Herb-Infused Chicken with a Ginger-Garlic Simmered Sauce

1. Combine Tomato Sauce and Yogurt

In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce and plain yogurt with 1 cup of water. This mixture will help create a rich, flavorful sauce later on.

2. Blend Garlic and Ginger

Blend the garlic and ginger with 2 tablespoons of water in an electric blender until you have a smooth paste. This will ensure the garlic and ginger flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

3. Prepare Chicken

Cut the chicken legs and the whole chicken breast into manageable pieces, removing the skin and patting them dry with paper towels. This will help the chicken brown better.

4. Brown Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed 10–12 inch casserole-type pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they are golden brown on all sides. This browning process develops a deep, savory flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set it aside.

5. Cook Spices

In the same pot with the remaining oil, add the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, and dried red peppers if using. Stir these spices until they darken slightly and release their aromas, which should take about a minute.

6. Add Garlic-Ginger Paste

Pour the garlic-ginger paste into the pot, add the ground turmeric, and stir everything together. Fry this mixture for about a minute to intensify the flavors.

7. Simmer Chicken

Return the browned chicken to the pot and pour in the tomato-yogurt mixture. Add the salt, freshly ground pepper, and lemon juice. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a boil.

8. Cook Chicken

Once boiling, cover the pot, lower the heat, and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This slow simmer will tenderize the chicken and meld the flavors together beautifully. Turn the chicken pieces midway through to ensure even cooking.

9. Reduce Sauce

After simmering, uncover the pot and raise the heat to medium-high. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until the sauce reduces and thickens. This step intensifies the flavors and ensures a rich sauce.

10. Serve Chicken

Serve the herb-infused chicken with the thickened ginger-garlic simmered sauce in a hot bowl, making sure to enjoy it while it’s warm and the flavors are at their peak.