Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Irani Kadai Chicken, a culinary delight that seamlessly blends Persian and Indian cooking traditions. This dish transcends the ordinary chicken curry, offering a unique depth of taste achieved through a masterful blend of spices and a slow-simmering technique. Imagine succulent chicken pieces, bathed in a vibrant, slightly sweet and tangy sauce, infused with the warm embrace of cardamom, cinnamon, and the subtle heat of chilies. The fragrant aroma alone is enough to transport you to a bustling Iranian bazaar.
This recipe simplifies the preparation of this complex-tasting dish, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe focuses on achieving authentic flavors with ease. Ready to embark on a culinary journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this irresistible Irani Kadai Chicken together.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Mortar and pestle
- Knife
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 kg
- Coriander
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Pepper
- Green chili
- Ginger
- Cumin
- Salt
- Chili flakes
- Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Chicken
- Wash the chicken thoroughly with two or three changes of water.
- Cut the onions vertically into squares.
- Cut the tomatoes lengthwise into long pieces.
- Finely chop the coriander.




- Grind the green chilies and ginger separately in a mortar and pestle.
- Crush the peppercorns.
- Combine the crushed peppercorns, coriander, and cumin.
- Set aside the spice mixture. Then, crush the ginger and green chilies in the same mortar.




Step 2. Cook the Chicken and Sauté Vegetables
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over the stove.
- Add the chicken to the hot oil. Season with salt only; no marinating or ginger-garlic paste is needed.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the chili flakes, crushed ginger, and green chilies.
- Add the vertically sliced onions and lengthwise cut tomatoes.




- Add the crushed ginger and green chilies.
- Mix everything well and fry until the onions and tomatoes are soft and cooked.


Step 3. Add Spices and Simmer
- Add the prepared spice mixture.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the water content evaporates.
- Stir in the finely chopped coriander.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes.




Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!

Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe
Tips
- Use a generous amount of oil for best results.
- No need for extra spices beyond those listed; the simplicity of the recipe enhances the flavors.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1800-2200
- Fat: 120-150g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 150-180g
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken for this recipe?
Both work well! Bone-in chicken will yield a richer flavor, but boneless is quicker to cook. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What can I substitute if I don't have all the spices listed?
While the specific spice blend is key to the Irani flavor, you can substitute similar spices. For example, garam masala can partially replace some of the individual spices if you're missing a few.
This Irani Kadai Chicken recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with surprisingly simple steps. Enjoy the fragrant and flavorful results, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Now go ahead and impress your friends and family with this delightful culinary fusion!