Slow-cooked chicken with bones are simmered in a tomato and onion gravy with everyday spices. This recipe is always served with an onion salad, roti, and rice for a complete meal. Recommendation: make this family-friendly Indian gravy chicken recipe at your next sports gathering or picnic. Tapelu Chicken just hits differently when made at large gatherings:). Serve the Indian chicken curry with simple basmati rice for a quick no-fuss meal.
Ingredients
Gravy Desi Chicken Ingredients
3-4 pounds of skinless chicken with bones cut into small pieces beefsteak tomatoesonionsgarlicgingerturmeric powdercoriander powdergaram masalatomato paste (optional)watersaltred chili powder
Tempered Oil Spices
peanut or corn oilwhole cumin seedsstar anisewhole black peppercornscinnamon stickwhole clovesbay leavescardamom podswhole dried red chilies
Instructions
Heat a pan with oil and add the dried spices. Cook for a quick few seconds and immediately add the chopped onions. Cook the onions until they are translucent. Add the tomatoes and cook for a few minutes then add the spices, tomato paste (optional), ginger, and garlic. Mix and cook until the gravy is very dry. Add the chicken and water. Now, close the lid and cook for about 5 minutes until it reaches a boil. Gently, mix the chicken and then turn the heat to low. Cook for an additional 30 minutes mixing frequently. Turn off the heat and let the chicken and pot cool down for 30 minutes. This step will help the oil settle to the top. Finally, garnish with cilantro and gently mix before enjoying with rice.
Equipment Needed
Tapelu- Large, heavy bottom, and wide pot with a lidSpatulaFood Processer (optional)Cutting Board and KnifeChutney Machine or Microplane to grate
Substitutions
Beefsteak Tomato- can use vine ripened tomatoes.Dry Spices in Tempered Oil- Use 1 teaspoon of garam masala instead of the whole spices.Whole Chicken Cut Up-Substitute with 3-4 pounds of skinless drumsticks and thighs.
Desi Chicken Variations
More Gravy- Double the quantity of tomato and onion (Tip: adding extra water will not be a good solution since it just makes the gravy watery-best to avoid this)Kid Friendly- remove the whole spices, red chili powder, and half the measurement for ginger, garlic, and garam masalaSpicy- add whole jalapeno peppers during the simmer processAdditional Vegetables- corn, potatoes, and whole garlic bulbs can be added for an even more personalized recipe .
Serve it with…
Storage
This desi chicken freezes well! Place it in freezer safe Ziploc bag or container, label it, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat simply defrost, place the contents in a pot, add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot completely, cover with a lid, and heat on low heat until completely heated through. Key Tip: Do not mix too much
Top Tips
📖 Recipe
More curry recipes…
