Johnson's Masala Chicken
Tender chicken thighs bathed in a creamy tomato-based masala sauce, balanced with coconut milk and fresh herbs. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken thighs, large, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1.2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 medium, pureed tomato
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1.5 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add pureed tomatoes, coriander powder, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir well, cooking for 3 minutes until the oil separates from the sauce. Add chicken thighs, breaking them into 1-inch pieces. Cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Pour in coconut milk, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Adjust seasoning with salt. Serve with steamed jasmine rice or naan bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Masala Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Johnson's Masala Chicken?
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 Johnson's Masala Chicken?
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 Johnson's Masala Chicken 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 Johnson's Masala Chicken?
Indian indian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to indian dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
