Traditional Chicken Madras: Recipe

Prep & Cook Time:

  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Cook: 35–40 minutes
  • Serves: 4

What is Chicken Madras?

Chicken Madras is a spicy, tomato-based curry with bold South Asian flavours. Traditionally hotter than a korma or tikka masala, it’s a go-to for lovers of rich, punchy curries. Thanks to our ready-made Madras Curry Sauce from Butchers-Sundries, this version is quick, fuss-free, and absolutely full of flavour.

Ingredients:

  • 600g Skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 Medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Fresh ginger, grated
  • 475g Madras Curry Sauce – shop here
  • 100ml Water (optional, for adjusting consistency)
  • Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 Fresh red chilli, sliced (for extra heat)
  • A handful of baby spinach or cooked peas for extra veg
  • A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

Method:

  • Heat the oil in a large frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden
  • Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant
  • Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until sealed on all sides and lightly golden
  • Pour in the Madras Curry Sauce and stir well to coat the chicken evenly
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it
  • Taste and season with salt to your liking. Add any optional extras here (spinach, chilli, lemon juice, etc.)
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh coriander

What to Serve With:

  • Steamed basmati rice or pilau rice
  • Warm naan or chapati
  • A cooling cucumber raita or plain yoghurt
  • Mango chutney and lime pickle for extra punch

Butchers-Sundries Tip:

This Madras Curry Sauce is packed with traditional flavour, but feel free to experiment by adding cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist, or use lamb or beef as an alternative to chicken.

Buy the Sauce:

Ready to try it? Grab your Madras Curry Sauce (6 x 475g) from our Curry Club range and get 30% off with the code ‘NCW30’! (Offer ends on the 12th of October.)

 

Chicken madrasNational curry weekRecipes