5 from 1 vote

Dhaba Style Chicken Curry is a flavorful and rustic dish inspired by the roadside eateries, known as “dhabas,” in India.

These casual and vibrant food joints are famous for serving delicious and hearty meals to travelers and locals alike.

This chicken curry captures the essence of the dhaba experience with its robust flavors and aromatic spices.

The curry is prepared with succulent chicken pieces cooked in a thick and luscious gravy.

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Key Takeaways:

Dhaba Style Chicken Curry captures the flavors and essence of roadside eateries in India known as “dhabas.”

It is a robust and aromatic dish with a rich and savory taste, thanks to a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.
The curry is characterized by its vibrant red color and balanced heat from red chili powder and Kashmiri red chili paste.
Slow-cooking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a flavorful and tender chicken curry.

Dhaba Style Chicken Curry pairs well with Indian breads like naan or roti and is often served with steamed rice for a complete meal experience.

The Ingredients:

Chicken: 1 kg (Cut and cleaned))

Onion: 3 pieces (chopped)
Garlic: 10 cloves
Ginger-Garlic Paste: 3 tbl spoons (2-inch ginger and 2 large garlics)

yogurt: 2 tbl spoons
Tomato: 2 pieces (chopped)
Turmeric Powder: 1 tbl spoon

Red Chili + Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: 2 tbl spoons
Coriander Powder: 1 tbl spoon
Garam Masala: 1 tbl spoon

Kasauri Methi: 1 tbl spoon
Bay Leaves: 2 pieces
Cinnamon Sticks: 2 pieces

Green Cardamom: 4 pieces
Black Cardamom: 1 pieces
Cloves: 2 pieces

Cumin Seeds: ½ tbl spoon
Mustard Oil: 3 tbl spoons
Salt to Taste

How to Cook Dhaba Style Chicken Curry (Step by Step Images)?

1. Marinate the chicken with ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, turmeric powder, chili powder mixture, and some salt. You can use your hands while marinating the chicken. Set it aside for half an hour.

2. Heat the wok on the clay stove and add mustard oil.

3. Add the whole spices such as bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, green cardamoms, black cardamom, cloves, and cumin seeds into the oil.

4. Once the spices emit an aroma, add chopped onions, and fry them until light brown.

5. Add tomatoes and stir well.

6. Add garlic cloves and give the mixture a good stir.

7. After the onions and tomatoes become tender, add the marinated chicken pieces. Now comes the koshano (some arm-twisting work).

8. Add coriander powder and ½ tablespoon of garam masala. Cover it with a lid. Cook on low flame with a lid on.

9. Remove the lid after a few minutes and add water. Add salt and cover the wok once again.

10. After 10 minutes, remove the lid. Sprinkle Kasuri methi and garam masala. Cook for 2 minutes with the lid on.

11. Switch off the flame. Pour the Dhaba Style Chicken Curry onto a serving bowl.

Pro Tips for Making Dhaba Style Chicken Curry

Marination: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken pieces with a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, and red chili powder. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Slow Cooking: To achieve the authentic dhaba style, cook the chicken curry on low heat for a longer duration. This slow-cooking method allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

Spice Blend: Use a combination of whole and ground spices to create a robust flavor profile. Toast whole spices like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and cardamom pods in a dry pan before grinding them to release their essential oils and enhance their aroma.

Onions and Tomatoes: Cook the onions until they turn golden brown to add a caramelized sweetness to the curry. Similarly, cook the tomatoes until they are soft and blend seamlessly into the gravy, imparting a tangy and rich flavor.

Ginger-Garlic Paste: Use freshly ground ginger and garlic to make a paste for a vibrant and aromatic base. You can also add a pinch of grated ginger towards the end of cooking for an extra kick of flavor.

Balancing Heat: Adjust the amount of red chili powder and Kashmiri red chili paste according to your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the quantity of these ingredients or substitute them with paprika for color without excessive heat.

Garam Masala: Add a sprinkle of homemade or store-bought garam masala towards the end of cooking to elevate the flavors and add a warming touch. This spice blend typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other aromatic spices.

Garnish (OPTIONAL): Finish off the curry with a garnish of fresh cilantro leaves (coriander) for a burst of freshness and a pop of green color. You can also drizzle some fresh lemon juice over the curry just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Resting Time: Allow the curry to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

By following these pro tips, you can recreate the authentic flavors of dhaba-style chicken curry right in your own kitchen and impress your family and friends with a delicious and aromatic meal.

What to Serve with Dhaba Style Chicken Curry?

Dhaba Style Chicken Curry pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, adding more depth and texture to your meal. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside your curry:

Indian Breads: Naan, roti, paratha, or kulcha are classic choices that complement the rich flavors of the curry. These breads are perfect for mopping up the thick gravy and savoring every bite.

Rice: Steamed basmati rice is a popular choice to serve with chicken curry. The fragrant, long-grain rice provides a neutral base that allows the flavors of the curry to shine. You can also consider serving flavored rice dishes like biryani or pulao for a more elaborate meal.

Remember to tailor the accompaniments to your personal preferences and the preferences of your guests.

How Does Dhaba Style Chicken Curry Taste?

Dhaba Style Chicken Curry is known for its bold and robust flavors that are both spicy and aromatic. The taste of this curry can be described as:

Spicy: Dhaba style curries are often known for their heat and spice. The chicken curry is typically made with a blend of flavorful spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. The spices infuse the curry with a warm, fiery kick that adds depth and intensity to the dish.

Rich and Savory: The curry is cooked using a medley of ingredients like onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, which create a thick and luscious gravy. The combination of these ingredients imparts a rich and savory taste to the curry, making it deeply satisfying.

Aromatic: The curry is seasoned with a variety of whole and ground spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves. These spices release their fragrant oils during the cooking process, filling the air with an enticing aroma that enhances the overall experience of the dish.

Balanced Flavors: While the curry is spicy, it is also well-balanced with other flavors. The tanginess of tomatoes, the slight sweetness of caramelized onions, and the earthiness of the spices come together harmoniously to create a complex flavor profile.

Tender Chicken: The chicken pieces in the curry are cooked until they become tender and juicy, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the spices and the gravy. The succulent chicken adds a satisfying texture to each bite.

Overall, Dhaba Style Chicken Curry offers a tantalizing blend of spice, richness, and aromatic flavors that make it a favorite among Indian food enthusiasts. It is a dish that is sure to awaken your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Dhaba Style Chicken Curry Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to Dhaba Style Chicken Curry, here are a few options you can consider:

Dhaba Style Paneer Curry: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to make a delicious and flavorful paneer curry. The spices and cooking techniques used in Dhaba style curries work well with paneer, creating a tasty and satisfying dish.

Dhaba Style Vegetable Curry: Another vegetarian alternative is a mixed vegetable curry prepared in the Dhaba style. You can use a variety of vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, peas, and bell peppers to create a colorful and nutritious curry. The spices and flavors will infuse the vegetables, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic dish.

Dhaba Style Mutton Curry: If you enjoy the richness and depth of flavors in Dhaba style curries, you can try making a mutton curry using the same cooking techniques. Slow-cook tender pieces of mutton with aromatic spices and herbs to create a savory and satisfying curry.

Dhaba Style Fish Curry: If you prefer seafood, you can make a Dhaba style fish curry using your choice of fish. Use a flavorful blend of spices, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic ingredients to create a tangy and spicy fish curry that pairs well with rice or bread.

Dhaba Style Egg Curry: For an easy and budget-friendly alternative, you can make an egg curry in the Dhaba style. Hard-boiled eggs are cooked in a rich and spicy tomato-based gravy, resulting in a delicious and protein-packed curry.

These alternatives allow you to explore the flavors and cooking techniques of Dhaba style cuisine while catering to your specific dietary preferences.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or a fan of different proteins, there are plenty of options to enjoy the essence of Dhaba style cooking.

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Conclusion

Dhaba Style Chicken Curry is a delectable and aromatic dish that brings together the rich flavors of Indian spices and the rustic charm of roadside dhaba cooking.

It offers a perfect balance of spiciness and tanginess, with tender chicken pieces cooked in a luscious gravy.

This curry is best enjoyed with steamed rice, naan, or roti, allowing you to savor the flavors and experience the essence of traditional Dhaba cuisine in the comfort of your own home.

So, indulge in this flavorful dish and transport yourself to the vibrant world of Indian roadside eateries.