If you love chatpata, spicy, and masaledar food, then this Chatpata Chicken Recipe is something you must try at least once. This dish is full of bold Indian spices, rich aroma, and delicious taste. The chicken turns soft, juicy, and flavorful, and the gravy becomes thick, spicy, and perfect to enjoy with roti, chapati, rice, or paratha.
This is a simple home-style chicken recipe, made with easily available ingredients and basic cooking steps.
What Is Chatpata Chicken?
Chatpata Chicken is a spicy Indian chicken curry that has a perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and rich masala flavor. The word chatpata means something that is slightly spicy, tangy, and mouth-watering. This dish is loved by people who enjoy strong flavours and desi-style cooking.
The key to this recipe is proper marination, slow cooking, and correct use of whole and ground spices. When cooked patiently, the spices release their aroma into the oil and gravy, making the chicken extremely tasty.
How to make Chatpata chicken ( with photo)
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
Take 500 grams of chicken in a large bowl. Add:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder
- ½ cup fresh curd (dahi)
Mix everything very well so that the masala coats the chicken evenly. This step is very important because marination helps the chicken absorb all the flavours and become soft.
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. The longer the marination, the better the taste.
Tip: Curd helps in tenderising the chicken and makes it juicy after cooking.
Step 2: Preparing the Base Masala
Place a pan or heavy-bottom pot on medium flame. Add ⅓ cup oil and 2 teaspoons ghee.
Let the oil heat properly. Now add:
- ½ teaspoon whole cumin seeds
- 2 green cardamoms
- 1 star anise
- 4–5 cloves
- 8–10 black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
Sauté for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma. This step enhances the overall flavour of the dish and gives a rich fragrance to the oil.
Step 3: Frying the Onions
Add the sliced onions to the pan. Fry them on medium flame until they turn golden brown. This step takes time, but it is very important for a good curry base.
Now add the green chillies and fry them along with the onions.
Tip: Do not rush this step. Well-fried onions give sweetness and depth to the gravy.
Step 4: Ginger Garlic Paste
Once the onions are nicely golden, add the ginger garlic paste. Sauté for a few seconds until the raw smell disappears. This will enhance the taste and aroma of the dish.
Step 5: Tomatoes and Salt
Now add the tomatoes and a little salt. Remember, salt was already added during marination, so add less at this stage.
Cook the tomatoes until they become soft, mushy, and the oil starts separating from the masala. This shows that the base is cooked properly.
Step 6: Adding Marinated Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Increase the flame and cook on high heat for 3–4 minutes. This step helps in sealing the chicken and locking in all the flavours.
Stir continuously so the masala coats the chicken well.
Step 7: Adding Dry Spices
Now add:
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 teaspoons coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon degi red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
Mix everything well and cook for a few minutes, until the spices are roasted properly and the oil starts to release from the masala.
Step 8: Cooking the Chicken
Add 2 cups of water and mix well. Cover the pan and cook on medium flame for 20–25 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom. This slow cooking allows the chicken to cook evenly and absorb all the spices.
After 20–25 minutes, check if the chicken is cooked. If needed, add a little more water and cook for a few more minutes.
Step 9: Final Touch
Once the chicken is fully cooked:
Add chopped fresh coriander leaves and garam masala powder.
Mix well and cover the pan. Cook on very low flame for 2–3 minutes. This step helps all the flavours come together beautifully.
Chatpata Chicken Is Ready
Your Chatpata Chicken is now ready to serve. Take it out in a serving bowl and enjoy it hot.
Serving Suggestions
Chatpata chicken tastes best with:
- Roti
- Chapati
- Paratha
- Steamed rice
- Jeera rice
You can also serve it with onion salad and lemon wedges for extra freshness.
Tips for Perfect Chatpata Chicken
- Always marinate the chicken for a better taste
- Use fresh spices for a strong flavour
- Cook onions slowly for a rich gravy
- Do not add too much water at once
- Adjust spice level according to taste
Variations
- Add a little lemon juice for extra tanginess
- Add cream or butter for a richer version
- Make it dry by using less water
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Reheat on low flame before serving
Chatpata Chicken Recipe | Soft Juicy Masaledar Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix chicken with salt, turmeric, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and curd. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil and ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds, cardamom, star anise, cloves, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Sauté until aromatic.
- Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown. Add green chillies and mix well.
- Add Ginger Garlic Paste.
- Sauté until raw smell disappears.
- Add tomatoes and little salt. Cook until soft and oil separates.
- Add marinated chicken and cook on high flame for 3–4 minutes.
- Add all spice powders. Mix and cook until masala releases oil.
- Add water, cover, and cook on medium flame for 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add coriander leaves and garam masala. Cook on low flame for 2–3 minutes.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Longer marination gives juicier chicken
- Adjust spice level as per taste
- Slow cooking enhances flavour
My other chicken recipe :
This Chatpata Chicken Recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner and is loved by spice lovers. It is easy, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients. If you try this recipe, it will surely become a favourite in your kitchen.
If you liked this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your family and friends and try more delicious recipes on the blog. Happy cooking ❤️