5 from 1 vote

Dahi chicken, also known as yogurt chicken curry, is a delicious and popular Indian dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a yogurt-based gravy.

This dish is known for its rich and flavorful taste, as well as its unique blend of spices and ingredients.

The key ingredient in dahi chicken is yogurt, which serves as the base for gravy.

The yogurt helps to tenderize the chicken while adding a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dish.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Dahi Chicken is a popular Indian dish that combines tender chicken with a yogurt-based gravy.

The yogurt in Dahi Chicken serves as the base for the creamy and tangy gravy.
The dish is spiced with ingredients like ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
Dahi Chicken can be served with rice, naan bread, roti, or paratha.

The dish is known for its rich, flavorful, and satisfying taste.

The Ingredients:

Chicken: 1 kg (cut and cleaned)

Yogurt: 100 gm
Ginger-Garlic Paste Made with 1.5 inch Ginger and 2 Garlic Cloves
Onion: 2 Big Sized (finely sliced)

Red Chilis: 3 pieces
Turmeric Powder: 1 tbl spoon
Red Chili Powder:1 tbl spoon

Kashmiri Chili Powder: 1 tbl spoon
Coriander Powder: ½ tbl spoon
Cumin Powder: ½ tbl spoon

Garam Masala: 1 tbl spoon
Coriander Leaves: 1 tbl spoon
Refined Oil: 3 table spoon

Ghee: 1 tablespoon
Whole Spices: Cumin Seeds: 1 tbl spoon, Cardamom: 4 pieces, Black Pepper: 7 pieces
Salt to Taste

How to Cook Dahi Chicken (Step by Step Images)?

1. Heat the kadai or wok on clay stove. (Traditional recipes taste better when cooked on a chullah. However, if you don’t have a chullah at home, you can prepare the dish on your gas stove.)

2. Pour refined oil into the wok and add 1 tablespoon of ghee to the smoking oil. (If desired, you can prepare the dish using only refined oil.)

3. Add the whole spices such as cumin seeds, cardamom, black pepper to the oil-ghee mixture.

4. Once the whole spices release their aroma, add finely sliced onions and fry them until they turn light brown.

5. Add the chicken pieces to the wok and mix them well.

6. Cook for a few minutes and then add 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix well.

7. Continue cooking until the color of the chicken pieces change.

8. Add ginger-garlic paste and stir well.

9. Add turmeric powder, chili powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Adjust the salt if required.

10. Mix well and cover the wok with a lid. Since the chicken releases water, you don’t need to add much water to boil the chicken pieces.

11. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and give the chicken and masala mix a good stir.

12. Beat yogurt in a bowl to achieve a creamy texture. Add the yogurt to the chicken and continue stirring.

13. Cover the wok for another 5 minutes.

14. Add some water. It is better to use warm water at this point.

15. Add green chilies and place the lid on.

16. Add garam masala and sprinkle coriander leaves.

17. Once the gravy thickens, the Dahi Chicken is done.

Pro Tips for Cooking Dahi Chicken

Here are some pro tips to help you make the most out of your Dahi Chicken recipe:

Marinating the Chicken (OPTIONAL): Marinating the chicken in yogurt to infuse it with flavor and tenderize the meat. Use full-fat yogurt for the best results. Add spices like turmeric, red chili powder, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, and salt to the yogurt to create a flavorful marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.

Choose the Right Cut: While you can use any cut of chicken for Dahi Chicken, bone-in chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks work exceptionally well. The bone adds more flavor to the dish and keeps the meat juicy during the cooking process.

Sear the Chicken (OPTIONAL): Before adding the marinated chicken to the curry, it’s a good idea to sear or brown the chicken pieces. Heat some oil in a pan and cook the chicken until it gets a golden brown crust on the outside. This step enhances the texture and flavor of the chicken.

Slow Cooking: Dahi Chicken is best cooked on low heat, allowing the flavors to develop gradually. After searing the chicken, reduce the heat and let it simmer in the yogurt marinade. This slow cooking process helps the chicken absorb the flavors and ensures it remains tender and juicy.

Adjust Spices and Yogurt: Dahi Chicken is a versatile dish, and you can adjust the spices and yogurt quantities to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder, or if you like it spicier, add more. Similarly, if you want a creamier and richer texture, increase the amount of yogurt.

Add Cream or Cashew Paste (OPTIONAL): To make the Dahi Chicken curry even more creamy and luxurious, you can add a dollop of fresh cream or a paste made from cashews. This step adds richness to the dish and balances the tanginess of the yogurt.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, garnish your Dahi Chicken with freshly chopped coriander leaves (cilantro) or mint leaves. This adds a pop of freshness and enhances the visual appeal of the dish.

What to Serve with Dahi Chicken?

Here are some popular options to serve with Dahi Chicken:

Rice: Dahi Chicken goes exceptionally well with steamed basmati rice. The aromatic rice complements the flavors of the creamy chicken curry. You can also try saffron-infused rice or pulao for a more special touch.

Naan or Roti: Indian bread like naan or roti is a classic choice to serve with Dahi Chicken. The soft and fluffy texture of naan or the thin and flaky roti provides a perfect vehicle to scoop up the creamy curry.

Paratha: Another delicious option is to serve Dahi Chicken with parathas. Parathas are layered and flaky Indian bread made with whole wheat flour. They add a delightful texture and flavor to the meal.

Vegetable Biryani: If you’re looking for a complete meal, serve Dahi Chicken with vegetable biryani. The fragrant and spiced rice, combined with the creamy chicken curry, creates a delightful and satisfying combination.

Pulao: A simple and flavorful pulao can also be an excellent accompaniment to Dahi Chicken. You can prepare a vegetable pulao or even a fragrant jeera (cumin) pulao to complement the dish.

Remember to choose accompaniments that complement the flavors of Dahi Chicken and enhance your dining experience. Feel free to mix and match these options based on your preferences and the occasion.

How Does Dahi Chicken Taste?

Dahi Chicken is a dish that combines the tanginess of yogurt (dahi) with the rich flavors of chicken and spices. The taste of Dahi Chicken can be described as follows:

Creamy: The yogurt used in the dish gives it a creamy texture and mouthfeel. It adds a luscious and velvety consistency to the chicken curry.

Tangy: The yogurt imparts a tangy flavor to the dish, which is balanced by the spices used in the marinade. The tanginess adds a refreshing and slightly sour note to the overall taste.

Spiced: Dahi Chicken is typically seasoned with a blend of spices like turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste. These spices contribute to the rich and aromatic flavor profile of the dish.

Mild Heat: Depending on the amount of chili powder used, Dahi Chicken can have a mild to moderate level of spiciness. The heat from the spices is usually not overpowering and is well-balanced with the other flavors.

Savory: The combination of yogurt, spices, and chicken creates a savory and satisfying taste. The flavors of the marinade penetrate the chicken, resulting in a well-seasoned and flavorful dish.

Balanced: Dahi Chicken offers a harmonious balance of flavors. The tanginess from the yogurt, warmth from the spices, and the natural flavors of the chicken blend together to create a well-rounded taste experience.

Overall, Dahi Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish with a creamy and tangy flavor profile. It combines the best of yogurt, spices, and chicken to create a dish that is rich, flavorful, and enjoyable.

Alternatives to Dahi Chicken

If you’re looking for alternatives to Dahi Chicken, here are a few options that you can consider:

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani): Butter Chicken is a popular North Indian dish that features succulent pieces of chicken cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. It has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor and pairs well with naan bread or rice.

Chicken Tikka Masala: Chicken Tikka Masala is another beloved Indian dish. It consists of grilled or roasted chicken tikka (marinated chicken chunks) cooked in a spiced tomato-based curry. It has a robust and aromatic flavor profile and is often served with rice or naan.

Chicken Korma: Chicken Korma is a mild and creamy Indian curry. It is made with tender chicken cooked in a fragrant sauce made with yogurt, cashews, and aromatic spices. It has a luxurious and smooth texture and is typically served with rice or pulao.

Chicken Curry: A classic chicken curry is always a good alternative. There are numerous variations of chicken curry, depending on regional cuisines and personal preferences. It typically features chicken cooked in a flavorful gravy made with onions, tomatoes, spices, and sometimes coconut milk.

Chicken Saag: Chicken Saag, also known as Chicken Palak, combines chicken with spinach. It is a healthy and nutritious dish where chicken is cooked in a creamy spinach-based sauce, along with spices and aromatic ingredients. It goes well with rice or naan bread.

Tandoori Chicken: If you prefer grilled or roasted chicken, Tandoori Chicken is a fantastic choice. It involves marinating chicken pieces in a blend of yogurt and spices, then grilling or baking them to perfection. Tandoori Chicken is typically served with mint chutney and naan bread.

These alternatives provide a range of flavors and cooking styles, allowing you to explore different tastes within the realm of chicken dishes. Choose the one that appeals to you the most and enjoy a delicious meal!

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