Mom’s Chicken Curry Recipe: A Taste of Home

CHICKEN RECIPE

1/20/20252 min read

Step into the comforting embrace of home with Mom's Chicken Curry, a dish that melts away worries and brings back cherished memories. This recipe, passed down through generations, combines juicy chicken pieces with a fragrant blend of spices, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Each spoonful is a reminder of family gatherings, laughter, and the incomparable warmth only Mom's cooking can provide. Ready to relive those cozy family dinners? Let's start cooking and create some new memories together!

Bring the heartwarming flavors of Mom’s kitchen to your table with this authentic Chicken Curry recipe. Made with a luscious onion-tomato gravy and aromatic whole spices, this dish is a celebration of simple, homestyle cooking. Perfect for any day of the week, it’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Equipment Needed: Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken (boneless), cut into 1–2 inch pieces

  • 3 tablespoons ghee or oil

  • 1 green chili pepper, finely chopped (optional)

  • 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped

  • 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped

  • 1/3 cup water

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, for garnish

Whole Spices

  • 1 black cardamom (moti elaichi)

  • 2 bay leaves (tej patta)

  • 6 cloves (laung)

  • 6 black peppercorns

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)

Ground Spices

  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder (dhania powder)

  • 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    Cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces (1–2 inches). Set aside.

  2. Sauté the Whole Spices
    Heat your Instant Pot on sauté mode. Add ghee or oil, then toss in the whole spices. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Cook the Aromatics
    Add the green chili, onions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 4 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  4. Add the Tomatoes and Ground Spices
    Mix in the chopped tomatoes and ground spices. Cook for another 4 minutes, stirring frequently, to form a rich, flavorful base.

  5. Sear the Chicken
    Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 3–4 minutes. This step enhances the flavor, so don’t skip it!

  6. Deglaze and Pressure Cook
    Pour in the water and stir well, ensuring nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot. Set the Instant Pot to manual/pressure cook mode on high for 5 minutes.

  7. Finish with Lemon and Garnish
    Once the cooking is complete, quick-release the pressure manually. Stir in the lemon juice, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.

Pro Tips and Notes

  • Whole Spices: Simplify the recipe by omitting whole spices if needed—though they add a beautiful depth of flavor.

  • Chicken Options: Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture, or increase the cooking time by 2 minutes if using bone-in pieces.

  • Adjusting Spice Levels: Skip the green chili for a milder curry. Adjust the red chili powder or substitute with paprika if Kashmiri red chili powder isn’t available.

  • Thicker Curry: For a creamier texture, add cashew paste, cashew butter, coconut milk, or heavy cream.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 268 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 8 g

  • Protein: 25 g

  • Fat: 14 g

  • Saturated Fat: 7 g

  • Cholesterol: 101 mg

  • Sodium: 765 mg

  • Potassium: 633 mg

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Sugar: 3 g

  • Vitamin A: 730 IU

  • Vitamin C: 17.7 mg

  • Calcium: 29 mg

  • Iron: 1.2 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homestyle chicken curry is perfect for a quick, flavorful meal. The subtle aroma of spices, combined with the rich, tangy gravy, makes it irresistible. Serve it with rice, naan, or parathas, and you’ll have a dish that feels like a warm hug from home.

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