Restaurant-Style Kadai Chicken

Imagine stepping into a bustling Indian restaurant, the air filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly ground spices and sizzling chicken. Our Restaurant Style Kadai Chicken captures that experience, bringing the rich and hearty flavors of this classic dish into your kitchen. This recipe features tender pieces of chicken, lovingly simmered in a vibrant, spicy tomato gravy, and finished with the aromatic notes of fresh bell peppers and coriander seeds. A feast for both the eyes and the palate, this Kadai Chicken is a surefire way to bring the restaurant experience to your dining table, perfect for impressing family and friends.

Kadai Chicken is a classic North Indian curry that bursts with bold, aromatic flavors. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a traditional kadai (wok) with a medley of spices, onions, and crunchy capsicum, delivering a rich, dhaba-style experience right at home. This simple yet authentic recipe is perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Curry:

• 750g chicken with bones, skinless, cut into small pieces

• 3 tbsp oil (divided)

• ¾ cup onion, cubed into 1-inch pieces, petals separated (or use pearl onions)

• ¾ cup green bell pepper, cubed into 1-inch pieces

• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)

• 3 dried whole red chilies

• 1½ cups onions, finely chopped (use yellow onions)

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch ginger, grated

• 3 medium tomatoes, pureed (approx. 1½ cups)

• ¼ cup yogurt, whisked

• ½ cup water

• 1–2 green chili peppers, slit vertically

• ½ tsp garam masala

• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

For Kadai Masala:

• 3 tsp coriander seeds

• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)

• 1 tsp fennel seeds (saunf)

• 1 tsp black peppercorns

• 2 whole dried Kashmiri red chilies

Additional Spices:

• ½ tsp ground turmeric (haldi)

• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 2 tsp coriander powder (dhania powder)

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the Kadai Masala

1. Dry roast all ingredients listed under “Kadai Masala” in a pan over low heat for 2–3 minutes until aromatic.

2. Let the spices cool, then grind them coarsely. Reserve 4 teaspoons for the curry and store the rest for later use.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions & Bell Peppers

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add the onion petals and capsicum. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until blistered. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.

2. Add cumin seeds and dried red chilies, sauté for 30 seconds until the cumin changes color.

3. Stir in the chopped onions and cook for 7–8 minutes on medium heat until golden brown.

4. Add the ginger and garlic, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Mix in the tomato purée and cook for 2–3 minutes on medium-high heat until the raw aroma disappears.

6. Add the ground turmeric, Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes until the spices are fragrant and oil separates.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and mix to coat them with the masala.

2. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes until the chicken begins to brown.

3. Lower the heat and stir in the whisked yogurt. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the yogurt is well incorporated.

4. Add the prepared Kadai Masala and sauté for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Add ½ cup water, cover with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is tender.

2. Gently stir in the sautéed onions and capsicum.

3. Sprinkle garam masala and green chilies over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then turn off the heat.

4. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with naan or roti.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 322 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 16g

• Protein: 19g

• Fat: 21g (Saturated: 5g, Polyunsaturated: 4g, Monounsaturated: 11g)

• Cholesterol: 65mg

• Sodium: 494mg

• Potassium: 630mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 7g

• Vitamin A: 1182 IU

• Vitamin C: 85mg

• Calcium: 76mg

• Iron: 2mg

Additional Info

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: Indian

• Diet: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free

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