This Indian chicken curry is so flavorful and comforting.
Indian Chicken Curry
This is the chicken curry of my childhood. It’s the curry that my mom made weekly and while I didn’t appreciate it as much back then, now it reminds me so much of home.
You know that scene in the movie Ratatouille when the food critic eats ratatouille, a dish from his childhood (this is the scene if you don’t know what I’m talking about)… Well, THAT is how I feel when I eat this chicken curry.
It’s like I’m being transported back to my childhood home, sitting at the kitchen table eating chicken curry while I watch my mom heating up fresh rotis/chapatis on the stove. Just thinking about this chicken curry makes me feel so grateful to my mama. It’s amazing how food can conjure so many emotions…
I realize you probably don’t have any emotional attachment to this dish – at least, not yet. But give it a try. This is a simple chicken curry – no cream, no frills. Just a bunch of humble Indian ingredients found in any Indian pantry.
And now this chicken curry is even easier to make – thanks to the Instant Pot + my pre-made onion masala!
I feel like I went from being super sentimental to sounding like a commercial lol 😂. But I mean, I have to sell you guys on my onion masala because it makes Indian cooking SO easy.
This recipe is part of my onion masala series called: Onion Masala LOVE. I’m sharing recipes using this masala all throughout the month of February! 💘 My goal: to show you how easy it is to prepare Indian food on a daily basis.
Click on the image below to find out how to make onion masala, how to store it and to find other recipes that call for it!
About 5 years ago, I shared a similar stovetop version of this chicken curry on the blog. It’s about time that I shared an Instant Pot version with you. I hope you make this and love it!
Serve this Instant Pot Indian chicken curry with chapati/roti – or if you are gluten-free then serve it with my paleo naan. You can also serve it with basmati rice or brown basmati rice!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 ½ pounds skinless chicken thighs quartered
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoons paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- ¾ cup frozen or fresh/thawed onion masala
- ¼ cup water
- Cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Press the sauté button, add the oil and allow it to heat up for a minute. Add the cumin seeds and once they brown, add the chicken and spices, mix well, then add the onion masala and water.
- Secure the lid, close the pressure valve and cook for 5 minutes at high pressure.
- Naturally release pressure.
- Garnish with cilantro.
Video
Notes
- This recipe is part of my onion masala series – be sure to check it out!
Sri says
Hey Ashley! I have never left a comment before but wanted to say I have been cooking using your recipes from here and your cookbooks for the last few years. It NEVER fails. Every single recipe has been perfection, so thank you for making my cooking life easier!! I usually have onion masala in my freezer so that makes it easier too! Question though-for times that I don’t have it on hand, what ratios do you recommend of onion/tomato/ginger/garlic for say 1/2 cup masala?
I forward your website and links to your books every chance I get! Thanks again!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Thank you for the kind words, Sri! I really appreciate it 🙂