Indian cuisine offers a wealth of flavors and spices that make chicken dishes stand out as favorites across the world. Whether you prefer a rich curry, tandoori-style dish, or a simple yet flavorful stir-fry, Indian chicken recipes are a perfect choice for a hearty lunch.
Here are five of the best chicken recipes for an Indian-style lunch that will bring bold and aromatic flavors to your dining table:
1. Chicken Curry: A Classic Indian Comfort Food
Chicken Curry is perhaps the most iconic and beloved Indian chicken dish. It’s rich, aromatic, and features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful gravy made with spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken (bone-in pieces preferred)
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- 2 tbsp oil
Method:
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.
- Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.
- Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt, and cook for 5-6 minutes.
- Add water, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with steamed rice or naan.
This Chicken Curry recipe is a must-try for an authentic Indian-style lunch, bringing both comfort and spice to your meal.
2. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani): A Rich and Creamy Delight
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced dish that’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken cooked in a smooth tomato-based gravy enriched with butter and cream makes it irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Method:
- Marinate chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, and lemon juice. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat butter in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
- Add pureed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Add marinated chicken pieces and cook until they’re browned.
- Stir in fresh cream, simmer for another 10 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with naan or rice.
Butter Chicken is ideal for those who enjoy mild, creamy dishes that don’t compromise on flavor.
3. Tandoori Chicken: Smoky and Spicy Grilled Perfection
Tandoori Chicken is a popular dish that brings the smoky flavor of the tandoor oven into your home kitchen. The marinade of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice ensures that the chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken (preferably bone-in)
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Method:
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt to form a smooth marinade.
- Coat chicken pieces with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (overnight for best results).
- Preheat the grill or oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Grill the chicken for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with butter or oil to keep the chicken moist.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with a side of onion rings and lemon wedges.
Tandoori Chicken is perfect for those who enjoy a smoky, charred flavor in their lunch.
4. Chicken Biryani: Aromatic Rice with Spiced Chicken
Chicken Biryani is a flavorful rice-based dish where fragrant basmati rice is cooked with tender spiced chicken. The combination of whole spices, saffron, and ghee creates a deliciously aromatic dish that is perfect for a grand Indian-style lunch.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 ½ cups basmati rice
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 1 bay leaf
- 3-4 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp ghee
- Saffron soaked in milk (optional)
- Fresh mint and coriander leaves for garnish
Method:
- Marinate chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, and salt for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook basmati rice with bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon until 80% done.
- Heat ghee in a large pot, sauté onions until golden brown, and then add tomatoes.
- Add marinated chicken and cook until tender.
- Layer partially cooked rice over the chicken, sprinkle with saffron milk, mint, and coriander.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve with raita or a fresh salad.
Chicken Biryani offers the perfect balance of spiced chicken and fragrant rice, making it an ideal lunch option.
5. Chicken Korma: A Mild, Creamy Cashew-Based Curry
Chicken Korma is a rich, creamy curry made with a blend of cashews, yogurt, and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a mild but flavorful dish with a hint of sweetness from the nuts and a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with naan or rice.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- 2 onions, finely sliced
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup cashew paste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cream for garnish
Method:
- Heat ghee in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in yogurt, cashew paste, and garam masala, then cook for 5-6 minutes.
- Add water to achieve desired gravy consistency and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cream and serve hot with naan or rice.
Chicken Korma is the perfect dish for those seeking a rich and creamy curry with subtle, nutty flavors.
These five Indian-style chicken recipes offer a variety of flavors and cooking styles that are sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, flavorful lunch. From the rich and creamy Butter Chicken to the smoky Tandoori Chicken, these dishes are guaranteed to bring the authentic taste of India to your dining table. Whether you’re looking for something spicy, creamy, or aromatic, these chicken recipes are the perfect way to enjoy a flavorful Indian meal at home.