Restaurant-Style Chicken Curry: Easy Dhaba Chicken Recipe

Craving the rich, aromatic flavors of a classic Indian dhaba? Then get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our authentic Dhaba Style Chicken recipe! This isn't your average curry; we're diving deep into the heart of roadside Indian cuisine, recreating those bold, smoky, and utterly addictive flavors you find at the best dhabas across the country. Imagine tender chicken pieces simmered in a fragrant gravy, bursting with the warmth of spices like ginger, garlic, and chili, all balanced perfectly with the tang of tomatoes and the creaminess of butter. Forget complicated techniques – this recipe is surprisingly simple to master.

This Dhaba Style Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen, using readily available ingredients. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve that perfectly balanced blend of spices and textures. Ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of India? Let’s get started with our easy, step-by-step guide!

Tools Needed

  • Pan
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  • Chicken
  • Mustard Oil
  • Bay Leaves
  • Onion
  • Chicken Masala
  • Cumin
  • Green Chilies
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Salt
  • Potatoes (optional)
  • Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Marinate and Prepare

  • Marinate the chicken with all the masalas (chicken masala, cumin, green chilies, garlic, ginger, and salt). Mix well and keep aside for at least 1-3 hours (or longer for better taste).
Marinate the chicken with all the masalas (chicken masala, cumin, green chilies, garlic, ginger, and salt). Mix well and keep aside for at least 1-3 hours (or longer for better taste).
Marinate and Prepare

Step 2. Sauté and Simmer

  • Heat mustard oil in a pan. Add bay leaves.
  • Add the marinated chicken to the pan and mix thoroughly. Ensure the chicken and masala are well combined.
  • Cover the pan and let it simmer for at least 2-3 hours. The longer you cook it, the better the taste.
  • Add water to the pan for desired gravy consistency.
Heat mustard oil in a pan. Add bay leaves.Add the marinated chicken to the pan and mix thoroughly. Ensure the chicken and masala are well combined.Cover the pan and let it simmer for at least 2-3 hours. The longer you cook it, the better the taste.Add water to the pan for desired gravy consistency.
Sauté and Simmer

Step 3. Add Potatoes (Optional)

  • (Optional) If using potatoes, fry them separately until slightly browned. Add them to the chicken curry during the last stages of cooking.
(Optional) If using potatoes, fry them separately until slightly browned. Add them to the chicken curry during the last stages of cooking.
Add Potatoes (Optional)

Step 4. Finalize and Serve

  • Continue to cook until the chicken is tender and the gravy has thickened.
Continue to cook until the chicken is tender and the gravy has thickened.
Finalize and Serve

Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe

Tips

  • For a richer gravy, you can add more oil or use a combination of oil and ghee.
  • Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
  • Adding potatoes makes the dish more kid-friendly and adds another layer of flavor.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 500-600
  • Fat: 25-35g
  • Carbs: 30-40g
  • Protein: 40-50g

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken for this recipe?

Both work well! Bone-in chicken will add more flavor to the gravy, but boneless is quicker to cook. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. What can I do if my curry is too spicy?

Add a dollop of plain yogurt or a splash of cream or coconut milk to mellow the heat. A squeeze of lemon juice can also help balance the flavors.


Enjoy your delicious, homemade Dhaba Style Chicken! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, impressing friends and family with its authentic flavors. Now go forth and recreate the magic of the Indian roadside dhabas in your own kitchen!