Garlic Chilli Chicken Curry Recipe for Beginners
If you’re craving something spicy, aromatic, and full of bold Indian flavours, Garlic Chilli Chicken Curry is the perfect dish to start with. This recipe is all about balancing the deep warmth of garlic, the fiery kick of chillies, and the tender juiciness of chicken, all of which come together beautifully in one comforting curry. It’s a restaurant-style favourite that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen.
The best part? You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy a gentle heat or crave a fiery curry, this recipe provides all the tools to make it just right. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner, it’s an Indian classic you’ll want to make again and again.
About Garlic Chilli Chicken Recipe
Garlic Chilli Chicken is one of those dishes that wakes up your senses from the very first bite. It’s a vibrant curry packed with garlic, green chillies, and tender chicken cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce.
This recipe combines South Indian heat with North Indian depth, spicy, garlicky, and slightly tangy. You don’t need fancy ingredients or years of curry-making experience. Once you learn how to balance the garlic, chillies, and spices, this dish comes together in just about 30 minutes.
Who Should Make Chicken Chilli Garlic Curry?
If you love dishes with bold flavours of garlic sizzling in the pan, then this curry is calling your name. The first time I tried making chicken chilli garlic curry, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. But after a few experiments (and some advice from a friendly restaurant chef), it quickly became one of my favourites.
This curry is perfect for anyone who enjoys bold flavours and a touch of spice. It’s garlicky, fiery, and full of character and the kind of dish that wakes up your senses after a long day. You can easily adjust the heat level too. Add more chillies if you like it hot, or tone it down for a gentler flavour. Either way, it’s a dish that always satisfies.
How to Make Base Sauce
To get that true restaurant-style flavour in your Garlic Chilli Chicken Curry, you’ll need to start with a base sauce — it’s the secret behind the smooth texture and deep flavour you find in Indian restaurant curries. Don’t worry, it’s simple to make!
You just cook onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices until soft, then blend everything into a silky sauce. It’s versatile and can be used in many curries — not just this one.
You can also make it in advance and keep it ready for quick meals. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it in small portions for up to 6 months. That way, whenever a curry craving hits, you’ll have your base sauce ready to go!
Ingredients for Garlic Chilli Chicken
To make the perfect Garlic Chilli Chicken, you’ll need:
- 500g boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or light ghee
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste (freshly minced garlic works best)
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 2–3 green chillies, sliced (adjust to your spice level)
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2–3 tablespoons tomato puree
- ½ cup prepared base sauce
- ¼ cup warm water (for consistency)
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Lemon juice, to finish
Optional: Add a few dried red chillies or crushed black pepper for an extra punch of heat.
How to Make Garlic Chilli Chicken (Step by Step)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the chicken stay tender and juicy.
Step 2: Stir in the chillies and garlic
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until golden. Stir in garlic and ginger paste, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Chillies and Spices
Add the sliced green chillies and all the dry spices — red chilli powder, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Fry for 30 seconds to let the flavours bloom.
Step 4: Build the Curry Base
Stir in the tomato puree and your prepared base sauce. Add a little water to loosen the mixture and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the oil begins to separate.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir to coat with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Adjust and Finish
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Garnish with chopped coriander and a few slices of green chilli for that restaurant-style look.
Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or garlic chapati.
Try Chicken Chilli Garlic at India4 Restaurant
Don’t have time to cook but craving authentic Garlic Chilli Chicken? Visit India4 Restaurant, where their chefs prepare this spicy classic just like in the best curry houses of London. Served with fluffy naan and aromatic pilau rice, it’s the perfect comfort meal for any curry lover.
Conclusion
Garlic Chilli Chicken Curry is the perfect introduction to restaurant-style Indian cooking at home. It’s quick, flavourful, and easy enough even for beginners. With just a few fresh ingredients and the right technique, you’ll be able to recreate that authentic Indian restaurant taste right in your kitchen.
Whether you cook it yourself or enjoy it at India4 Restaurant, one thing’s for sure — this spicy, garlicky curry will become one of your all-time favourites.