Crush ginger, garlic, and shallots. Half of this is taken for marinating chicken along with lemon juice, pepper powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala & salt. Keep aside for 15 mins.

In a pan heat oil and add sliced onions along with curry leaves. Cook until onion turns brown in color.Now add rest of the crushed ginger, garlic, & shallot mixture and cook till the raw smell goes.

Add all spice powders  and saute it for one minute. Now add tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until oil starts appearing.

Add the marinated chicken to the pan and mix well with the masala. Add 1/4 cup of water.You can add salt if needed. Lower the flame to medium and cook till the chicken is done and the gravy thickens.(optional-if needed you can add coconut milk at this stage)

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve hot with plain rice/roti