Dhaba Style Country Chicken Recipe
Description:
Few things compare to the feeling of stopping at a roadside dhaba while on a road trip, especially when you’re craving authentic, hearty, and satisfying food. Dhabas are humble roadside eateries found along Indian highways, typically consisting of a single-shed structure where travelers can rest and enjoy fresh, delicious food, all served in a rustic yet inviting manner. The recipes are always pocket-friendly, and often have that unmistakable local touch that adds depth and richness to the flavor. This Dhaba Style Country Chicken recipe is a tribute to the vibrant and flavorful chicken dishes I enjoyed at a dhaba in Odisha, made with my own twist. It brings the authentic taste of rural India right to your kitchen. It’s time to try it, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the taste just as I did.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (curry cut) | 750 grams |
| Onion (paste) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ginger (paste) | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (paste) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Red Chilli (paste) | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard oil | As required |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 large |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 4 leaves |
| Cinnamon stick (dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cardamom pods/seeds (elaichi) | 1-2 pods |
| Coriander powder (dhania) | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric powder (haldi) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin powder (jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Kashmiri red chilli powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As required |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
60 minutes
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by marinating the chicken pieces with turmeric, salt, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chilli paste, 1 tablespoon of onion paste, and 1 tablespoon of mustard oil. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the spices, massaging them into the meat with your fingers. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. -
Heat the Oil:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 3 tablespoons of mustard oil. Once the oil reaches its smoking point, allow it to cool down slightly, then heat it again. -
Temper the Spices:
Add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods to the hot oil. Sauté for a minute to release their aromatic oils, filling the kitchen with a delightful fragrance. -
Fry the Onion:
Add the chopped onion to the pan and fry until it turns golden brown. This will add a rich depth of flavor to the base of the dish. -
Add Onion Paste and Cook:
Stir in the onion paste and sauté for about 2 minutes until it’s well integrated into the oil and onion mixture. -
Sauté the Chicken:
Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir well and sauté on high heat for at least 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to sear slightly and absorb the spices. -
Make the Masala Paste:
In a small bowl, combine the coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and Kashmiri red chilli powder. Add about 2 tablespoons of water to form a smooth paste. -
Add the Masala Paste to the Chicken:
Stir the masala paste into the chicken, mixing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the spice blend. Adjust the salt to your taste. -
Cook the Chicken:
Pour in about 2 cups of warm water to the chicken, and mix well. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for around 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. You can add more water if you prefer a thinner gravy. -
Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection and the gravy has thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Serve this flavorful Dhaba Style Country Chicken hot with freshly made phulkas (Indian flatbreads) and aromatic jeera rice (cumin rice) for a truly satisfying meal.
Allergen Information:
- Contains: Mustard (from mustard oil), Garlic, Onion
- May contain: Traces of other allergens depending on specific brands or preparation methods used (e.g., cross-contamination in kitchens)
Dietary Preferences:
- Suitable for: High-protein, non-vegetarian diets
- Not suitable for: Vegetarians or those with mustard, garlic, or onion sensitivities
Tips and Variations:
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red chili powder or fresh red chilli paste.
- For a richer flavor, you can use ghee instead of mustard oil, which adds a nice depth of taste to the chicken.
- If you’re looking for a more tangy flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice towards the end of cooking.
Conclusion:
The Dhaba Style Country Chicken recipe brings the heart and soul of rural Indian cooking right to your kitchen. It’s a dish bursting with flavor, making use of simple ingredients to create something absolutely irresistible. The smoky flavor from the spices, the tender chicken, and the rich gravy make this a fantastic meal, especially when paired with soft phulkas and aromatic jeera rice. This recipe is not just about food; it’s about capturing the essence of dhaba-style cooking – fresh, flavorful, and hearty. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I enjoyed recreating it from my memories. Happy cooking!
