I know it's not a trendy word, but one bite of this Chicken Masala will have you agreeing with me! This delicious dish features chicken cooked in a onion tomato gravy, perfect for anytime cooking (and eating!).
Pakistani Chicken Recipes are our jam around here, and I've got to say we know how to make them work whether it's this simple bhunna chicken, this well loved Chicken Ginger or even a Pulao that almost blasphemously still works without bone in chicken.
Wait, is this like Karahi Chicken?
A Chicken Masala is a flavorful Chicken Dish that has some eminently scoopable with a roti gravy or masala. Not watery like a salan (curry) and not drier like a karahi dish. While there are 1000 different ways to make it they also typically take less tomatoes than a Chicken Karahi. Also while Chicken Karahi's often start with you cooking the chicken first and then adding the oil or ghee, in this dish it is oil first!
What makes a Chicken Masala recipe sing?
This dish starts with basic ingredients and it's honestly the combo that works. My favorite touches (as always) come at the end when your inner maestro takes over and you add in your roasted spices and butter. Ghee is nice too, but butter is better (here).
Simplified and Improved: An Updated Visual Guide
Old friends will know that I have made two significant changes with this Chicken Masala, I have adjusted the amount of chicken for a more modest serving and simplified the process to make it easier. Does it work? 100%.
Get some nice caramelly edges on your onions and then add in your ginger garlic paste, stir and add in your chicken and spices. Yup, that simple. Saute well for a few minutes till it looks like above and then add in your tomatoes and yoghurt and simmer, covered and on low heat, till tender.
Boneless chicken must know: Chicken thigh is more forgiving, but if you are using chicken breast and it's chewy then simmer (adding ⅓ cup water if needed) for longer and it will soften.
Then just dry out the masala, add them finishing touches, garnish, and dig in!
What else should I make?
I got you. Here are some ideas for a menu below.
Note: this recipe has been updated as of July 9th 2025, if you want the original drop a comment below and it will be emailed to your email address!
Made this recipe? Rate away!!!!
Scrumptious Boneless Chicken Masala
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken cut unto 1.5 inch pieces (450g) (1.5-2lb for bone in)
- 2 diced onions - 1 cup/ 120-130g
- 1 minced green chili
- 6 cloves garlic (crushed) or ½ tbsp paste
- 1 inch ginger, grated or ½ tbsp paste
- 2 diced roma tomatoes (130ish g each)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp kashmiri chili powder (if you don't have it put in ½ - ¾ tsp red chili powder/ cayenne)
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¾ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garama masala powder
- ¼ cup yoghurt
Finishing Touches
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 3 tbsp chopped cilantro (a must!)
- 2-3 green chilies sliced lengthwise
- 1 tbsp butter or ghee
- 1 heaped spoon roasted and coarsely ground coriander and cumin powder
Instructions
- Heat oil in a saucepan or pot and add your onions and minced green chili
- Saute on medium heat till the onions edges are a bronze colour, 6-7 minutes
- Add in the garlic and ginger, give it a quick stir.
- Now stir in your chicken, spices, and cook medium high stirring frequently until the chicken changes colour and the masala coats it. 3 minutes or so.
- Add your tomatoes and yoghurt, stir and cover. Simmer on low heat till tender. 20 minutes for chicken thighs, if your chicken breast is tough at this point then add in a splash of water and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- When the chicken is done then crank the heat up to dry up the extra water and create a cohesive masala. When you run a spoon or spatula through the masala it should stick a little and the oil should be rising above the masala.
- Now adjust the consistency to your liking and add in the kasuri methi, butter, and roasted cumin and coriander powders.
- Check for seasoning, garnish and serve.
Notes
LERA SHEMWELL says
Great recipe
Sarah Mir says
thank you so much!
Nudrat says
Simple and delicious
Priya Bhasin says
As a vegetarian cooking for protein-obsessed teenage sons, I’m always a bit hesitant when it comes to non-vegetarian dishes. But this recipe was such a gem!
It ticked all the boxes — delicious, quick, easy, and most importantly, teenager-approved.
Thank you so much, Sarah, for tonight’s awesome dinner!
Sarah Mir says
Priya! I am not sure how I missed this one but I am so happy this hit the spot for your sons! thank YOU
Saima says
Easy to make (I’m always looking for quick hassle free recipes) and this checked all the boxes with extra yummyness!
Sarah Mir says
YAY! Thanks Saima!! That makes me SO happy!
sasi says
this blog is very helpfull and so tastyy..
yummyyyyy.
Sarah Mir says
I am so glad! Thanks Sasi!
Umaima says
I have recently started cooking and the apprehension that comes with it is nerve wrecking. I made this today and I must say, it was an instant hit. Never thought such simple ingredients could bring in so much flavor. Thank you for explaining every step so elaborately.
Sarah Mir says
Hi Umaima! I am so happy that this recipe worked for you! I remember that trepidation so well! Just in case you are interested I did write a piece a while ago which was basically what I wish someone had written for me when I first started cooking! Sharing it here
https://weight-easy.today/pakistani-cooking-guide/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Aby Cherian says
"Wow, that looks tasty and delicious.
Hey, if you are looking for some healthy organic turmeric powder, do check the link I had sent.
We offer organic products, and ship anywhere in India.
Keep blogging.
Eat Healthy. Live Long!!"
Saleha says
Just had this recipe for lunch, my husband loved it, and it turned out perfectly! Ja’zak’Allah ❤️
Sarah Mir says
happy to hear that! thank you!
Amna Fahim says
hey. you have stated that instead of yogurt milk can be added. but how much should be added??
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
I would add 2 tbsp or so!
Sarah says
I really appreciate your blog and this chicken masala turned out so good! It’s always hard to find step-by-step Pakistani recipes that I can make with my two girls in kind 🙂
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
I am so so happy to hear that! I know it’s not easy to cook with kids underfoot!
hungrypaprikas says
Going to try this recipe soon! It looks amazing and I bet my husband would absolutely love it.
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
I definitely hope he does! keep me posted!
Habiba says
Just tried this recipe today for dinner! It is absolutely delicious. Thank you for continuously posting amazing recipes with such detailed instructions - its perfect for someone like myself who is just learning how to cook.
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Thank YOU for trying it and taking the time to leave a comment! SO glad you enjoyed it!
HM says
Qq - how much passata should we use in replacement of the fresh tomatoes? So excited to try this recipe!
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
I am so sorry for not seeing it here earlier, but I am glad we connected on IG!