July 10, 2026 · 5 min

Fragrant Garam Masala Chicken and Chickpea Stew with Basmati Rice

Dinner5 min1387 cal / serving

This fragrant chicken and chickpea stew is a quick, one-pot wonder that brings together tender chicken thighs, creamy chickpeas and a medley of warm spices like garam masala and curry powder. The garlic-ginger scallion paste adds depth, while the tomatoes and stock create a rich, silky sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special.

Served over fluffy basmati rice and finished with a cool yogurt drizzle and fresh cilantro, every bite is a balance of warm, savory and refreshing flavors. Ready in about 30 minutes, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe details

Dinner5 min1387 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories1387 kcalProtein67.2 gFat98.4 gCarbs55.5 gSugar11.9 gFiber7.5 gSodium413 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: yesLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: not detectedMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: containsMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.

Ingredients

Garam Masala1 teaspoon Garam MasalaView ingredient guide
Chicken Thighs10 ounce Chicken ThighsView ingredient guide
Chickpeas1 unit ChickpeasView ingredient guide
Onion1 unit OnionView ingredient guide
Curry Powder1 tablespoon Curry PowderView ingredient guide
Yogurt8 tablespoon YogurtView ingredient guide
Chili Powder1 teaspoon Chili PowderView ingredient guide
Tomato1 unit TomatoView ingredient guide
Cilantro0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guide
Basmati Rice1 cup Basmati RiceView ingredient guide
Saltteaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide
Butter1 teaspoon (tsp) ButterView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry produce. Peel, halve and thinly slice onion. Dice tomato into ½-inch pieces.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium pot, combine rice, 1½ cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
  4. Pat chicken dry with paper towels; season all over with salt and pepper. Add chicken, tomato, chickpeas with their liquid, garlic-ginger scallion paste, stock concentrates, garam masala, curry powder, half the yogurt, ½ cup water, ¼ teaspoon chili powder and a drizzle of oil to the pot with onion. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas are tender, liquid has reduced and chicken is cooked through, 10-12 minutes.
  5. While stew cooks, roughly chop cilantro. Fluff rice with a fork; stir in 1 tablespoon butter; season with salt and pepper.
  6. Stir half the cilantro into the stew. Divide rice between bowls. Top with stew, drizzle with remaining yogurt and garnish with remaining cilantro. Serve.

Recipe Tips

For extra heat, add more chili powder to taste.

If the onion browns too quickly, lower the heat.

Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking.

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well. Adjust cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! The stew reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check that your stock concentrates are gluten-free.

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