Recipe: Classic Kerala Style Coconut Chicken Curry
55 mins
Cooking Time
Easy
Difficulty
24
Ingredients
Non Veg
Diet
Chicken mappas curry recipe is a comforting Kerala classic that brings together tender chicken and a rich coconut-based gravy. What makes this dish different from other chicken curries is that it does not use red chilli powder, so the heat is gentle and never overpowering. Instead, the flavour comes from whole spices, coriander powder, black pepper, and fresh curry leaves, all slowly infused into coconut milk. The result is a smooth, creamy curry that feels light yet deeply flavourful with every bite.
The cooking process of this simple chicken curry starts with aromatics like onions, ginger, and garlic, followed by chicken that slowly absorbs the spice base. As it simmers in coconut milk, the gravy turns silky and rich, carrying a mild sweetness balanced by subtle spice. A touch of coconut cream at the end enhances the texture, making the curry even more luscious and giving it a restaurant-style finish. Since there is no chilli powder, the heat remains mild and pleasant, making it suitable for everyone at the table, from kids to elders.
Even beginners can follow the steps and achieve a restaurant-style result with minimal effort. This simple chicken curry recipe is ideal for anyone who prefers mild, coconut-based curries that are both comforting and wholesome. The curry naturally turns creamy and smooth, making it perfect for soaking into soft appam or fluffy rice.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
1 KgChicken (with bone)
2 tablespoonsCoconut oil
1Dried bay leaf
1 inch pieceCinnamon stick
3Green cardamom pods
4Cloves
1 inch pieceFresh ginger (chopped)
2Garlic cloves (chopped)
2Green chillies (chopped)
1 cupOnions (sliced)
1 small sprigCurry leaves
½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
1 tablespoonCoriander powder
1 teaspoonFennel powder
1 largeTomato (diced)
1 lemonLemon juice
1 teaspoonBlack pepper powder
1½ cups Coconut milk
½ cup Coconut cream
to tasteSalt
For Tempering:
2 tablespoonsOil
3Shallots (sliced)
1Green chilli (sliced)
1 sprigCurry leaves
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Temper Whole Spices
Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Sauté until the spices release a strong aroma.
Description - Step 2
Build the Base Flavour
Add chopped ginger, garlic, and green chillies. Stir occasionally, for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Now, add onions and curry leaves, and cook until onions turn soft and translucent.
Description - Step 3
Add Ground Spices
Mix in turmeric, coriander powder, and fennel powder. Stir continuously so the spices cook without burning and form a rich base masala.
Description - Step 4
Cook Chicken
Add tomatoes, chicken, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. Mix well, then stir-fry on high heat for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken releases its juices.
Description - Step 5
Add Coconut Milk
Now reduce the heat to medium. Pour in coconut milk and stir gently. Cover and cook for 15-17 minutes or until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.
Description - Step 6
Finish with Coconut Cream
Add coconut cream and mix well. Let it simmer gently until the curry thickens and becomes creamy.
Description - Step 7
Prepare Tempering
In a small pan, heat oil. Add shallots, green chilli and curry leaves. Fry until golden brown and aromatic. Pour this over the curry and mix gently.
Chicken mappas recipe is a traditional Kerala-style curry in which chicken is cooked in a rich coconut milk base. It has no red chilli powder, giving it a mild, creamy, and aromatic flavour.
Chicken mappas tastes creamy, mildly spiced, and slightly sweet from coconut milk. The whole spices add aroma, while black pepper gives a gentle heat that stays balanced and comforting.
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but bone-in pieces give better flavour. The bones release juices into the coconut milk gravy, making chicken mappas richer and more authentic.
Yes, you can skip coconut cream and use only thick coconut milk. The gravy will still be rich, smooth, and flavourful, though slightly less creamy.
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Kerala
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Main Course
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