Make Lemon chicken curry Indian recipe

The lemon chicken curry Indian recipe is a delightful Indian dish that perfectly balances tangy and spicy flavors.

This classic recipe combines succulent chicken pieces with aromatic spices and the zesty freshness of lemon. If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or want to try something new, this dish is a must-try!

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making authentic and mouthwatering Lemon Chicken Curry in your kitchen.

How Long Will It Take to Prepare?

• Marinating the Chicken: 5-10 minutes
• Preparing the Curry Base: 10-15 minutes
• Adding the Spices and Cooking the Chicken: 10 minutes
• Simmering the Curry: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 2-3 servings
• Difficulty level: Easy

How Do You Make The Lemon chicken curry Indian recipe?

Essential Ingredients For Lemon chicken curry Indian recipe:

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Two large onions, finely chopped
• Three ripe tomatoes, pureed
• Two tablespoons of vegetable oil
• One teaspoon of cumin seeds
• One teaspoon of ginger paste
• One teaspoon of garlic paste
• One tablespoon of coriander powder
• One teaspoon of cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• One tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions For Lemon chicken curry Indian recipe:

Step 1

Marinating the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, add the boneless chicken pieces. Add one tablespoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of ginger paste, one teaspoon of garlic paste, and a pinch of salt to the Chicken.

Step 2

Mix well to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the Chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can also leave it in the refrigerator overnight for more intense flavors.

Step 3

Preparing the Curry Base

Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat in a large skillet or a deep-bottomed pan. Add one teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter. Stir in the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.

Step 4

Adding the Spices

Lower the heat and add one tablespoon of coriander powder, one teaspoon of cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder to the tomato-onion mixture. Mix the spices thoroughly and let them cook for a couple of minutes to develop their flavors.

Step 5

Cooking the Marinated Chicken

Now, it’s time to add the marinated Chicken to the pan. Increase the heat to medium and stir-fry the Chicken until it changes color and gets slightly browned. This will take around 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Simmering the Curry

Reduce the heat to low and add 1/2 cup plain yogurt to the pan. Stir well to combine. Cover the pan with a lid and let the curry simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the Chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the curry from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 7

Adding the Final Touch

Once the Chicken is cooked, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala over the curry for added aroma and flavor. Turn off the heat and drizzle an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to enhance the tanginess of the dish. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Your delectable Indian Lemon Chicken Curry is now ready to be served!

Step 8

Serving Suggestion

This aromatic curry pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice or Indian flatbreads like naan or roti. For a complete Indian meal experience, consider serving it with some cucumber raita on the side to complement the spices.

Additional Tips for Lemon Chicken Curry Indian Recipe:

1. Choosing the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless chicken thighs or breasts, which are tender and hold up well in curries. If you prefer bone-in pieces, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Marinating Duration: For the best flavor infusion, allow the Chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. However, marinating it overnight in the refrigerator will produce even more flavorful and succulent Chicken.
3. Adjusting Spice Level: Indian curries can be spicy, but you can easily customize the heat level to suit your taste. Increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder based on your spice preference.
4. Tomatoes: Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for pureeing. You can also use canned tomato puree as a substitute if you don’t have fresh tomatoes.
5. Yogurt Tip: To prevent the yogurt from curdling, whisk it well before adding it to the curry. Also, ensure low heat when incorporating the yogurt into the curry base.
6. Slow Cooking: Simmering the curry on low heat allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more decadent, aromatic curry. Avoid rushing this step.
7. Garam Masala: Garam masala is a crucial spice blend in Indian cooking. For an extra aroma boost, lightly roast the garam masala before adding it to the curry.

Precautions For Lemon chicken curry Indian recipe:

1. Lemon Seeds: When squeezing the lemon juice, be cautious not to let any seeds fall into the curry, as they can taste bitter.
2. Citrus Quantity: The tanginess of lemon is a defining element of this dish. Be mindful not to add excessive lemon juice, as it can overpower the other flavors-taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
3. Consistency Control: Add a little water or chicken broth while simmering if needed to achieve the curry’s desired consistency. This will depend on how thick or thin you want the sauce.
4. Food Safety: While marinating the Chicken, keep it refrigerated, especially during hot weather, to prevent any risk of bacterial growth.
5. Cooking Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure the Chicken is cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid any risk of foodborne illnesses.

Nutrition Facts Of Lemon chicken curry Indian recipe:

Please note that the nutrition facts provided here are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

5 Best Variations Of Lemon chicken curry Indian recipe-

1. Coconut Lemon Chicken Curry:

Add a tropical twist to the classic recipe by incorporating coconut milk or coconut cream. The coconut flavor beautifully complements the tanginess of the lemon, creating a creamy and rich curry.

2. Lemon Pepper Chicken Curry:

Season the Chicken with lemon zest and cracked black pepper before marinating for a simple yet flavorful variation. The zesty and peppery combination adds a delightful burst of freshness to the dish.

3. Lemon Coriander Chicken Curry:

Enhance the aromatic aspect of the curry by adding freshly chopped coriander leaves (cilantro) during the cooking process. The earthy coriander flavor complements the lemon and spices, creating a delicious fragrant curry.

4. Lemon Butter Chicken Curry:

For a lusciously creamy version, finish the curry with a knob of butter, which adds richness and depth to the flavors. The buttery goodness combines harmoniously with the lemony tang.

5. Lemon Garlic Chicken Curry:

Elevate the garlic flavor by incorporating roasted garlic paste into the marinade. The roasted garlic adds a mellow and nutty taste that perfectly complements the lemon and spices.

Conclusion

Making authentic Indian Lemon Chicken Curry at home is a rewarding experience that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of India.

With its irresistible blend of spices and the refreshing twist of lemon, this dish will impress your family and friends. So, go ahead and try it – it’s a flavor-packed adventure you won’t want to miss! Happy cooking!

People Frequently Ask Questions

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute if fresh lemons are unavailable. However, fresh lemon juice provides a more authentic and vibrant taste to the curry.

What can I serve with Lemon Chicken Curry?

Lemon Chicken Curry pairs well with steamed basmati rice, naan, roti, or other Indian bread. You can also serve it with a cucumber raita to balance the spices.

How long should I marinate the Chicken for the best results?

Marinating the Chicken for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator for more intense flavors.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Lemon Chicken Curry Indian Recipes?

Lemon is high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps lower cholesterol. Lemon juice also contains citric acid and anti-inflammatory properties, so cooking with it daily can help reduce the risk of cancer or other chronic diseases.

With just one tablespoon of lemon juice and two tablespoons of oil, this Indian recipe can have calories from 130-145 per serving, depending on the size you make your curry. Other nutrients include potassium, polyphenol, and flavonoids.

How To Store Lemon Chicken Curry In Indian Recipes?

You need not refrigerate the Lemon chicken curry Indian recipe if you wish. Instead, the dish can be kept in a room temperature place.

You save money and time by cooking Lemon chicken curry Indian recipe at home; while cooking, you are sure you do not spoil the food. The lemon chicken curry Indian recipe can be prepared in minutes only if it is cooked with the right ingredients.