1 cup of hot water (adjust based on how thick you want the gravy) and cover the pan. Let it simmer on low heat for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
In the last 5 minutes, add garam masala and kasuri methi. Stir well. Check for salt and spice
levels, and adjust if needed.
Serving tips chicken masala
Once done, turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves. You can also squeeze in a few drops of lemon juice for freshness.
Serve hot with:
Steamed basmati rice
Jeera rice
Roti, paratha, or naan
A side of sliced onions and lemon wedges
Tips for Perfect Chicken Masala
Use bone-in chicken for more flavor in the gravy.
Freshly ground garam masala always brings better aroma than store-bought ones.
Slow cooking enhances the taste. Don’t rush the steps, especially browning the onions and simmering the curry.
Add a spoon of cream or butter at the end for a restaurant-style finish if you like a richer version.