Easy and Flavorful Kadai Chicken Recipe for Indian Food Enthusiast
Chicken Kadai, also known as Chicken Karahi or Kadahi, is a popular Indian dish that has won the hearts of food lovers, home cooks, and restaurant owners alike. This flavorful curry is rich in taste and stands out from other chicken recipes because of its unique way of cooking and the use of fragrant spices. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this simple recipe will help you create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Origin and History
Chicken Kadai has its roots in the Indian subcontinent and goes by different names in various regions. It’s called “Kadai Chicken” or “Chicken Karahi” in North India and Pakistan. In South India, it’s often known as “Chicken Ularthiyathu.” The dish gets its name from the ‘kadai,’ which is a traditional Indian wok or pan used to cook it. The wok’s unique shape and high sides help in cooking the chicken evenly and infusing it with flavors.
Nutritional Facts
Chicken Kadai is a tasty and nutritious dish. Here are the nutritional facts per serving for 4 people:
- Calories: About 330 calories
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Ingredients You'll Need for Kadai Chicken
For this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients, divided into three parts:
For Marination:
- 500g boneless chicken pieces
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper (capsicum), thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice level)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Sliced green chilies
Kitchen Tools
To prepare Chicken Kadai, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Kadai or a deep, heavy-bottomed pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Kadai Chicken
Let’s dive into the cooking process. The total time required for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes.
Marination:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking: 4. Heat the cooking oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and sauté for a minute until they start to sizzle.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 10-12 minutes until they turn slightly brown.
- Add the sliced green bell pepper (capsicum) and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Cover the kadai and let the chicken simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Crush the dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) between your palms and sprinkle it over the curry.
- Add garam masala and mix everything together.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, and the gravy thickens.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and sliced green chilies.
Tips for Cooking
- Use fresh and tender chicken pieces for the best results.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Adjust the level of red chili powder to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- You can add a splash of cream for a creamier texture if desired.
Try Kadai Chicken With
Chicken Kadai is best enjoyed hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice. The delightful blend of spices and the tender chicken will surely impress your guests.
Variation
You can make some changes to Chicken Kadai by adding your favorite ingredients. Some popular variations include adding sliced onions or using bone-in chicken pieces for a different texture.
Cost of Making
Chicken Kadai is an affordable dish to prepare, with most of the ingredients being readily available in your kitchen. The total cost for serving four people is approximately 400-500 INR, depending on the quality of chicken and spices you use.
Conclusion
Chicken Kadai is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the essence of India’s rich culinary heritage to your dining table. Its history, unique cooking process, and delicious taste make it a favorite among food lovers, home cooks, and restaurant owners. With this easy recipe, you can recreate the magic of Chicken Kadai at home and impress anyone with your cooking skills. Enjoy this delightful Indian treat and savor the rich flavors of the subcontinent!
