Mediterranean Fried Chicken Gravy
Total Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes cook)
Serves: 4
This Mediterranean Fried Chicken Gravy is a flavorful twist on a comfort classic — golden fried chicken simmered in a fragrant tomato-onion gravy infused with warm Mediterranean-inspired spices. The result is juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich, mildly spiced sauce that pairs beautifully with rice, flatbread, or even mashed potatoes. It’s hearty, aromatic, and surprisingly easy to make with pantry staples.
Ingredients
Protein:
Chicken (bone-in or boneless, about 1½ lbs / 700 g)
Base:
3 tbsp oil or ghee
1 large onion, finely sliced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
Spices:
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp cumin powder
½ tsp garam masala
Aromatics/Garnish:
2 green chilies, slit (optional for heat)
Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), chopped
Other:
Salt, to taste
½ cup water or chicken broth (adjust for desired thickness)
2 tbsp yogurt or cream (optional, for a richer gravy)
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces. Season lightly with salt and a pinch of turmeric. Set aside.
Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown on both sides (about 5–6 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Make the Gravy Base:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil or ghee if needed. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chili, coriander, and cumin powder.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes soften and the mixture becomes thick and glossy.
Simmer the Chicken:
Return the fried chicken to the pan. Mix well to coat it with the spice mixture.
Pour in ½ cup water or chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the gravy thickens.
Finish the Gravy:
Stir in yogurt or cream (if using) and garam masala. Adjust salt to taste. Let it simmer uncovered for another 2–3 minutes.
Garnish & Serve:
Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves and green chilies. Serve hot with basmati rice, couscous, naan, or pita bread.
Tips & Variations
Choose the Right Chicken:
Bone-in chicken adds more depth and flavor to the gravy.
Boneless chicken cooks faster and is easier to serve — perfect for weeknights.
You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier, more tender result.
For a Richer Gravy:
Add 2 tablespoons of yogurt or cream toward the end of cooking.
You can also stir in a spoonful of cashew paste (soak and blend cashews) for extra creaminess and body.
Simmer the gravy uncovered for a few minutes to thicken it naturally.
Adjust the Spice Level:
Reduce the red chili powder for a mild version or add an extra green chili for heat.
Try using smoked paprika or Aleppo pepper for a more Mediterranean-style warmth without the burn.
Build Flavor Slowly:
Take time to brown the onions until golden — this step forms the backbone of the gravy’s depth and sweetness.
Cook the ginger-garlic paste well to remove its raw taste before adding tomatoes.
Tomato Variations:
Fresh tomatoes give a light, tangy flavor, while tomato paste or puree adds richness and color.
You can blend the tomato-onion mixture for a smoother, restaurant-style gravy.
Broth Choices:
Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer, more savory flavor.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, thin it out with a bit more broth at the end.
Mediterranean Touches:
Add a pinch of oregano or thyme for a subtle herbal note.
Stir in a few sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes before serving for a fusion twist.
Serving Suggestions:
Pairs beautifully with basmati rice, couscous, or pita bread.
For a full Mediterranean-style meal, serve alongside a fresh cucumber-tomato salad or roasted vegetables.
Make-Ahead Tip:
This gravy actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
Vegetarian Option:
Replace chicken with paneer, tofu, or roasted chickpeas. The gravy base works perfectly with plant-based proteins too.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. The flavors actually deepen after a few hours or overnight. Store the cooked chicken gravy in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: You can, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Reduce simmering time slightly and keep an eye on tenderness.
Q: What’s the best oil for this recipe?
A: Olive oil works perfectly for a Mediterranean touch, while ghee or vegetable oil gives a more traditional, rich flavor.
Q: Can I make it without yogurt or cream?
A: Yes, just simmer the gravy a little longer to thicken naturally. You can also add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy texture with a subtle sweetness.
Q: Can I freeze the gravy?
A: Definitely. Let it cool completely, transfer to airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, paneer, or roasted chickpeas. The same gravy base works beautifully with any of them.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
(Values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)
Calories: ~320
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: ~420mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Fried Chicken Gravy is a comforting, flavorful fusion of familiar spices and Mediterranean warmth. The golden-fried chicken soaks up a rich tomato-onion sauce layered with herbs and gentle heat, making every bite hearty and satisfying.
It’s versatile enough for both casual family dinners and special gatherings — and pairs beautifully with rice, couscous, or fresh bread. Whether you make it creamy with yogurt or keep it light with broth, this dish captures that perfect mix of home-cooked comfort and bold Mediterranean flavor.