Malabar Chicken Curry
A rich and aromatic chicken curry from Kerala’s Malabar region.
Malabar Chicken Curry
ByKavitha
Quick Info
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Servings: 4
Ingredient Substitutes
- Chicken → Mutton
- Coconut oil → Vegetable oil
Ingredients
- 500g chicken
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Curry leaves
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- Salt
- Water
Instructions
- Roast coconut until golden and grind to paste.
- Heat coconut oil, sauté onions and curry leaves.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes.
- Add spices and chicken, mix well.
- Add coconut paste and water.
- Simmer until chicken is tender.
Tips & Variations
Roast coconut slowly for aroma | Coconut oil is essential | Curry thickens on resting
You will love it
Malabar Chicken Curry is a flavorful kerala-style dish made with chicken cooked in roasted coconut, spices, curry leaves, and coconut oil. Known for its deep aroma and layered spice profile, this curry is a staple in Malabar Muslim households and is best enjoyed with rice, pathiri, or appam.
Serving: Serve with rice, appam, or Kerala parotta.
Storage: Refrigerate 2 days
Tools Required
FAQ
Is this curry very spicy?
Medium spicy; adjust chili.
Can I skip roasted coconut?
Roasted coconut is traditional.
What oil is best?
Coconut oil only.
Is it dairy-free?
Yes, dairy-free.
Can it be frozen?
Freeze up to 5 days.
📝 From Our Kitchen
Malabar chicken curry reflects the rich spice traditions of Kerala’s coastal kitchens. It is often slow-cooked in coconut oil to bring out its deep aroma.
— Kavitha, Cheffo Kitchen
More recipes from kerala
Kerala Sadya Sambar
A classic Kerala-style sambar served as part of traditional Sadya.
Avial
A thick mixed vegetable dish cooked with coconut and yogurt.
Thoran
A dry vegetable stir-fry with coconut.
Olan
A light coconut milk-based curry.
Erissery
A sweet-savory pumpkin curry with coconut.
Puttu
A classic Kerala breakfast steamed in cylinders.
Kadala Curry
A spicy curry made with black chickpeas.
Appam
Soft-centered rice pancakes with crisp edges.
Payasam
A sweet pudding served during festivals.
Explore other regional flavors from india
Discover traditional recipes from different regions across india, handpicked and refreshed every hour.
Kavitha
Founder & Publisher • Culinary Editor
Hi, I’m Kavitha — the founder of Cheffo. Cooking has always been close to my heart, especially traditional recipes passed down through families. Through Cheffo, I share authentic regional dishes with clear instructions and practical tips so you can recreate those comforting flavors at home.