Introduction
There is something deeply comforting about a home style chicken curry slowly cooking in the kitchen. The aroma of spices, simmering gravy, and tender chicken instantly reminds us of family meals and simple joys. For many Indian households, home style chicken curry is more than just food—it represents warmth, tradition, and the taste of home. From relaxed Sunday lunches to quick weekday dinners after office, this home style chicken curry makes its way to our plates in different forms across regions.
Unlike restaurant gravies loaded with butter and cream, home style chicken curry is light, balanced, and cooked using everyday Indian spices available in every kitchen. A true home style chicken curry is prepared patiently in a kadhai with haldi, jeera, and dhania, allowing the flavours to develop slowly and naturally. This method gives the curry its familiar, comforting taste that feels just like ghar ka khana.
This home style chicken curry recipe is perfect for beginners, working professionals, and anyone who wants a reliable dish for everyday meals. If you are looking for an easy, healthy, and flavourful home style chicken curry that tastes authentic and homely, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Table of Contents
Calories & Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
(Approximate values)
Health Benefits
- Chicken provides high-quality protein
- Turmeric supports immunity and digestion
- Homemade curry avoids preservatives
- Balanced spices suit Indian digestion
Ingredients Required
Main Ingredients
- Chicken (bone-in) – 750 g
- Onions – 2 medium (finely chopped)
- Tomatoes – 2 medium (pureed)
Spices & Others
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1½ tbsp
- Green chillies – 2 (slit)
- Jeera – 1 tsp
- Tej patta – 1
- Haldi – ½ tsp
- Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
- Dhania powder – 2 tsp
- Garam masala – 1 tsp
- Mustard oil – 3 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Fresh coriander – for garnish
Substitute tip: You can replace mustard oil with sunflower oil for a milder flavour.
Step-by-Step Recipe Method (Detailed & Beginner-Friendly)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly under running water and keep them in a bowl. Drain excess water completely. If possible, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes at room temperature so it cooks evenly.
👉 Tip: Bone-in chicken gives better flavour in home-style curry.
Step 2: Heat Oil & Temper Whole Spices
Place a heavy-bottom kadhai or deep pan on medium flame. Add oil and let it heat well. Once hot, add jeera and tej patta. Let the jeera crackle and release its aroma.
👉 Tip: Do not burn the jeera—lower the flame if needed.
Step 3: Brown the Onions Slowly
Add chopped onions and sauté on medium flame, stirring occasionally. Cook until the onions turn golden brown. This step may take 8–10 minutes but is crucial for flavour.
👉 Tip: Properly browned onions give sweetness and depth to the curry.
Step 4: Add Ginger-Garlic & Green Chillies
Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chillies. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the raw smell disappears and oil starts separating slightly.
Step 5: Cook the Masala (Bhunao Properly)
Lower the flame and add haldi powder, red chilli powder, and dhania powder. Mix well and immediately add tomato puree. Cook this masala on medium flame, stirring frequently, until it thickens and oil releases from the sides.
👉 Tip: This bhunao step gives authentic home-style taste.
Step 6: Add Chicken & Seal Flavours
Add chicken pieces to the cooked masala. Mix well so every piece is coated with spices. Cook uncovered for 5–6 minutes on medium flame.
👉 Tip: Do not add water at this stage.
Step 7: Add Water & Slow Cook
Add warm water (about 1 to 1½ cups depending on gravy consistency). Add salt as per taste. Cover and cook on low-medium flame for 15–20 minutes.
👉 Tip: Stir once or twice to avoid sticking.
Step 8: Check Doneness
Open the lid and check if the chicken is soft and cooked through. The gravy should look rich, and oil may float slightly on top.
Step 9: Finish with Garam Masala
Sprinkle garam masala, switch off the flame, and cover the kadhai for 5 minutes to let flavours settle.
Step 10: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Pro Tips, Variations & Substitutes
- Add 1 tbsp curd for slightly richer gravy
- Reduce oil for a lighter version
- Add potatoes for Bengali-style chicken curry
- Use coconut milk for South Indian flavour
- Kashmiri chilli powder adds colour without heat
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed rice or jeera rice
- Chapati, roti, or paratha
- Serve with salad and lemon
Storage & Shelf Life
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days
- Reheat on low flame with little water
- Avoid freezing for best taste
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is moderately spicy. Adjust chillies as per taste.
Yes, but flavour will differ slightly.
Fresh, bone-in chicken works best.
Yes, cook for 2 whistles after adding water.
Yes, it is simple and uses basic steps.
Printable Recipe Card
There is something deeply comforting about a home style chicken curry slowly cooking in the kitchen. For many Indian households, chicken curry is more than just food—it’s a feeling of warmth, family, and home. From Sunday lunches to quick weekday dinners after office, this dish finds its way to our plates in different forms across regions.
Unlike restaurant gravies loaded with butter and cream, home style chicken curry is light, balanced, and made using everyday Indian spices. Cooked patiently in a kadhai with haldi, jeera, and dhania, it develops a flavour that feels familiar and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for beginners, working professionals, and anyone who wants a reliable chicken curry that tastes just like ghar ka khana.
If you’re looking for a simple Indian chicken curry recipe that is easy, healthy, and full of flavour, this one is for you
Final Thoughts
This home chicken curry recipe proves that simple ingredients and patient cooking can create magic. It’s comforting, flavourful, and perfect for everyday Indian meals.
If you try this recipe, do leave a comment and rating below. Share it with family and friends who love simple home-cooked food.
Happy cooking !!!
