Kerala Chicken Curry

This authentic Kerala-style chicken curry delivers rich, aromatic flavors with tender chicken simmered in creamy coconut milk and fragrant spices. A true taste of South Indian comfort food that's perfect for sharing with family and friends.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: Curry

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 50

Servings:

Calories: 285kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

500 g chicken cut into pieces
¼ tsp red chili powder
⅓ tsp salt
¼ tsp turmeric
½ tsp garam masala
¼ to ½ tsp black pepper

For the Curry:

2 tbsp coconut oil
¾ cup onions sliced
1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
½ cup tomatoes chopped
¾ cup coconut milk
2-3 cinnamon sticks
4-5 cloves
3-4 cardamom pods
1 tsp fennel seeds

Instructions

Marinate chicken pieces with red chili powder, salt, turmeric, garam masala, and black pepper. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Heat coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
Add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and fennel seeds. Sauté until fragrant.
Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
Stir in ginger garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes until aromatic.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and become mushy.
Add the marinated chicken pieces and mix well to coat with the spice mixture.
Cook chicken on medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 5-8 minutes until the curry reaches desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Notes

Use thick coconut milk for richer flavor, or thin it with water if too thick

Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) will enhance the flavors

Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference - start with less and add more

Fresh curry leaves can be added with the whole spices for authentic Kerala flavor

This curry tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop

Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days

Substitute chicken thighs for drumsticks for more tender, juicy results

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