Chicken Kuzhambu
Meal Prep · South Indian

Chicken Kuzhambu

A spicy and aromatic South Indian chicken curry, perfect for a hearty meal.

Prep: 20 min
🔥Cook: 35 min
Total: 55 min
🍽4 servings
Non-Vegetarian
Chicken Kuzhambu

Ingredients

Tap to check off

Method

Step-by-step
  1. Marinate chicken with yogurt (if using), 1/2 tsp turmeric, and a pinch of salt for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Heat sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds; let them splutter.
  3. Add curry leaves and chopped onions. Sauté until onions turn golden brown, about 7-8 minutes.
  4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add the remaining turmeric powder, Madras curry powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  7. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot and mix well, coating them thoroughly with the मसाला (masala). Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is lightly seared.
  8. Pour in water or chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is tender.
  9. Stir in the thick coconut milk and salt to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes without boiling to prevent curdling the coconut milk.
  10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice, dosa, idli, or parotta.

Nutrition

Per serving
NutrientAmount
Calories380 kcal
Protein32 g
Fat24 g
Saturated Fat10 g
Carbohydrates12 g
Fiber3 g
Sodium450 mg

Storage & Freezer Guide

Make it last
Refrigerator 3-4 days

Store cooled Chicken Kuzhambu in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Freezer Up to 2 months

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat Stovetop/Microwave

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Chef’s Corner

  • For a richer flavor, toast the whole spices (mustard, fenugreek) lightly before adding them to the oil.
  • Using bone-in chicken pieces can add more depth of flavor to the kuzhambu. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add 1 tablespoon of rice flour mixed with a little water during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Scroll to Top