The Perfect Methi Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinner Nights

Methi chicken dances with vibrant flavors that capture the essence of home-cooked Indian cuisine.

Aromatic green fenugreek leaves infuse this dish with an earthy, slightly bitter undertone.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among fragrant herbs and spices, creating a melodic blend of textures.

Familiar yet surprising, the recipe promises a culinary journey through traditional kitchens.

Warm spices like cumin and turmeric add depth and complexity to every bite.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this simple yet sophisticated meal.

You’ll want to savor each mouthful and share this delightful experience with everyone at the table.

Why People Love James Martin Methi Chicken

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Fenugreek leaves infuse a rich, aromatic profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a spectacular dish with deep, complex tastes.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without extensive preparation.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken and health-boosting fenugreek, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that supports wellness while satisfying taste buds.
• Spice Level Flexibility: Easily adjustable heat through green chili allows customization for different palate preferences, making it adaptable for families with varying spice tolerances.

What You’ll Need For James Martin Methi Chicken

• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that forms the base of this flavorful curry.
• Fenugreek Leaves: Aromatic herb that adds a distinctive flavor and nutritional boost to the dish.

• Onions: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the curry.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: Adds depth of flavor and traditional Indian cooking aroma.
• Green Chili: Brings a spicy kick to enhance the overall taste profile.

• Yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and creates a creamy texture.
• Oil, Salt, Water, Spices: Support ingredients that balance and complete the dish's flavor and cooking process.

How To Cook James Martin Methi Chicken Easily

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Chop onions finely and toss them into the sizzling oil. Stir and cook until the onions transform into a beautiful golden-brown color, releasing a rich, sweet fragrance that fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Seal the Chicken

Add chicken pieces to the caramelized onions. Drop in fresh ginger-garlic paste, breaking up the chunks and mixing thoroughly. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until each piece gets a lovely sealed exterior and starts to turn white.

Step 3: Create Creamy Spice Blend

• Yogurt
• Green chili
• Turmeric
• Red chili powder
• Garam masala

Stir everything together, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop a thick, glossy consistency with oil gently separating at the edges.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Pour water into the pan, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat. Let the chicken cook slowly, absorbing all the complex spices for about 25 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Fenugreek Magic

Uncover the pan and sprinkle fresh fenugreek leaves. Stir gently, allowing the leaves to wilt and integrate into the curry. Continue cooking until the sauce reaches a perfect, rich thickness.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve piping hot alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Tips That Work For James Martin Methi Chicken

• Prevent Bitter Fenugreek: Quickly blanch methi leaves in hot water before adding to reduce bitterness and enhance flavor.
• Balance Spice Level: Adjust green chili quantity or remove seeds for milder taste without compromising authentic flavor.
• Tenderize Chicken Perfectly: Marinate chicken in yogurt for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure soft, juicy meat.
• Control Curry Consistency: If sauce becomes too thick, add small amounts of warm water to maintain desired texture.
• Enhance Aroma: Toast whole spices briefly before grinding to release deeper, richer flavors in the dish.

Fresh Takes On James Martin Methi Chicken

• Vegetarian Methi Tofu: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes, marinate in yogurt and spices before cooking for a protein-packed plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap rice or naan with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake and create a lighter meal option.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of yogurt and add cashew cream for richness while maintaining creamy texture.
• Instant Pot Speedster: Convert recipe to pressure cooker method, reducing cooking time to 12-15 minutes while preserving authentic flavors and tenderness.

Foods That Go With James Martin Methi Chicken

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Syrah or Grenache that complements the rich, spicy flavors of Methi Chicken, balancing its aromatic fenugreek and warm spices.
• Serve with Jeera Rice: Create a perfect accompaniment by preparing cumin-infused basmati rice, which enhances the dish's earthy notes and provides a complementary texture.
• Cool Cucumber Raita: Whip up a refreshing yogurt-based side that cuts through the chicken's intensity, offering a soothing contrast to the spicy curry and cleansing the palate.
• Pair with Crisp Indian Lager: Choose a chilled Kingfisher or similar light beer that helps neutralize the dish's heat while providing a crisp, clean drinking experience.

How To Store James Martin Methi Chicken After Cooking

• Store leftover methi chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Place flat to save space and prevent freezer burn.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pour chicken into a pan with a splash of water or extra yogurt. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more liquid if sauce becomes too thick.

Common Questions On James Martin Methi Chicken

• What is methi chicken?

Methi chicken is a popular North Indian curry made with chicken and fresh fenugreek leaves, known for its unique bitter-sweet flavor and aromatic spices.

• Are fenugreek leaves important in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fenugreek leaves are the star ingredient that gives the dish its distinctive taste and aroma, providing a slightly bitter yet fragrant element to the curry.

• Can I use dried fenugreek leaves instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), but fresh leaves provide a more vibrant flavor and authentic taste to the dish.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of green chili and spices, making it adaptable to different heat preferences.

Methi Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Methi chicken brings together aromatic Indian spices and tender chicken in a luscious curry that dances with herbal notes. Fragrant fenugreek leaves elevate this classic dish, promising a delightful journey through rich, complex flavors you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 400–500 grams (14–17.6 ounces) bone-in chicken pieces
• 70 grams (2.5 ounces) full-fat yogurt

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1.5 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1.5 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1.5 teaspoons cumin powder
• 0.25 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder
• 3 green chilies, ground or chopped

Cooking Base and Herbs:

• 0.25 cup (55 grams) oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 70 grams (2.5 ounces) fresh fenugreek, chopped
• 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and caramelize onions until deep golden brown, releasing their sweet aroma.
2. Introduce chicken pieces and aromatic ginger-garlic paste, searing on high heat until meat turns opaque and sealed.
3. Incorporate yogurt, creating a rich base with turmeric, red chili powder, and sliced green chilies, stirring continuously until oil separates and sauce thickens.
4. Pour measured water, reduce flame to low, cover the pan, and allow chicken to simmer gently for approximately 25 minutes, ensuring tender meat.
5. Remove lid, fold in fresh chopped fenugreek leaves, and continue cooking until leaves wilt and curry reaches desired consistency with concentrated flavors.
6. Taste and calibrate seasoning with salt and additional spices, garnishing with fresh cilantro before serving alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

• Choose fresh, vibrant green methi leaves for the most robust flavor and nutritional punch.
• Reduce cooking time slightly if using tender methi leaves to prevent bitterness and maintain their delicate texture.
• Swap regular yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan-friendly version of the dish.
• Control spice levels by adjusting green chili quantity or removing seeds for a milder taste that suits different palates.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 352 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg