Kadai Chicken is one of those iconic dishes that brings the vibrant flavors of India right to your dining table. This recipe is cherished for its bold, spicy profile and the aromatic blend of freshly roasted dry red chilies and coriander seeds, which give it that signature smoky, deep flavor.
People search for this recipe because they want an authentic, restaurant-quality experience at home, but without complicated steps or exotic ingredients. The creamy tomato-based sauce perfectly balances the heat from green chilies and garam masala, while the tender chicken soaks up all those intense spices.
A little tip from my kitchen: roasting the dry red chilies and coriander seeds just before grinding releases an incredible aroma that elevates this dish to a whole new level.
Serving Kadai Chicken with soft, warm Breakfast Naan is a match made in heaven, while a refreshing Fresh Watermelon Lemonade cools your palate after each spicy bite.
This recipe is trending because it hits all the right notes—comfort, flavor, and ease. Plus, did you know incorporating spices like coriander and chili can boost your metabolism? Cooking with these ingredients not only delights your taste buds but can support a healthy digestive system.
Bold. Spicy. Creamy. Irresistible.
Why You Will Love This Dish?
- Smoky Magic from Freshly Roasted Spices: Roasting the dry red chilies and coriander seeds right before cooking adds an irresistible smoky depth that completely transforms the dish’s flavor. It’s a simple step that feels so rewarding every time.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: This recipe is straightforward enough to whip up on a hectic evening but still delivers that special, restaurant-quality taste that makes any dinner feel like a treat.
- Customizable Heat for Everyone: Over time, I’ve adjusted the spice levels to match my family’s preferences—less heat for the kids, a bit more kick for the spice lovers—making it super flexible.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully without losing flavor or texture, so it’s an ideal dish to prepare in advance for quick, satisfying meals.
- Comforting and Digestive-Friendly: The combination of rich cream and warming spices not only comforts the soul but also supports digestion, making this both tasty and nourishing.
Kadai Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pan or Kadai (wok)
- Blender or spice grinder (for roasting and grinding spices)
- Knife and chopping board
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
- Bowl for Mixing
Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken
- 2 large Onions peeled and sliced
- 2 no Tomato chopped finely
- 1 no Bell Pepper chopped
- 2 no Green chillies slit
- 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic paste
- 2 tsp Garam masala powder
- 1 cup Cream
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 3 tbsp Coriander leaves for garnishing
- 1 tbsp Ginger peeled julienned for garnishing
- Salt to taste
For Roasting:
- 7 no Dry Red chilli
- 3 tbsp Coriander seeds
Instructions
- Roast dry red chilies and coriander seeds until aromatic; grind into a coarse powder.
- Heat oil in a Kadai, sauté sliced onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until raw smell disappears.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Add chicken pieces and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Mix in the ground spice powder, garam masala, and salt; cook until chicken is done.
- Add chopped bell pepper and green chilies; cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream, garnish with coriander leaves and julienned ginger before serving.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 383kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Protein | 17g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 73mg |
My Secret Variations For Maximum Flavor!
- Swap the Cream for Cashew Paste: For a richer, dairy-free alternative, try blending soaked cashews into a smooth paste. It adds a subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture without overpowering the spices.
- Add Smoked Paprika or Charred Peppers: To enhance the smoky depth, consider a pinch of smoked paprika or lightly char some bell peppers before adding them—this gives an extra layer of complexity to the dish.
- Incorporate Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi): Adding dried fenugreek leaves toward the end of cooking brings a delicate bitterness that balances the creaminess and spice beautifully.
- Use Bone-In Chicken Pieces: For deeper flavor and juiciness, bone-in chicken thighs or legs work wonders here. Just adjust cooking time to ensure tenderness.
- Finish with a Touch of Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest right before serving brightens up the whole dish and complements the rich, creamy sauce perfectly.
- Experiment with Whole Spices: Toast and add whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or cardamom pods during the onion sauté stage for a more aromatic base.
These variations can really elevate the dish beyond the basics while keeping that classic Kadai Chicken soul intact. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste!
Quick Questions?
Q: Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Ans: Yes, boneless chicken cooks faster and is great for quick meals, but bone-in adds more flavor and juiciness.
Q: Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Ans: Absolutely! You can use paneer or tofu cubes and follow the same method for a delicious vegetarian Kadai dish.
Q: Can I prepare the spice mix in advance?
Ans: Definitely. Toast and grind the spices ahead to save time and keep flavors fresh for up to a week.
Q: What can I serve with Kadai Chicken?
Ans: Naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice pair beautifully. For a refreshing twist, try Breakfast Naan or Fresh Watermelon Lemonade.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level?
Ans: Reduce the number of dry red chilies or skip the cayenne powder if you want a milder version, or add more for extra heat.
