Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets with this authentic Punjabi chicken curry recipe, perfect for family dinners or impressing weekend guests. This aromatic Punjabi chicken curry balances bold spices with creamy tomato gravy, creating that restaurant-quality flavor in your home kitchen.
My mother-in-law (who grew up in Amritsar) guarded this recipe for decades before finally sharing her secrets with me, including the surprising addition of crushed fennel seeds that elevate the entire dish!
Ready in just 45 minutes with everyday pantry staples, this medium-spiced curry delivers tender chicken pieces swimming in a rich, velvety sauce perfect for scooping up with naan or spooning over basmati rice.
Whether you’re a curry connoisseur or a novice to North Indian cuisine, this foolproof recipe will become your new go-to comfort food.
How to make Punjabi chicken curry recipe?
- Prepare time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Resting time: 15 minutes
- Makes: 2 servings
Ingredients:
For the Juicy, Flavor-Packed Chicken:
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed for maximum marinade absorption)
- 1/4 cup rich, creamy natural yogurt (heaping for extra tenderness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance all the flavors)
- 1 teaspoon fiery chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon aromatic garam masala (warm, fragrant spice blend)
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly grated (for deep, savory notes)
- 1-inch ginger, freshly grated (zingy and bright)
For the Rich, Soul-Warming Curry:
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil (or any neutral oil for perfect sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (toasted for a nutty aroma)
- 1 bay leaf (for subtle earthy depth)
- 4 onions, finely chopped (slow-cooked until golden and sweet)
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped (for a tangy, velvety sauce)
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander (citrusy and warm)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (more spice magic!)
- 1 teaspoon golden turmeric powder (vibrant color and earthy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (for that irresistible kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to balance all the flavors)
- 1 handful fresh cilantro (coriander), finely chopped (for a fresh, herby finish)
How to Make This Irresistible Curry:
1. Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor:
Mix the yogurt, salt, chili powder, garam masala, garlic, and ginger into a luscious, spiced marinade. Add the chicken thighs, coating each piece thoroughly so every bite is infused with flavor. Let it rest in the fridge overnight for the best results, or at least 1 hour if you’re short on time.
2. Build the Curry Base:
Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Toss in the cumin seeds and bay leaf—add the onions when they sizzle and release their fragrance. Simmer them for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep, caramelized gold.
Add the tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes until they break into a thick, jammy texture. Stir in the ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt, letting the spices bloom for just 1 minute—your kitchen should smell incredible by now!
3. Cook the Chicken to Juicy Perfection:
Add the marinated chicken (and any extra marinade) and mix well, letting the spices cling to every piece. Cover and simmer on low heat for 40-45 minutes, until the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender and the sauce is rich and thick.
4. Let It Rest (Trust Us, It’s Worth It!):
Once cooked, let the curry rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour—this allows the flavors to deepen and the chicken to soak up even more of that delicious sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with steamed basmati rice, warm naan, or fluffy roti—this curry is so good you’ll want to savor every last drop!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Tender, yogurt-marinated chicken that melts in your mouth.
- Deep, layered spices for a curry that’s bold but balanced.
- Resting time makes it even more flavorful—perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner.
Nutrition Facts of Punjabi chicken curry recipe:
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Cholesterol | 190 mg |
| Sodium | 822 mg |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Calcium | 4 mg |
10 Healthy Benefits Punjabi chicken curry recipe-
1. Heart Healthy:
Punjabi chicken curry is an excellent recipe for those looking to keep their heart healthy. The curry powder used in the formula is rich in fibre and has anti-inflammatory properties. This recipe also contains ginger, which is known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Improves Digestion:
People who suffer from indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux are advised to try this recipe. Ginger is a tremendous aid in improving the functioning of the digestive system. When ginger is consumed regularly, gastrointestinal problems like heartburn can be minimized.
3. Healthy Skin:
The combination of onions and tomatoes in this recipe helps maintain healthy skin. When you eat onions regularly, your body can release some enzymes that help break down the onion’s natural acids into sodium bicarbonate.
4. Healthy Weight:
Ginger and pepper help in promoting weight loss by suppressing food cravings. Ginger also helps remove fat from the abdominal area and can be used to get rid of cellulite.
5. Heart Disease Prevention:
Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects that can help protect against heart disease. They also help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, another factor associated with heart disease.
6. Healthy Immunity:
This recipe uses ginger and onions to make the curry rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which can cause inflammation in the body. Ginger stimulates the immune system and enhances its ability to fight several diseases.
7. Healthy Digestive System:
The ingredients used in this recipe are considered digestive aids because they can promote healthy Digestion.
8. Anti-allergic Properties:
Ginger is well known for its anti-allergic effects, especially in reducing allergic rhinitis symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes. It can also be used as a natural remedy for fighting morning sickness during pregnancy.
9. Improves Memory:
The combination of spices in this recipe can help you make better decisions in life. Ginger is also used to improve your Memory. It may also enhance your ability to concentrate and pay attention during the day because it helps treat brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
10. Prevents Cancer:
Pepper is used in the Cancerpe to prevent things like cancer and heart disease. In Canceron, ginger and green chilli can help prevent breast cancer.
What are the Best variations of the Punjabi chicken curry recipe?
1. Chicken Curry with Cauliflower:
If you want a vegetarian dish, try this variation that uses cauliflower as the main protein. It is a simple recipe that you can prepare at home. You only need to substitute chicken with cauliflower and make all the other ingredients according to the original recipe. Serve hot with some naan or rice on the side.
2. Chicken Curry with Cumin and Coriander:
Add cumin and coriander seeds to slightly change the dish’s taste. They can give the world a different flavour profile.
3. Chicken Curry with Mustard Seeds:
You can also experiment with the spices in this recipe, using mustard seeds instead of cumin and coriander. Try adding them to either ginger or green chilli paste. You will be surprised by how different it tastes!
4. Chicken Curry with Toasted Oats:
If you want to add a different type of protein to the dish, try toasting oats, onions, and aromatics in a dry skillet before adding them to the curry. It will taste amazing! You can eat it with some plain rice or naan.
Information Video:
Conclusion
Making this recipe at home is easy. Follow the instructions in this article and add some extra spices, depending on your preferences.
If you don’t have a taste for spicy or hot food, you can also make it according to your preferences and add some more spices. You can also have the recipe with some plain rice or naan when you have a lot of leftovers.
