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If you’re in the mood for something bold, rich and satisfying, this chicken madras recipe brings the heat and depth of flavor in all the right ways. With tender chunks of chicken simmered in a vibrant mix of tomatoes, coconut milk and warming spices, it’s a dish that balances richness and spice beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with others, this curry comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of a classic Indian-inspired meal.

Chicken madras curry in a bowl.

Chicken madras is a bold, spiced curry made with chunks of chicken simmered in coconut milk, tomatoes and warming spices for a hearty, flavorful dish.

Also try crockpot chicken curry, air fryer chicken stuffed poblanos, parmesan herb crusted pork tenderloin, and slow cooker beef curry.

A pan of authentic Indian chicken curry garnished with parsley, surrounded by peppers, herbs, spices, and naan bread.

Why You’ll Love It

Full of flavor: Layers of spice, tomato and creamy coconut make every bite rich and satisfying.
Quick to prepare: Comes together with simple steps and everyday ingredients.
Customizable heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
Gluten-free and dairy-free: There’s no gluten or dairy in this madras chicken recipe.

Close-up of a rich Chicken Madras, a spicy Indian curry garnished with fresh parsley leaves and chunks of tomato.

Chicken Madras Curry Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Onion: Adds a savory base and sweetness as it softens.
Garlic: Builds warmth and aromatic depth in the curry base.
Spices: Madras curry powder, ginger, chili powder, and smoked paprika create heat and complexity.
Sweet and warm spices: Sugar, cinnamon and cloves balance the savory elements.
Cayenne: Adds an optional extra kick.
Diced tomatoes: Provide acidity and body to the sauce.
Coconut milk: Adds creaminess and balances the spices.
Chicken breasts: Boneless chunks absorb the sauce and stay tender when simmered.

Overhead view of diced chicken, spices, onion, garlic, oil, tomatoes, and seasonings on a white surface—everything you need to make spicy chicken curry or try a bold chicken madras recipe.

How to Make Chicken Madras

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Sauté the aromatics: Cook onion and garlic in oil until soft and fragrant.
Toast the spices: Add all spices to the pan and stir until they become fragrant and slightly darkened.
Make the sauce: Pour in the tomatoes and coconut milk, then stir and let the mixture simmer to thicken.
Cook the chicken: Add chicken chunks, stir to coat, cover and simmer until fully cooked and tender.

A pot of rich, chunky beef stew garnished with fresh parsley leaves, reminiscent of the flavors you’d find in a spicy Indian curry.

Substitutions and Variations

Use chicken thighs: Swap for extra juiciness and richer flavor.
Make it vegetarian: Use chickpeas, tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken.
Change the heat level: Use more or less cayenne depending on spice preference.

A spoonful of thick, chunky chicken tikka masala garnished with fresh cilantro, reminiscent of an authentic Indian Chicken Madras recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Enjoy some delicious rice paper samosas or shrimp spring rolls.
Side dishes: Naan bread or basmati rice would be good with madras chicken.
Dessert: Finish off with cooling ice cream sandwiches or lemon sorbet.

A pot of authentic Indian Chicken Madras, a spicy Indian curry, garnished with parsley and served with yellow rice on a rustic wooden table.

How to Store Chicken Madras Indian Curry

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost in the fridge overnight.
Reheat: Warm it back up in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.

A pan of Chicken Madras garnished with parsley, surrounded by peppers, herbs, spices, and naan bread—a perfect way to make spicy chicken curry at home.

Top Tips

Toast your spices: This brings out their full flavor and aroma.
Simmer slowly: Allowing time to reduce helps the sauce become rich and thick.
Cut chicken evenly: Uniform pieces cook at the same rate and stay juicy.

A pan of authentic Indian chicken curry garnished with parsley, surrounded by naan, rice, tomatoes, and curry powder.

Chicken Madras Curry FAQs

Is madras curry powder very spicy?

It can be moderately spicy, but you can adjust the heat with less chili or cayenne.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but canned tomatoes provide a more consistent texture and richness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day.

A close-up of a spoonful of rich, red chicken tikka masala, an authentic Indian dish garnished with fresh green herbs—a must-try for anyone who loves spicy Indian curry.

Authentic Chicken Madras Recipe

A pot of Chicken Madras stew with herbs, surrounded by bowls of yellow rice and fresh vegetables on a wooden table, perfect for trying a classic chicken madras recipe.
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5 from 6 votes

Chicken Madras

By: Bella Bucchiotti
This chicken madras is a warming, bold curry that combines spices, tomatoes and coconut milk with juicy chunks of chicken. It’s quick to prepare and full of rich, comforting flavor. Great for weeknights or weekends when you want something satisfying with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Heat oil in a Dutch oven on low heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Add all spices and cook for another 5 minutes. If this mixture gets dry, you can add a bit more oil. Allow this to simmer and bubble for a minute while occasionally stirring. 
  • Raise heat to medium. Add diced, undrained tomatoes and coconut milk to your pan and stir together with spices. Allow this to simmer for 15 minutes. The liquid will thicken quite a bit. 
  • Add chicken pieces and stir to coat them. Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, then remove the cover and cook for another 10 minutes.  

Notes

Toast your spices: This brings out their full flavor and aroma.
Simmer slowly: Allowing time to reduce helps the sauce become rich and thick.
Cut chicken evenly: Uniform pieces cook at the same rate and stay juicy.

Nutrition

Calories: 560kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 1332mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 413IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 6mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
Overhead view of chopped chicken, diced tomatoes, onion, spices, and garlic arranged on a white surface—perfect ingredients for an authentic Indian Chicken Madras.
Chopped onions in a pan topped with various spices, surrounded by bowls of tomatoes, curry powder, and pepper—perfect to make authentic Indian Chicken Madras or a spicy chicken curry.
A pot of sautéed onions and spices with bowls of chopped tomatoes, curry powder, and pepper beside it—perfect for an authentic Indian chicken madras recipe or to make spicy chicken curry at home.
Uncooked chicken pieces in a pot of authentic Indian Chicken Madras curry sauce, surrounded by bowls of spices and chopped tomatoes.
A pot of Chicken Madras, filled with chunks of chicken and tomatoes, is surrounded by small bowls of spices and diced tomatoes—a perfect scene for anyone craving a spicy Indian curry.
A pot of Chicken Madras curry garnished with fresh parsley, surrounded by spices and a bowl of chopped tomatoes, capturing the essence of authentic Indian cuisine.

Chicken madras is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. With juicy chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce full of aromatic spices and tangy tomato, this spicy Indian curry hits the perfect balance of heat and comfort. The coconut milk smooths the bold flavors, making each bite rich without being heavy. Whether you’re a curry lover or trying something new, this dish is easy to master and even easier to love.

Other Recipes to Try

A bowl of Chicken Madras, an authentic Indian spicy curry, garnished with fresh cilantro and surrounded by colorful peppers and herbs.
A pot of Chicken Madras curry, an authentic Indian spicy Indian curry, garnished with fresh parsley, with tomatoes and spices on the side—a delicious chicken madras recipe to savor.
Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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Recipe Rating




5 from 6 votes (3 ratings without comment)

3 Comments