Are you looking for a spicy, flavorful chicken dish? This Chicken Modiga Recipe is perfect. It is a traditional Indian-inspired dish full of rich spices and aroma.
Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a savory sauce that is both spicy and tangy. Making it at home is easy, fun and much healthier than restaurant versions.
Today, I will show you how to make Chicken Modiga and share tips for the best flavor. You will enjoy every bite of this delicious, homemade chicken dish.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe last weekend, and it was amazing. The chicken was juicy and full of flavor. The spices were balanced and not too overpowering. Cooking it at home was easier than I expected.
My family loved it and asked for seconds. The aroma filled the kitchen and made the meal feel special. This dish quickly became a favorite for weekend dinners and festive meals.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Chicken Modiga
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Indian
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet or pan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients You Need for Chicken Modiga
- 1 lb chicken, cut into medium pieces
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Wash and pat dry chicken pieces. Set aside while preparing other ingredients. - Heat Oil
Heat oil in a skillet or pan over medium heat. Make sure it is hot before adding onions. - Cook Onions
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown for rich flavor in the dish. - Add Ginger-Garlic Paste
Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Add Spices
Add turmeric, red chili, coriander, cumin and salt. Mix well for a flavorful base. - Add Tomatoes
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and oil separates from the mixture. - Cook Chicken
Add chicken pieces and mix well. Sauté 3–5 minutes to coat with the spice mixture. - Add Water
Pour ½ cup water and cover the pan. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. - Finish with Garam Masala
Sprinkle garam masala and chopped coriander leaves. Stir gently to combine flavors. - Serve Hot
Serve Chicken Modiga hot with steamed rice or Indian bread like naan or roti.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavor.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it tender.
- Adjust red chili powder to control spiciness.
- Garnish with fresh coriander for aroma and color.
- Serve immediately for best taste.
Nutrition Information
| Ingredient | Benefit | Calories per serving |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | High protein, low fat | 200 kcal |
| Onion & Tomato | Vitamins and antioxidants | 50 kcal |
| Spices | Rich flavor, antioxidants | 50 kcal |
| Oil | Healthy fat | 50 kcal |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Modiga with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice or Indian bread. Pair it with a fresh cucumber salad or yogurt raita for a refreshing balance. Lemon wedges can also add a tangy touch. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or festive meals.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
- Naan, roti or paratha
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Yogurt raita or plain yogurt
- Pickles or chutney
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan on low heat to keep the chicken moist.
- Avoid microwaving for too long; chicken can become dry.
- Leftover chicken can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Chicken Modiga Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken cut into medium pieces
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Wash and pat dry chicken pieces. Set aside while preparing other ingredients.
Heat Oil
- Heat oil in a skillet or pan over medium heat. Make sure it is hot before adding onions.
Cook Onions
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown for rich flavor in the dish.
Add Ginger-Garlic Paste
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Spices
- Add turmeric, red chili, coriander, cumin, and salt. Mix well for a flavorful base.
Add Tomatoes
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and oil separates from the mixture.
Cook Chicken
- Add chicken pieces and mix well. Sauté 3–5 minutes to coat with the spice mixture.
Add Water
- Pour ½ cup water and cover the pan. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Finish with Garam Masala
- Sprinkle garam masala and chopped coriander leaves. Stir gently to combine flavors.
Serve Hot
- Serve Chicken Modiga hot with steamed rice or Indian bread like naan or roti.
Notes
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavor.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it tender.
- Adjust red chili powder to control spiciness.
- Garnish with fresh coriander for aroma and color.
- Serve immediately for best taste.
FAQs about Chicken Modiga
Q1: Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce red chili powder or skip it entirely for mild flavor.
Q2: Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken works well. Adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Q3: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and store separately. Reheat gently before serving.
Q4: Can I use coconut milk in this recipe?
Yes, adding ¼ cup coconut milk gives a creamy texture and mild flavor.
Q5: Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the steps are simple and easy to follow even for first-time cooks.
Conclusion
This Chicken Modiga Recipe is flavorful, aromatic, and easy to make at home. It brings traditional Indian flavors to your kitchen with simple ingredients. Tender chicken, bold spices, and savory sauce make it a favorite for family meals. Serve with rice or Indian bread for a complete dish. Follow step-by-step instructions for the best results. Try this recipe for your next meal and enjoy a restaurant-quality Indian chicken dish in your own home.
Extra Wonderful Recipes
- Creole Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Maryland Fried Chicken Recipe
- Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe
- Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
