Marinate the Chicken

Marination is the key to a flavorful and juicy chicken. The longer you let it rest, the better the taste!

In a large mixing bowl, add yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and garam masala. Mix well until everything is combined into a smooth paste.

Drop the chicken pieces into this beautiful marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. You can use your hands (wear gloves if you prefer) or a spoon to massage the marinade into the meat.

Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for 3-4 hours or even overnight in the fridge for deeper flavors.

Pro Tip:

If you're short on time, pierce the chicken with a fork before marinating. This helps the flavors seep into the meat faster!

Now it’s time to cook! The key to a flavorful dish is blooming the whole spices in oil before adding the chicken.

Heat ⅓ cup of oil in a deep pan over medium-high flame.

Once the oil is warm, add cloves, black pepper, Star anise, cinnamon and cardamom.

Let them sizzle for a few seconds until they release their beautiful aroma. Be careful not to burn them!

Pro Tip:

If you love an extra depth of flavor, you can also add a small onion, finely sliced, and sauté it until golden brown before adding the chicken.

Now, we’ll sear the marinated chicken to lock in the flavors.

Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook on high flame for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Flip the pieces and let them sear for 1-2 minutes on each side. This will give the chicken a beautiful golden-brown color.

Pro Tip:

Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re cooking a large batch, sear in batches foreven browning.

Pour the remaining yogurt marinade into the pan.

 To make sure we don’t waste any flavors, add 2 tablespoons of water to the same bowl where the chicken was marinated, mix it, and pour it into the pan.

Stir gently to combine everything.

Cover the pan with a lid and lower the flame to medium-low.

 Let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

You’ll notice the chicken releasing its juices and the flavors coming together beautifully.

Pro Tip:

If you want a richer, creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of cream at this stage.

To give the dish a smooth and slightly thick texture, we’ll use corn flour slurry.

 In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of corn flour with 3-4 tablespoons of water. Stir well to avoid lumps.

Pour this slurry into the pan while stirring continuously.

Add ½ teaspoon of black pepper powder for a final touch of spice.

 Stir everything well and let it simmer for a minute onlow flame.

Now comes the fun part—adding fresh garnishes that enhance the dish!

Add fresh green chilies (if you like it spicy) and chopped coriander for a burst of freshness.

Place lemon slices on top for an extra zing.

Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a minute before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious chicken dish pairs beautifully with:

Steamed rice – Simple and classic!

Jeera rice – A fragrant, spiced rice option.

Butter naan or roti – Perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.

Paratha – A crispy, flaky alternative.

Cooking this dish fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making everyone eagerly wait at the table. The balance of creamy yogurt, warming spices, and a hint of citrusy lemon creates an unforgettable flavor.

Take your time with the marination, cook with love, and enjoy every bite! Let me know how it turns out for you—happy cooking!