Hariyali Chicken Masala is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the earthy goodness of fresh herbs and the rich taste of tender chicken. The word “Hariyali” translates to “greenery” in Hindi, reflecting the verdant color that the dish acquires from its key ingredients—an aromatic blend of coriander, mint, and spinach. This North Indian delicacy is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds, offering a refreshing departure from the more traditional tomato-based curries.
What makes Hariyali Chicken Masala truly special is its balance of flavors. The green masala paste, which forms the base of the dish, is prepared by grinding together herbs, spices, and sometimes yogurt or cream, resulting in a smooth and fragrant mixture. This paste is then cooked with succulent pieces of chicken, allowing the meat to absorb the rich, herbaceous flavors while retaining its juiciness.
This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat, as it often incorporates green chilies, adding a subtle kick without overwhelming the palate. The result is a dish that is both light and hearty, with a freshness that is perfect for any season. Whether served with warm naan, fluffy basmati rice, or even a simple salad, Hariyali Chicken Masala is sure to impress with its unique combination of zest, spice, and creaminess.
Ideal for both casual family dinners and festive occasions, Hariyali Chicken Masala is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by all. Its eye-catching green color and layers of flavor make it a memorable dish that not only satisfies hunger but also celebrates the rich culinary traditions of India.
Ingredients: Hariyali Chicken Masala Recipe
For the Marinade:
- 500g chicken (boneless or with bone, cut into pieces)
- 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 3-4 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1-inch ginger piece
- 5-6 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For the Masala:
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 large tomato, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cream or yogurt for garnish (optional)
Instructions: Hariyali Chicken Masala Recipe
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a blender, combine the coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilies, ginger, garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt. Blend into a smooth paste.
Marinate the chicken pieces in this green paste for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours for better flavor.
2. Cook the Masala:
Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release oil.
Stir in the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are well incorporated.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the marinated chicken to the pan along with any leftover marinade. Cook on medium heat until the chicken starts to brown slightly.
Cover the pan and let the chicken cook in its own juices for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If needed, add a little water to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
Sprinkle garam masala and give it a final stir. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Optionally, garnish with a swirl of fresh cream or a dollop of yogurt for added richness.
Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Enjoy your delicious Hariyali Chicken Masala!
Some More Interesting Recipes –
- Mutton Dum Biryani Recipe
- Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Coconut Rice Recipe
- Pudina Rice Recipe
- Jeera Rice Recipe
- Lemon Rice Recipe
- Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Vegetable fried rice Recipe
- Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani Recipe
- Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Chilli Chicken Recipe
- Garlic Chicken Masala Recipe
- Palak Chicken (Spinach Chicken) Recipe
- Andhra Chicken Biryani Cooking Recipe
FAQs for Hariyali Chicken Masala Recipe
1. What is Hariyali Chicken Masala?
Hariyali Chicken Masala is a popular Indian dish where chicken is marinated in a green paste made from fresh coriander, mint, green chilies, and yogurt, then cooked in a spiced gravy. The name “Hariyali” comes from the Hindi word for “greenery,” referring to the vibrant green color of the marinade.
2. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken works well for Hariyali Chicken Masala. It cooks faster and absorbs the flavors of the marinade efficiently. However, bone-in chicken can also be used for a richer taste.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
It’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to an hour. For deeper flavor, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
4. What can I serve with Hariyali Chicken Masala?
Hariyali Chicken Masala pairs well with a variety of Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. It also goes well with steamed rice, jeera rice, or pulao.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Hariyali Chicken Masala in advance. The flavors often deepen after a few hours, making it an ideal dish to cook ahead for gatherings or meal prep. Just reheat gently before serving.
6. Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! You can adjust the heat by reducing the number of green chilies in the marinade. You can also use milder varieties of chilies to further reduce the spice level.
7. Can I freeze Hariyali Chicken Masala?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove before serving.
8. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but if you don’t have them, you can use dried coriander and mint. However, the taste and color will differ slightly. You may also find pre-made green chutney that can be used as a substitute.
9. How can I make the dish creamier?
To make Hariyali Chicken Masala creamier, you can add a little fresh cream or extra yogurt towards the end of the cooking process. Alternatively, you can add ground cashews to the gravy for a richer texture.
10. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), tofu, or vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, or peas to create a vegetarian version of Hariyali chicken Masala.
Hariyali Chicken Masala Recipe
Ingredients: Hariyali Chicken Masala Recipe
For the Marinade:
For the Masala:
Cooking Instructions: Hariyali Chicken Masala Recipe
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a blender, combine the coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilies, ginger, garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt. Blend into a smooth paste.
- Marinate the chicken pieces in this green paste for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours for better flavor.
2. Cook the Masala:
- Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release oil.
- Stir in the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are well incorporated.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan along with any leftover marinade. Cook on medium heat until the chicken starts to brown slightly.
- Cover the pan and let the chicken cook in its own juices for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If needed, add a little water to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Sprinkle garam masala and give it a final stir. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Optionally, garnish with a swirl of fresh cream or a dollop of yogurt for added richness.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
