Andhra-Style Tomato Tamarind Chicken Curry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fiery Andhra curry with tender chicken in a tangy tomato and tamarind sauce, simmered with aromatic spices. This indian-inspired curry ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken thighs, tomato, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat, add 1 large onion, finely chopped, and cook for 4 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp ginger, minced, 1 tbsp garlic, minced, and 3 green chilies, slit lengthwise, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium tomatoes, chopped, and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and oil separates.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, and 1 tsp coriander powder, and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 lb chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on, and 1 cup water, and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Season with salt to taste, remove chicken, and serve with rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Andhra-Style Tomato Tamarind Chicken Curry take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Andhra-Style Tomato Tamarind Chicken Curry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Andhra-Style Tomato Tamarind Chicken Curry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Andhra-Style Tomato Tamarind Chicken Curry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Andhra-Style Tomato Tamarind Chicken Curry?

Indian curry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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