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**Spicy Chicken Curry Recipe**

 **Preparation Time:** 15 minutes 

**Cooking Time:** 35 minutes 

**Total Time:** 50 minutes 

**Servings:** 4

**Introduction:**

 Chicken curry holds a special place in many culinary traditions around the world. Its aromatic spices, tender chicken, and rich sauce make it a favorite comfort food that can be enjoyed on various occasions. This recipe brings together a blend of spices and herbs that create a flavorful and satisfying dish, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Chicken curry is a quintessential dish that combines the rich flavors of spices with tender chicken pieces, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe is packed with aromatic spices and herbs, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delicious dish.

**Importance of Ingredients:**

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish:

- **Chicken:** Provides lean protein and a meaty texture.

- **Onions:** Add sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized.

- **Tomatoes:** Bring acidity and richness to the curry sauce.

- **Green Chillies:** Provide heat and spice.

- **Curd (Yogurt):** Tenderizes the chicken and adds a creamy texture.

- **Coriander Leaves and Curry Leaves:** Add freshness and aroma.

- **Spices (Chilli Powder, Turmeric, Garam Masala):** Create layers of flavor and warmth.

- **Ginger Garlic Paste:** Provides a savory base.

- **Whole Spices (Bay Leaf, Cloves, Cinnamon, Shazeera, Anas Flower, Jazzy Nut, Mace):** Infuse the curry with aromatic notes.

**Occasions and Who Can Enjoy It:**

Spicy chicken curry is versatile and suitable for various occasions:

 - **Family Dinners:** Enjoyed with rice or bread for a comforting meal.

- **Celebrations:** Perfect for festive gatherings due to its rich flavors.

- **Casual Gatherings:** A crowd-pleasing dish that can be scaled up for larger groups.

- **Weeknight Meals:** Quick enough to prepare for a satisfying dinner after a busy day.

 This dish appeals to those who appreciate bold flavors and enjoy the warmth of spices. It can be adjusted in spiciness to suit different preferences, making it accessible to a wide range of palates.

**Benefits and Uses of Having This Recipe:**

- **Flavorful Meal Solution:** Provides a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and spices.

- **Versatile:** Can be served with rice, roti, naan, or any bread of choice.

- **Leftovers:** Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

- **Customizable:** Easily adaptable with additional vegetables or different cuts of chicken.

**Ingredients:**

• 500g Chicken, cleaned and cut into pieces
• 2 large Onions, finely chopped
• 1 medium Tomato, chopped
• 2 Green Chillies, slit
• 2 tablespoons Curd (Yogurt)
• A handful of Coriander Leaves, chopped
• A few Curry Leaves
• 2-3 tablespoons Chilli Powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• 3 tablespoons Oil
• 1 tablespoon Turmeric Powder
• 1 tablespoon Ginger Garlic Paste
• 1 tablespoon Garam Masala
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 4 Cloves
• 1 small piece of Cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Shazeera (Cumin Seeds)
• 1 Anas Flower (Star Anise)
• 1 Jazzy Nut (Jaiphal/Nutmeg)
• 1 Mace (Javitri)

**Detailed Cooking Instructions:**

 **Marination:**

 1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, chilli powder, turmeric powder, curd, ginger garlic paste, and garam masala.

 2. Mix well to coat the chicken pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

 **Detailed Cooking Instructions:**

 1. Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the bay leaf, curry leaves, cloves, cinnamon, shazeera, anas flower, jazzy nut, and mace. Fry them for a few seconds until they release their aroma.

 2. Add the chopped onions and green chillies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown and translucent.

 3. Stir in the chopped tomato and cook until it becomes soft and pulpy.

 4. Now, add the marinated chicken along with any marinade left in the bowl. Increase the heat to high and cook the chicken for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to seal in the flavors and cook the chicken partially.

5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer for another 10 minutes or until it is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt or chilli powder according to your preference.

 7. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and turn off the stove.

**Serve**:

This spicy chicken curry pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roti, chapatti, or pulka. The aromatic blend of spices and the tender chicken pieces make it a delightful choice for lunch or dinner.

**Storage:**

- Leftover chicken curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

 **Health Benefits and Uses:**

 - **Protein Rich:** Chicken is a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

- **Spices:** Turmeric, ginger, and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

- **Balanced Meal:** Provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

 **Cooking Tips and Variations:**

 - **Creamy Variation:** Add a splash of coconut milk or cream for a richer texture.

- **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian version.

- **Extra Spicy:** Increase the amount of green chillies or add red chilli flakes for more heat.

- **Slow Cooker Method:** Cook on low in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours for a tender and flavorful dish.

- Marinating the chicken enhances the flavor. If possible, marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for deeper flavors.

- Adjust the quantity of chilli powder according to your spice tolerance.

- You can add a splash of water if the curry becomes too dry during cooking.

- For a creamier texture, add a dollop of fresh cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.

Enjoy preparing and savoring this delicious and aromatic spicy chicken curry with your loved ones. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household for its robust flavors and comforting appeal.

 **Nutritional Information (per serving):**

- Calories: 300 kcal

- Protein: 25g

- Carbohydrates: 10g

- Fat: 18g

- Fiber: 3g

 **Presentation and Serving:**

Serve the spicy chicken curry hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. Accompany it with steamed rice, roti, naan, or any bread of your choice. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will make it a delightful centerpiece for your meal.

 **Conclusion:**

Spicy chicken curry is not just a dish; it's a celebration of flavors and aromas that bring people together. Whether enjoyed on a cozy family dinner or served at a festive gathering, its rich blend of spices and tender chicken promises a memorable culinary experience. With its versatility and health benefits, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delicious dish with your loved ones!