If you want a quick dinner chicken curry that tastes rich without being heavy, this recipe is built for you: a simple onion–ginger–garlic base, a yogurt spice mix for tang and body, and a cashew paste finish for a creamy restaurant-style texture—without adding.

This curry is also super versatile: it’s meant to pair with idli, dosa, chapati, or rice, making it a reliable “one gravy fits all” weeknight dish.

What is this Bachelor Chicken Curry?

Easy Bachelor Chicken Curry is a simple homemade chicken curry made with basic pantry ingredients like onions, yogurt, spices, and cashew paste. It is a quick, beginner-friendly chicken recipe that anyone can cook without complicated steps.

This recipe is perfect for people who want a flavorful homemade chicken gravy without spending too much time in the kitchen.

What’s the Taste and Texture of this recipe

This chicken gravy is rich, mildly spicy, and creamy.
The yogurt spice mix gives the gravy a slight tanginess.
Cashew paste makes the curry smooth and slightly thick.
Curry leaves and garam masala add a wonderful aroma.
The final gravy is silky, flavorful, and perfect for mixing with rice or dipping with roti.

When can it be served

• This dish is great for many occasions such as:
• Quick weekday dinner
• Bachelor cooking
• Lazy weekend meals
• Lunch box recipes
• Small family meals
• Since it is easy to prepare, it is perfect when you want a comforting homemade chicken curry quickly.

Why this Bachelor chicken curry works

• There are many chicken gravy recipes, but this one is special because:
• Uses simple ingredients available in every kitchen
• Minimal chopping
• No complicated cooking techniques
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Even someone cooking chicken for the first time can make this successfully.

What I love about this recipe

What I love most about this recipe is that it gives restaurant-style taste with very little effort.
The cashew paste adds a richness, the yogurt gives depth of flavor, and the spices create a perfect balance of taste. It’s the kind of recipe you can make again and again because it is easy, comforting, and delicious.

Check the video – How to make Bachelor Chicken Curry

If you love my recipes, then do subscribe to my Youtube channel for latest videos. For recipes in Tamil with English description – Just Samayal (detailed videos).

Check few of my collection of recipes

If you are a non veg lover then do check my huge collection of Non veg recipes

• Chicken Recipes
• Egg recipes
• Fish Recipes

Some Chicken Gravy recipes for you to try:
Chicken gravy for beginners
Nadan Kozhi curry
Simple chicken kuzhambu
Kaju Chicken – Spicy version
Pepper Chicken Chettinad

Main ingredients used in this Bachelor Chicken Curry

Main Ingredients

– Chicken: ~400 g 
– Onion: 1 large 
– Ginger: 1-inch piece 
– Garlic: 3–4 cloves 
– Green chili: 1 
– Oil: 3–4 tbsp (sesame oil suggested, any cooking oil works) 
– Salt: to taste

Yogurt spice mix

– Thick curd / yogurt: 3–4 tbsp 
– Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp 
– Chili powder: 1 tsp 
– Coriander powder: 1 tsp 
– Cumin powder: 1/2 tsp

Finishers

– Cashews: 15 (soak in hot water 10 min, then grind) 
– Curry leaves: a handful 
– Garam masala OR chicken masala: 1/2 tsp 
– Lemon juice: a squeeze 
– Coriander leaves: to garnish Source

Step-by-step method to make Bachelor Chicken Curry

Now lets see the step by step instructions with photos to make this Bachelor chicken curry recipe.

1) Make the flavor base (no water grinding)

Wash 400gms of chicken with a pinch of turmeric and rock salt. Keep it aside.

Grind onion + ginger + garlic + green chili into a coarse paste. The key here: don’t add water—keep it thick for better sautéing and flavor concentration.

2) Sauté until the raw smell goes

Heat oil in a pan.

Add the ground paste and sauté the paste until the raw smell disappears (this is where the curry’s depth starts).

3) Add chicken + salt and cook on medium

Add chicken and salt, then cook on medium flame for a few minutes to seal in juices and start building the gravy base.

4) Mix the yogurt masala

In a bowl, whisk yogurt with turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder until smooth (no lumps).

5) Add yogurt masala and simmer until oil separates

Add the yogurt-spice mix into the pan, stir well, and cook until you see oil separating—that’s the sign your masala is cooking properly.

6) Cover and cook until chicken is tender

Cover and cook around 10–12 minutes (adjust based on cut size) until chicken is tender.

7) Add cashew paste for creaminess

Blend soaked cashews into a smooth paste and add it in—this is the “creamy cheat code” that makes the curry feel richer.

8) Finish with curry leaves + masala

Add curry leaves and garam masala (or chicken masala). Simmer another 3–4 minutes on low so the aroma blooms without overcooking.

9) Lemon juice at the end

Turn off the heat, then squeeze lemon juice.

Garnish with coriander and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Keep it classic or mix it up—this gravy pairs like a dream:

Classic South: Goes well with Parotta, Idiyappam, dosa and hot steamed idlies.

Rice rules: Spoon it over steaming basmati or jeera rice for the ultimate soak-up situation. Even It is especially delicious with hot steamed rice and a little ghee.

Bready bliss: Mop it with soft rotis, naan, or even crusty bread if you’re feeling Indo-Western.

Sidekicks: A simple cucumber raita or onion salad cuts the richness. For company, add a fried egg on top for brunchy flair.

Pro move: Serve family-style in a big bowl with lime wedges on the side—encourages second

Expert Tips

I’ve tweaked this recipe over countless solo cooking sessions, so here’s what elevates it from good to “wow”:

Marinate for magic:

Toss the chicken in the yogurt spice mix for 15-20 minutes before cooking. It tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor—trust me, it’s worth the wait. (I didn’t marinate in this recipe, since i wanna make it quick)

Low and slow on the onions:

Sauté them until golden brown (not burnt!). This caramelization is the flavor backbone; rush it, and you’ll miss that depth.

Whisk the yogurt:

Use thick curd to avoid the gravy becoming watery. Beat it smooth before adding to avoid curdling. If it starts to separate, a splash of water and gentle stirring saves the day.

Creamier Cashews:

Grind the cashews into a very smooth paste for a creamy gravy.

Taste as you go:

Start with half the chili powder and adjust—better safe than spicy regret.

Fresh is fierce:

Use fresh curry leaves if possible; they sizzle in hot oil like little flavor bombs.

Avoid common mistakes

– Don’t add water early. The chicken releases juices and the yogurt mix forms the gravy; adding water too soon can dilute flavor.  
– Cook yogurt masala patiently. Wait for the oil-separation cue—this avoids the “raw spice” taste.  
– Lemon juice always last. Adding it while boiling can mute the bright aroma—finish after switching off.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Lucky you—this gets even better overnight as flavors meld.

Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive the gravy.
Freezer: Portion into freezer bags for up to a month. Thaw overnight and simmer—perfect for batch cooking.
Heads up: The lemon juice can make it tangy post-thaw, so add fresh at serving. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

Some Frequently asked questions while making this Bachelor Chicken Curry

Variations to this Bachelor Chicken Curry

This base is versatile—tweak it to match your mood or fridge raid:

Veggie boost:

Add diced potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers with the chicken for a heartier stew.

Creamier twist:

Swap yogurt for coconut milk for a milder, tropical vibe.

Protein swap:

Go vegetarian with paneer or chickpeas; it holds up just as well.

Spice level up:

For extra heat, throw in a dried red chili or smoked paprika. Dial it down with more cashew paste for silkiness.

Tangy Tomato

Add 1 chopped tomato while sautéing onions for a slightly tangy gravy.

Butter Chicken Style:

Add 1 tbsp butter and a little cream at the end for a richer taste.

Fusion fun:

Stir in a teaspoon of peanut butter with the cashews for a Thai-inspired nuttiness.

Recipe Card for Bachelor Chicken Curry Recipe

Print

Bachelor Chicken Curry

Easy Bachelor Chicken Curry is a simple homemade chicken curry made with basic pantry ingredients like onions, yogurt, spices, and cashew paste. It is a quick, beginner-friendly chicken recipe that anyone can cook without complicated steps. This recipe is perfect for people who want a flavorful homemade chicken gravy without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Course dinner, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Indian, North Indian, South Indian, tamil nadu

Keyword bachelor chicken curry, bachelor chicken gravy, chicken curry with cashew paste, chicken curry with yogurt, creamy chicken gravy, easy chicken masala, quick dinner chicken recipe, side dish for idli dosa, simple chicken curry recipe, south indian chicken curry

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 320kcal

Author Akila

Equipment

• pan or kadai
• Bowl for mixing yogurt

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• – Chicken: ~400 g
• – Onion: 1 large
• – Ginger: 1-inch piece
• – Garlic: 3–4 cloves
• – Green chili: 1
• – Oil: 3–4 tbsp sesame oil suggested, any cooking oil works
• – Salt: to taste

Yogurt spice mix

• – Thick curd / yogurt: 3–4 tbsp
• – Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp
• – Chili powder: 1 tsp
• – Coriander powder: 1 tsp
• – Cumin powder: 1/2 tsp

Finishers

• – Cashews: 15 soak in hot water 10 min, then grind
• – Curry leaves: a handful
• – Garam masala OR chicken masala: 1/2 tsp
• – Lemon juice: a squeeze
• – Coriander leaves: to garnish

Instructions

Make the flavor base (no water grinding

• Grind onion + ginger + garlic + green chili into a coarse paste. The key here: don’t add water—keep it thick for better sautéing and flavor concentration.
  

Sauté until the raw smell goes

• Heat oil in a pan and sauté the paste until the raw smell disappears (this is where the curry’s depth starts).
  

Add chicken + salt and cook on medium

• Add chicken and salt, then cook on medium flame for a few minutes to seal in juices and start building the gravy base.

Mix the yogurt masala

• In a bowl, whisk yogurt with turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder until smooth (no lumps).
  

Add yogurt masala and simmer until oil separates

• Add the yogurt-spice mix into the pan, stir well, and cook until you see oil separating—that’s the sign your masala is cooking properly.
  

Cover and cook until chicken is tender

• Cover and cook around 10–12 minutes (adjust based on cut size) until chicken is tender.

Add cashew paste for creaminess

• Blend soaked cashews into a smooth paste and add it in—this is the “creamy cheat code” that makes the curry feel richer.
  

Finish with curry leaves + masala

• Add curry leaves and garam masala (or chicken masala). Simmer another 3–4 minutes on low so the aroma blooms without overcooking.

Lemon juice at the end

• Turn off the heat, then squeeze lemon juice. Garnish with coriander and serve hot.
  

Video

Notes

Marinate for magic:

Toss the chicken in the yogurt spice mix for 15-20 minutes before cooking. It tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor—trust me, it’s worth the wait. (I didn’t marinate in this recipe, since i wanna make it quick)

Low and slow on the onions:

Sauté them until golden brown (not burnt!). This caramelization is the flavor backbone; rush it, and you’ll miss that depth.

Whisk the yogurt:

Use thick curd to avoid the gravy becoming watery. Beat it smooth before adding to avoid curdling. If it starts to separate, a splash of water and gentle stirring saves the day.

Creamier Cashews:

Grind the cashews into a very smooth paste for a creamy gravy.

Taste as you go:

Start with half the chili powder and adjust—better safe than spicy regret.

Fresh is fierce:

Use fresh curry leaves if possible; they sizzle in hot oil like little flavor bombs.

Avoid common mistakes

– Don’t add water early. The chicken releases juices and the yogurt mix forms the gravy; adding water too soon can dilute flavor.
– Cook yogurt masala patiently. Wait for the oil-separation cue—this avoids the “raw spice” taste.
– Lemon juice always last. Adding it while boiling can mute the bright aroma—finish after switching off.

Nutrition (Approximate)

Per serving:
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: ~25 g
Fat: ~20 g
Carbohydrates: ~8 g
Values may vary based on ingredients used.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a quick, simple, and flavorful chicken curry, this Easy Bachelor Chicken Gravy is a perfect choice.
It uses minimal ingredients, simple cooking steps, and delivers a rich homemade taste that everyone will enjoy. Whether you are a beginner cook, a busy professional, or someone who wants a quick chicken dish, this recipe is reliable, comforting, and delicious.

I’d rate it a solid 9/10 (loses a point only because I crave it daily now). Give it a whirl this week, and let me know in the comments how it turned out—tag your pics with #BachelorGravyGlowUp!

Happy cooking, folks.

What’s your go-to solo supper?

The post Easy Bachelor Chicken Curry | Simple Chicken Gravy Recipe for Beginners appeared first on Learning-to-cook.

Learn how to make Red chilli chicken masala

Lets see how to make the thick and spicy Red chilli chicken masala at home with simple step by step instructions and video for your easy understanding.

What is Red Chilli Chicken Masala

If you’re craving a properly spicy, deeply flavored chicken masala that pairs with almost anything—rice, roti, dosa, idli—this Red Chilli Chicken Masala delivers. The key is a sautéed, blended masala paste made with shallots, Kashmiri red chilies, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, cloves, and nuts, then slow-cooked with chicken until thick and restaurant-style. This thick and spicy Red Chilli Chicken Masala is perfect for rice. It is a simple South Indian style chicken recipe with bold flavors and rich roasted masala.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Thick and flavorful
• Perfect for rice
• Easy to make
• Simple ingredients
• Spicy and satisfying

Check few of my collection of recipes

If you are a non veg lover then do check my huge collection of Non veg recipes

• Chicken Recipes
• Egg recipes
• Fish Recipes

Some Chicken Gravy recipes for you to try:
Chicken gravy for beginners
Nadan Kozhi curry
Simple chicken kuzhambu
Kaju Chicken – Spicy version
Pepper Chicken Chettinad

If you love my recipes, then do subscribe to my Youtube channel for latest videos. For recipes in Tamil with English description – Just Samayal (detailed videos).

Below is the video of Red chilli chicken masala in Tamil with English description

Lets now see the Ingredients needed and step by step procedure to make this recipe

Ingredients

For the masala paste

– 3 tbsp sesame oil / gingelly oil (Sesame oil)
– 15–20 small onions / shallots
– 7–8 Kashmiri dried red chilies (Kashmiri chili)
– 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
– 8 almonds (or substitute cashews)
– 1-inch ginger
– 5–6 garlic cloves
– 5–6 cloves
– A little water, for grinding (as needed) Source

For the chicken masala

– ½ kg chicken, cut into pieces
– 1 large onion, sliced lengthwise
– 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
– ¼ tsp turmeric powder
– 1½ tsp chicken masala powder
– 2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (adjust to taste)
– Salt, to taste
– Curry leaves, a handful
– Coriander leaves, a handful (chopped)
– Lemon juice, a squeeze (about ½ lemon) Source

Step-by-step Procedure

1) Sauté the base for the paste
Heat 3 tbsp sesame oil in a clay pot or heavy-bottom pan. Add shallots, dried Kashmiri red chilies, and chopped tomatoes. Sauté until softened.

2) Add aromatics + spices + nuts
Add almonds (or cashews), ginger, garlic, and cloves. Sauté until aromatic and well-cooked.

3) Cool and grind
Move the sautéed mixture to a plate, cool completely, then grind to a smooth paste with a little water. Set aside.

4) Build the chicken base
In the same pan, sauté 1 sliced large onion until translucent. Add 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

5) Add chicken + spice powders
Add the chicken. Season with turmeric, chicken masala powder, Kashmiri chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat evenly.
6) Add the ground paste and slow cook
Add the prepared masala paste. Rinse the mixer jar with a little water and add that too. Cook on low heat for ~40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. (No extra water is needed since the chicken releases moisture.)

7) Finish with herbs
When chicken is tender and masala turns thick, add curry leaves + coriander leaves

8) Final touch

Squeeze little lemon juice and Turn off the heat.

Your tasty red chilli chicken masala is ready to be served hot hot with rice or roti or chappathi.

Tips for Best Taste

– Go low and slow: The 40–45 minute low-flame cook is what makes the masala clingy and intense.
– Cool before grinding: Grinding hot sautéed mix can turn bitter and may also pressure-build in the jar—cool it fully first.
– Adjust spice smartly: Keep the dried chilies for flavor, but reduce Kashmiri chili powder if you want a milder version.
– Use a heavy pan/clay pot: Helps prevent burning during slow cooking and gives better body.

Notes & Variations

– Almonds vs cashews: Almonds are used, but cashews work as a substitute for similar richness and thickness.
– Serving ideas: This tastes especially great mixed with plain rice, and also pairs well with chapathi/roti, dosa, idli.
– Consistency control (optional): If you prefer it more “gravy-like,” add a small splash of hot water near the end (do it gradually so it doesn’t become thin).

Storage & Reheating

Here are safe, practical guidelines:
– Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. 
– Freezer: Freeze up to 1 month for best flavor (thaw overnight in the fridge). 
– Reheat: Reheat until piping hot; add a splash of water if the masala has thickened too much. 
It is always good to eat the cooked meal within a day.

Printable recipe for Red chilli chicken masala

Print

Red Chilli Chicken Masala

Red Chilli Chicken Masala is a bold, spicy and thick chicken recipe perfect for rice. The masala is roasted until oil separates, giving the dish a rich taste and deep colour. This home-style chicken curry is easy to prepare and ideal for a comforting lunch or dinner.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Indian, South Indian, tamil nadu

Keyword chicken masala for rice, clay pot chicken curry, home made chicken masala, hotel style chicken masala, kashmiri chilli chicken, red chilli chicken masala, slow cooked chicken curry, spicy chicken masala

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 500kcal

Author Akila

Cost 10

Equipment

• kadai
• bowl for mixing

Ingredients

For the masala paste

• – 3 tbsp sesame oil / gingelly oil Sesame oil
• – 15–20 small onions / shallots
• – 7–8 Kashmiri dried red chilies Kashmiri chili
• – 2 tomatoes roughly chopped
• – 8 almonds or substitute cashews
• – 1-inch ginger
• – 5–6 garlic cloves
• – 5–6 cloves
• – A little water for grinding (as needed) Source

For the chicken masala

• – ½ kg chicken cut into pieces
• – 1 large onion sliced lengthwise
• – 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• – ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• – 1½ tsp chicken masala powder
• – 2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder adjust to taste
• – Salt to taste
• – Curry leaves a handful
• – Coriander leaves a handful (chopped)
• – Lemon juice a squeeze (about ½ lemon) Source

Instructions

Sauté the base for the paste

• Heat 3 tbsp sesame oil in a clay pot or heavy-bottom pan. Add shallots, dried Kashmiri red chilies, and chopped tomatoes. Sauté until softened.

Add aromatics + spices + nuts

• Add almonds (or cashews), ginger, garlic, and cloves. Sauté until aromatic and well-cooked.

Cool and grind

• Move the sautéed mixture to a plate, cool completely, then grind to a smooth paste with a little water. Set aside.

Build the chicken base

• In the same pan, sauté 1 sliced large onion until translucent. Add 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

Add chicken + spice powders

• Add the chicken. Season with turmeric, chicken masala powder, Kashmiri chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat evenly.

Add the ground paste and slow cook

• Add the prepared masala paste. Rinse the mixer jar with a little water and add that too. Cook on low heat for ~40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. (No extra water is needed since the chicken releases moisture.)

Finish with herbs

• When chicken is tender and masala turns thick, add curry leaves + coriander leaves

Final touch

• Squeeze little lemon juice and Turn off the heat.

Video

Notes

– Almonds vs cashews: Almonds are used, but cashews work as a substitute for similar richness and thickness.
– Serving ideas: This tastes especially great mixed with plain rice, and also pairs well with chapathi/roti, dosa, idli.
– Consistency control (optional): If you prefer it more “gravy-like,” add a small splash of hot water near the end (do it gradually so it doesn’t become thin).

FAQ

1) Is this dish very spicy?
It’s meant to be spicy. To reduce heat, cut down the Kashmiri chili powder and/or reduce the number of dried chilies in the paste.

2) Can I make it without almonds?
Yes—cashews are a mentioned substitute and will still give a thick, rich masala.

3) Do I need to add water while cooking?
Typically no, because chicken releases moisture; only the jar-rinse water is added with the paste. Source

4) What goes best with Red Chilli Chicken Masala?
It’s shown as a side for rice & roti, and also works with dosa/idli.

5) How do I know it’s done?
When the chicken is tender and the masala becomes thick and well-coated, it’s ready for herbs + lemon finishing.

6. Why is my red chilli chicken masala not thick?
If the masala is watery, it means:
Tomatoes were not cooked properly.
Masala was not roasted until oil separated.
Too much water was added.
Cook on medium flame and roast well until oil separates for thick consistency.

7. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken.
But bone-in chicken gives:
More flavour
Better texture
Juicier result
For authentic taste, bone-in is recommended.

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The post Red Chilli Chicken Masala (Spicy) | Side dish for Rice & Roti appeared first on Learning-to-cook.