Chicken gravy is a rich and comforting dish made with tender chicken cooked in a smooth, spiced sauce. The gravy has a balanced texture that coats the chicken well, making it perfect to serve with rice, roti, or bread.
This recipe keeps the ingredients simple while building deep flavor through basic cooking steps.
What You’ll Need

Ingredients
- 500g chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the base
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
For spices
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For gravy
- 1½ cups water
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Tools
- Large pan or pot
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Blender (for tomato puree)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Heat the oil and butter
Place a pan over medium heat. Add oil and butter, letting them warm together.
2. Cook the onions
Add finely chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir occasionally.
3. Add garlic and ginger
Add minced garlic and ginger paste. Cook briefly until the aroma develops.
4. Add tomato puree
Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate slightly.
5. Add spices
Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute.
6. Add chicken
Add chicken pieces to the pan and mix well so they are coated with the masala.
7. Add water and cook
Pour in water and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is tender and the gravy thickens.
8. Finish and serve
Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken gravy pairs well with:
- Rice
- Roti or naan
- Bread
Tips for Best Results
Cook onions properly for better flavor.
Let the tomato mixture cook until thick before adding chicken.
Simmer gently for tender chicken.
Adjust water for desired gravy consistency.
Storage and Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat, adding a little water if needed.
Freezing is possible, though texture may change slightly.
Variations
Add cream for a richer gravy.
Use whole spices for deeper flavor.
Add potatoes for a heartier dish.