Fiery Chicken Phal: A Spicy Curry Adventure
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this fiery Chicken Phal curry! Originating from Indian cuisine but popularized in British-Indian restaurants, Chicken Phal is known for its intense heat and bold flavors. This dish is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who love a spicy challenge, it’s an absolute must-try. Made with a blend of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and tender chicken, this recipe will bring the heat and flavor of your favorite curry house right into your kitchen.
Why make Chicken Phal at home? Not only is it a fun culinary adventure, but it also allows you to control the spice level and customize the ingredients to your liking. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why This Chicken Phal Recipe Works
This Chicken Phal recipe is a winner because it’s packed with bold, complex flavors and uses simple, accessible ingredients. The combination of fresh chilies, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices creates a fiery yet balanced curry that’s deeply satisfying. Plus, it’s quick to make, taking less than an hour from start to finish.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference, making it as mild or as hot as you like. Serve it with rice, naan, or your favorite sides for a complete meal.
What’s In Chicken Phal?
The magic of Chicken Phal lies in its fiery spice blend and tender chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Use boneless chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor.
- Spices: A blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala creates the signature Phal flavor.
- Fresh Chilies: Bird’s eye chilies or habaneros add the signature heat.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce, adding acidity and richness.
- Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and ginger form the flavor foundation of the curry.
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro (coriander leaves) for garnish and a fresh finish.
How To Make Chicken Phal
This Chicken Phal recipe is straightforward and delivers restaurant-quality results. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, turmeric, and chili powder. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic, ginger, and fresh chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes
- Stir in ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add crushed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Stir in fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or roti.
Sides for Chicken Phal
Pair your Chicken Phal with these delicious sides:
- Steamed Basmati Rice: The perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Garlic Naan: Soft and fluffy, ideal for scooping up every last bit of curry.
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side to balance the heat.
- Pickled Vegetables: Adds a tangy crunch to complement the rich curry.
Recipe FAQ’s
How Spicy Is Chicken Phal?
Chicken Phal is traditionally a very spicy curry, but you can adjust the heat level by reducing the number of fresh chilies or using milder varieties.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
How Long Does Chicken Phal Last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day!
Other Recipes To Try
- Chicken Tikka Masala: A creamy, mildly spiced curry with tender grilled chicken.
- Lamb Rogan Josh: A rich and aromatic Kashmiri curry with tender lamb.
- Vegetable Korma: A mild and creamy curry packed with seasonal vegetables.
- South Indian coconut & prawn curry: A spicy and flavorful seafood curry with juicy prawns.
Fiery Chicken Phal
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs 700g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder
For the Curry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp ginger minced
- 2-3 fresh bird’s eye chilies finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, turmeric, and chili powder. Set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan. Sauté onions until golden. Add garlic, ginger, and chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 1 minute.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Cook the Chicken: Add chicken to the pan and stir to coat. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies to suit your taste.
- Make Ahead: The curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Phal! Let us know how it turned out in the comments below!