Chicken Curry with Whole Spices

Unveil the vibrant flavors of India with this aromatic Chicken Curry with Whole Spices, a comforting dish that melds tender chicken pieces with a medley of warm, whole spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom. Perfectly balanced with the richness of ghee or oil, the tang of whisked yogurt, and the freshness of chopped cilantro, this curry is a celebration of authentic Indian cuisine. Sautéed onions, tomatoes, aromatic chilies, and a blend of ground spices form a luscious, deeply flavorful base, while the gentle simmering ensures every bite is infused with bold, enticing notes. Ready in just an hour, it’s an ideal recipe for dinner parties or cozy weeknights and pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice, buttery naan, or flaky roti. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to Indian cooking, this dish is a must-try for its simple yet sophisticated depth of flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kg Chicken (bone-in or boneless, cut into pieces)
• 2 medium Onions (finely sliced)
• 2 medium Tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 tbsp Ginger (grated)
• 1 tbsp Garlic (minced)
• 2 pieces Green chilies (slit lengthwise)
• 1 tsp Whole cumin seeds
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 4 pieces Green cardamom pods
• 4 pieces Cloves
• 2 pieces Bay leaves
• 0.5 tsp Ground turmeric
• 1 tsp Ground coriander
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp Red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Garam masala
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or ghee
• 0.5 cup Plain yogurt (whisked)
• 1 cup Water
• 1 tsp Salt

Directions

Step 1

Heat the oil or ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaves. Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 3

Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes turn soft and the spices are well blended.

Step 6

Add the chicken pieces and mix them thoroughly with the spice mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly sear the chicken.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and add the whisked yogurt to the pan. Stir quickly to prevent curdling.

Step 8

Pour in the water and add the salt. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.

Step 9

Sprinkle garam masala over the curry and give it a final stir.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1914.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3061.2

Total Fat 183.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 891.8mg	0%
Sodium 3344.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 55.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.1g	0%
Total Sugars 22.3g
Protein 282.6g	0%

Vitamin D 193.1IU	0%
Calcium 535.5mg	0%
Iron 21.1mg	0%
Potassium 3728.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.0%

Protein: 37.6%

Carbs: 7.4%