This Chicken Gravy recipe brings together the rich, aromatic flavors of traditional Indian spices with a creamy, velvety texture that hugs every bite of tender chicken. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple meal into an experience—comforting, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
I discovered this recipe during a chilly evening when I craved something warm yet vibrant, and it quickly became my go-to for cozy dinners.
The marinade of curd, turmeric, and ginger-garlic paste tenderizes the chicken beautifully, while the slow-cooked tomato and cashew-based gravy adds depth and a subtle sweetness.
The tempering of whole spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom creates an intoxicating aroma that fills the kitchen, promising a meal that’s as delightful to smell as it is to taste.
Serving this with fluffy Authentic Basmati Rice elevates the meal to new heights, while an Easy Black Russian Drink can add a smooth, sophisticated finish for a special occasion.
What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance of spice and creaminess, making it indulgent yet light enough to enjoy any day.
Chicken gravy is trending as more home cooks embrace richly flavored yet approachable Indian dishes that fit busy lifestyles.
Why I Love This Chicken Gravy Recipe!
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: I first tried this recipe when I needed something flavorful yet quick to prepare—it never disappoints and fits right into hectic evenings.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken Every Time: The marinade works wonders, making the chicken incredibly soft and juicy—something I know many home cooks will appreciate.
- Fragrant and Special Without Extra Effort: Using whole spices for tempering adds a beautiful, aromatic depth that feels indulgent but is actually quite simple to achieve.
- Easily Adaptable to Your Taste: Over time, I’ve fine-tuned the spice levels to suit my family’s preferences, showing how versatile this recipe really is.
- Rich Yet Lightly Creamy: The gravy’s creamy texture satisfies that craving for indulgence but feels lighter than typical heavy cream-based dishes, making it a guilt-free pleasure.
Chicken Gravy Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl (for marinating)
- Blender or grinder (for grinding tomatoes, chillies, and cashews)
- Large skillet or deep pan (for cooking the gravy)
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredients
For marinade:
- 500 gms chicken
- 1/4 cup curd
- 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- To grind:
- 3 big tomatoes
- 2 kashmiri red chillies
- 12 cashews
To temper:
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 inch cinnamon
- 2 nos cloves
- 1 no cardamom
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 no star anise
- few curry leaves
Others:
- 2 big onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander leaves for garnish
- water as needed
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken with curd, ginger garlic paste, turmeric, and salt; set aside for 15 minutes.
- Grind tomatoes, Kashmiri red chillies, and cashews into a smooth paste.
- Heat oil in a skillet, add whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin seeds, star anise, curry leaves) and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in the ground tomato-cashew paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin seed powder, and salt; cook until oil separates.
- Add marinated chicken and cook on medium heat until the chicken is tender and the gravy thickens.
- Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Nutrition
Delicious Variations For Chicken Gravy Recipe!
- Coconut Cream Twist: Swap out cashews for soaked shredded coconut before grinding to add a subtle tropical creaminess that’s lighter but rich.
- Smoky Flavor Boost: Add a small piece of smoked paprika or lightly charred dried red chilies while grinding for a deep smoky undertone.
- Fenugreek Infusion: Sprinkle in a pinch of dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) towards the end for a slightly bitter, aromatic complexity that balances the gravy.
- Yogurt Finish: Stir in a spoonful of thick yogurt just before finishing to add tang and a silkier texture without overpowering the spices.
- Butter-Basted Chicken: Instead of cooking chicken fully in the gravy, sear the pieces in butter separately for an indulgent, golden crust before adding to the sauce.
- Roasted Tomato Base: Roast the tomatoes before grinding to enhance sweetness and add caramelized depth that contrasts beautifully with the spices.
- Creamy Spinach Addition: Fold in a handful of finely chopped spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking for color, nutrition, and a fresh earthy flavor.
- Cashew-Free Option: Replace cashews with blanched almonds for a nuttier flavor profile and a slightly different creamy texture.
- Heat Level Customization: Add a few green chilies to the marinade or tempering step for a fresh, vibrant heat that wakes up the dish.
- Tangy Tamarind Kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of tamarind paste in the gravy for a tangy twist that brightens the richness and adds complexity.
These little tweaks can help you tailor the classic chicken gravy to your mood, occasion, or guest preferences — keeping this recipe endlessly exciting!
What To Serve With Chicken Gravy Recipe!
