Spicy Rajpura-Inspired Chicken Curry with Garam Masala

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

A fragrant Indian chicken curry inspired by Rajpura cuisine, simmered in a spiced tomato and onion gravy enriched with garam masala and fresh ginger. This indian-inspired curry ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken thigh pieces, skinless, vegetable oil, large onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 finely chopped large onion and sauté for 6-7 minutes until golden and soft.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb skinless chicken thigh pieces to the pan and brown for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the edges turn white.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 1 cup tomato puree, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 5 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup water, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp garam masala and cook uncovered for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving with basmati rice or naan.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Rajpura-Inspired Chicken Curry with Garam Masala 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 Spicy Rajpura-Inspired Chicken Curry with Garam Masala?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Rajpura-Inspired Chicken Curry with Garam Masala?

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 Spicy Rajpura-Inspired Chicken Curry with Garam Masala 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 Spicy Rajpura-Inspired Chicken Curry with Garam Masala?

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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