Delicious Chicken Madras Recipe: A Perfect Curry Night
A rich, fragrant and relatively hot curry, chicken madras is easy to make at home in one pan. Blending the onion gives the sauce a thick and sumptuous texture. A great Friday night curry!
Exploring the Rich Flavors of Chicken Madras
Chicken Madras is a tantalizing dish celebrated for its robust flavors and a perfect balance of heat. The dish is characterized by a thick, dark red sauce—its vibrant color derived from aromatic spices like chillies and paprika. In this recipe, the lovely balance of spices, combined with coconut milk and tangy notes from tamarind, results in a delightful curry that is not overly hot, making it family-friendly.
Ingredients for the Chicken Madras

- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- 3 chicken breasts, chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons Madras curry powder
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground fenugreek
- ½ teaspoon tamarind paste
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 400 ml passata
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 200 ml coconut milk
- Fresh coriander, sliced chillies, and red onion for garnish
- Boiled rice (for serving)
Preparation Method for Chicken Madras
- Blend the onion, garlic, and ginger into a paste. If needed, add a splash of oil to loosen it.
- Heat ghee or oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the onion mixture and fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned.
- Add the chopped chicken and cook for about 2-3 minutes until sealed. This step helps to lock in the flavors.
- Lower the heat and add the cinnamon, Madras curry powder, paprika, ground fenugreek, tamarind, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute so the spices become aromatic.
- Pour in the passata and tomato puree, bringing it to a boil. Incorporate the coconut milk, then let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Madras
Once your Chicken Madras is ready, serve it hot garnished with fresh coriander, sliced red onions, and chillies. Pair the dish with fluffy boiled rice, ensuring it absorbs all the delicious sauce.
This curry can also be customized based on the heat tolerance of your family. Adjust the amount of curry powder accordingly. And for added flavor, consider checking more tips on BIGZBBQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can cook it ahead of time, cool it quickly, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat it over medium heat, ensuring it’s piping hot throughout, which typically takes about 10 minutes.
Absolutely! Cool the dish quickly, place it in an airtight container, and freeze. To serve, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat similarly to fresh.