Authentic South Indian Garlic Chilli Chicken Curry: A Flavorful Recipe

Welcome to a journey through the rich and robust flavors of South India, where every dish tells a story. Today, we’ll explore the art of making an authentic South Indian garlic chilli chicken curry. This delectable dish is renowned for its intense flavors and spices, making it a favorite in many South Indian households. Let's dive into the delicious recipe!

Ingredients

For the Marinade

500 grams chicken cut into pieces 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder Salt to taste Juice of 1 lemon

For the Curry

4 tablespoons oil, preferably coconut oil or vegetable oil 10-12 cloves of garlic, sliced 2-3 green chilies, slit 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1/2 teaspoon garam masala Fresh curry leaves, a handful Salt to taste Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for better flavor.

Cook the Curry

Heat oil in a large pan or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter. Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown. Add slit green chilies and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent. Saute in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate. Add coriander powder and mix well.

Add the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the masala. Cook on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through. If the curry is too thick, you can add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.

Final Touch

Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle garam masala and adjust salt if needed. Mix well. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice, dosa, or chapati.

Tips

Adjust the number of green chilies based on your spice preference. For a richer flavor, you can add coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.

Enjoy your authentic South Indian garlic chilli chicken curry!