Authentic Dhaba Style Country Chicken Curry

Dhaba Style Country Chicken Recipe

A quintessential North Indian dish, the Dhaba Style Country Chicken recipe is a hearty and flavorful chicken curry that boasts a rich blend of spices and aromatic ingredients. This dish draws inspiration from the rustic roadside eateries or “dhabas,” where home-style, robustly spiced chicken preparations are served with comfort. The chicken is marinated with a perfect mix of spices and cooked to tender perfection in mustard oil, making it an irresistible main course to serve with hot phulkas (Indian flatbread) or jeera rice (cumin rice).

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 70 minutes

Servings: 6

Cuisine: North Indian

Course: Lunch

Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Begin by marinating the chicken pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with turmeric powder, salt, ginger paste, garlic paste, fresh red chilli paste, 1 tablespoon of onion paste, and 1 tablespoon of mustard oil. Massage the mixture into the chicken pieces and let it marinate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

2. Cook the Spices:

   • Heat 3 tablespoons of mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Once the oil reaches its smoking point, reduce the heat slightly and allow it to cool for a moment.
   • Add the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods to the hot oil. Stir them in for a minute to release their fragrant oils.

3. Fry the Onions:

   • Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté it until golden brown. This step should take about 5-7 minutes. The caramelized onions will add depth and sweetness to the curry.

4. Add Onion Paste:

   • Stir in the onion paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This will help deepen the flavor of the curry base.

5. Cook the Chicken:

   • Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Sauté on high flame for 5 minutes, ensuring that the chicken gets seared and begins to brown.

6. Prepare the Masala Paste:

   • In a small bowl, combine coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and Kashmiri red chilli powder with 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth masala paste.

7. Add the Spice Paste:

   • Add the prepared masala paste to the chicken and mix it well. Stir everything to coat the chicken evenly with the spice mix.

8. Simmer the Chicken:

   • Add about 2 cups of warm water to the chicken. Stir again, and then cover the pan. Let the chicken cook on medium heat for 40-50 minutes, or until it is tender and the flavors are well combined. If you prefer more gravy, you can add extra water to adjust the consistency of the curry.

9. Final Adjustments:

   • Taste the curry and adjust the salt according to your preference. The dish is ready to serve once the chicken is fully cooked and the gravy has thickened to your liking.

10. Serve:

    • Serve your delicious Dhaba Style Country Chicken hot with soft phulkas or fragrant jeera rice for an authentic North Indian meal experience.

Tips and Variations:

• Marination: For best results, marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes (up to 1 hour) to enhance the flavor absorption.
• Gravy Consistency: If you prefer a thicker gravy, reduce the amount of water. For a lighter, soupy curry, you can increase the water and simmer for a longer time.
• Additional Spices: You can add a few cloves and black pepper for a more intense flavor profile.

This Dhaba Style Country Chicken is a perfect representation of Indian street food, offering bold, aromatic flavors that pair wonderfully with simple sides. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a hearty meal, this recipe delivers the authentic taste of North India right at your dining table. Enjoy the delicious warmth and spice!