• Cuisine

    South Indian

  • Meal Course

    Main Course

  • Serves

    4 Servings

  • Prep Time

    20 mins

Traditional South Indian Recipe

Make Authentic South Indian Chicken Masala at Home

Chicken masala is about building depth through simplicity. Unlike gravies that rely on multiple layers, this dish depends on properly cooked onions, balanced spice, and controlled simmering to develop flavour.

In South Indian kitchens, this is an everyday staple done right. The onions form the base, the tomatoes bring balance, and the masala binds everything together into a thick, coating consistency.

When executed well, the chicken stays tender while the masala clings to every piece, delivering flavour in every bite.

Priya Nair,

Recipe Writer, Aaahara Kitchen

Recipe

Ingredients

Grouped ingredients with quantities for a clean recipe-style layout.

Main Ingredients

  • Chicken (cleaned and cut)

    500 g

  • Onions (finely sliced)

    250 g

  • Tomatoes (chopped)

    2 medium

  • AAAHARA Chicken Masala Powder

    25 g

  • AAAHARA Red Chilli Powder

    1 to 2 tsp (adjust to taste)

  • Cooking oil

    3 tbsp

  • Salt

    to taste

Tempering (Tadka)

  • Cooking oil

    1 tbsp

  • Curry leaves

    a few

  • Green chilli (slit)

    1 to 2

Garnish

  • Fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped)

    as required

Instructions

  • Step 1

    Heat 3 tbsp oil in a pan. Add sliced onions and cook on medium heat until they turn deep golden brown. This step builds the base flavour of the dish.

  • Step 2

    Add chopped tomatoes, AAAHARA Red Chilli Powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and blend into the onions, forming a thick base.

  • Step 3

    Add chicken pieces and mix well so they are fully coated with the masala. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on medium heat.

  • Step 4

    Add AAAHARA Chicken Masala Powder and mix thoroughly. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the chicken turns tender and the masala thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  • Step 5

    In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add curry leaves and slit green chillies. Sauté briefly and pour over the cooked chicken for a fresh aromatic finish. Finish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice, roti, or parotta.

  • -196°C

    CRYOGENIC COLD CHAIN

  • 2x

    MORE AROMA RETENTION

  • 100%

    QUALITY-TESTED BATCHES

This is why one spoon of Aaahara does more than three spoons of ordinary masala

Chef Notes Icon
Chef Notes

"Take your time with onions. Proper browning is what gives this dish its depth and richness. Do not rush the simmering stage. Slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb the masala fully.

Adjust chilli powder based on your heat preference, but keep balance in mind. Spice should enhance, not dominate. The final tempering adds freshness and aroma. Do not skip it if you want a complete flavour profile."