Goan Chicken Sukha Recipe | Spicy Dry Chicken Masala (Home-Style)

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📝 About the Recipe

Goan Chicken Sukha is a delicious dry chicken dish packed with bold spices, fresh herbs, and rich homemade flavours. Tender chicken is marinated with aromatic spices, then cooked with onions, capsicum, and a flavourful masala until the gravy dries up and coats every piece beautifully. This home-style Goan recipe is perfect for family lunches, festive meals, or weekend dinners and tastes wonderful with chapati, pav, or steamed rice.

🌶️ A Goan Family Favourite

In many Goan homes, Chicken Sukha is prepared for Sunday lunches, festive occasions, and family gatherings. Unlike curry-based dishes, Chicken Sukha has very little gravy, allowing the spices to coat the chicken perfectly. Every bite is rich, spicy, and full of authentic homemade flavour.      


📌 Servings: 3
⏱️ Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
👩‍🍳 Recipe by: Puja Raghuvir Naik

📝 Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 5–6 pieces of fresh chicken (drumsticks or boneless)
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 tsp tomato puree
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 2–3 tsp butter
  • 2–3 cloves
  • 4–5 black peppercorns
  • ¼ tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tsp tandoori masala
  • ½ tsp tamarind paste or soya sauce
  • 1 green capsicum (sliced)
  • Coriander and green chili paste (blend fresh coriander + green chili with a little water)

For Marinating Chicken:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp curd

For Garnish:

  • Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

🍳 Method

Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, ginger-garlic paste, coriander powder, turmeric, and curd. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour.

Start Cooking the Base
Heat a pan on medium flame. Add butter along with a little olive oil (to prevent the butter from burning).

Add Whole Spices
Toss in the cinnamon, peppercorns, garlic, and cloves. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.

Sauté the Onion & Veggies
Add chopped onion and fry until golden brown. Then add capsicum slices, tamarind paste or soya sauce, and tomato puree. Sauté for a few minutes.

Prepare the Masala
Add the tandoori masala and the coriander-green chili paste (blend coriander and green chili with water in a mixer to make a paste). Cook until the mixture thickens.

Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the masala. Stir well to coat evenly. Cover and cook on medium flame until chicken is soft and fully cooked. Add a little water if required.

Dry It Up
Let the curry simmer uncovered until all the moisture evaporates and the masala sticks well to the chicken.
Goan-style Chicken Sukha – dry chicken masala fry with coconut and spices”


Final Touch
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve hot Chicken Sukha with:

  • Goan pav (bread)
  • Jeera rice or steamed rice
  • Roti or naan

 

💡 Home-Cooked Tips

  • Marinate the chicken for at least one hour for tender, flavourful meat.
  • Bone-in chicken gives the best taste.
  • Fresh coriander paste adds authentic flavour.
  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the green chillies.
  • Cook uncovered at the end for the perfect dry masala coating.

🌿 Variations

  • Add freshly roasted grated coconut for a more traditional Goan flavour.
  • Replace chicken with prawns or mushrooms for a different version.
  • Add curry leaves while tempering for extra aroma.
  • Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Sukha?

Chicken Sukha is a dry-style chicken dish where the masala is cooked until it coats the chicken without excess gravy.

Can I make Chicken Sukha without curd?

Yes. The curd helps tenderise the chicken, but you can replace it with a little lemon juice if preferred.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes. The flavours develop even more after a few hours. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I freeze Chicken Sukha?

Yes. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level is moderate and can easily be adjusted to suit your family's taste.

❤️ A Taste of Goan Home Cooking

Simple ingredients, aromatic spices, and slow cooking come together to create this delicious Goan Chicken Sukha. Whether served for a Sunday family lunch, a festive gathering, or a comforting weeknight dinner, this dry chicken masala is full of authentic Goan flavours that everyone will enjoy.       

“Do you enjoy dry chicken dishes like Sukha? Share your family recipe or tag @goanregularrecipes when you make this spicy Goan version!”

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