बहुत ही टेस्टी चटपटा ढाबा स्टाइल चिकन मसाला

बहुत ही टेस्टी चटपटा ढाबा स्टाइल चिकन मसाला is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 683 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Chef Ashok on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $11.84 total, $2.96 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken (leg pieces) (cut into bite‑size pieces, skinless preferred)
  • 1.5 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 100 ml Vegetable Oil (for frying)
  • 1 piece Bay Leaf (whole)
  • 1 piece Large Green Cardamom (whole)
  • 4 pieces Cloves (whole)
  • 1 piece Cinnamon Stick (about 2 inches long)
  • 4 pieces Small Green Cardamom (whole)
  • 5 pieces Garlic Cloves (crushed)
  • 300 g Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 100 g Ginger‑Garlic Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder (ground)
  • 2 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (mild, gives deep red colour)
  • 150 g Tomato Paste (fresh) (blended ripe tomatoes, no added water)
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder (ground)
  • 0.5 tsp Cumin Powder (ground)
  • 1 tsp Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • 100 g Fresh Yogurt (plain, not sour)
  • 2 pieces Green Chilies (finely chopped, optional for extra heat)
  • 1 tbsp Butter or Ghee (for finishing)
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder (homemade or store‑bought)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken

    Wash 1 kg chicken pieces thoroughly, cut into bite‑size leg pieces, pat dry and set aside in a bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice Onions

    Thinly slice 300 g onion (preferably into half‑rings).

    Time: PT5M

  3. Make Fresh Tomato Paste

    Blanch ripe tomatoes, peel, remove seeds and blend to a smooth paste without adding water. Measure about 150 g.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Gather Whole Spices

    Measure out bay leaf, large cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick and small cardamom.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Heat Oil

    Add 100 ml vegetable oil to the kadhai and heat over medium‑high flame until shimmering.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high flame

  6. Temper Whole Spices

    Add bay leaf, large cardamom, cloves and cinnamon stick. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: high flame

  7. Add Garlic

    Add the crushed garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute, stirring continuously.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high flame

  8. Fry Onions to Light Golden Brown

    Add the sliced onions and fry, stirring frequently, until they turn a light golden‑brown colour (about 8 minutes).

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: high flame

  9. Remove Excess Oil

    Scoop out roughly half of the oil from the kadhai and set aside for later tempering.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Add Ginger‑Garlic Paste

    Stir in 100 g ginger‑garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium flame

  11. Add Ground Spices

    Sprinkle 0.5 tsp turmeric and 2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder. Stir and cook for 2 minutes on low flame to release colour and flavor.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: low flame

  12. Add Tomato Paste & Salt

    Add the fresh tomato paste and 1.5 tsp salt. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium flame

  13. Add Dry Herb Powders

    Stir in 1 tsp coriander powder, 0.5 tsp cumin powder and 1 tsp kasuri methi. Cook for 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium flame

  14. Introduce Chicken – High Heat

    Add the chicken pieces, increase flame to high and sauté for 2 minutes until the pieces start to turn opaque and release a few bubbles.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high flame

  15. Cook Chicken Without Water

    Reduce flame to medium, cover the kadhai and let the chicken cook in its own juices for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium flame

  16. Add Yogurt & Bring to Simmer

    Stir in 100 g fresh yogurt, increase flame to high for 1 minute to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover and cook on medium flame for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: high flame then medium flame

  17. Final Simmer

    Turn flame to low, keep the pot covered and let the curry simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken becomes tender.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low flame

  18. Finish & Garnish

    Stir in 1 tbsp butter or ghee, 1 tsp garam masala, chopped green chilies and garnish with fresh cilantro. Mix gently and serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
683
Protein
45 g
Carbohydrates
10 g
Fat
45 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Keto‑Friendly

Allergens: Dairy (yogurt, butter/ghee)

Last updated: April 22, 2026

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बहुत ही टेस्टी चटपटा ढाबा स्टाइल चिकन मसाला

Recipe by Cooking With Chef Ashok

A rich, restaurant‑style chicken masala curry inspired by Indian dhaba kitchens. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a deep, flavorful gravy made with caramelized onions, fresh tomato paste, aromatic whole spices, yogurt and a finish of butter, garam masala and fresh cilantro. The dish is juicy, mildly spicy and perfect with naan or rice.

MediumIndianServes 4

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Source Video
27m
Prep
42m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 19m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.84
Total cost
$2.96
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Fry onions to light golden brown and remove half the oil
  • Cook tomato paste until oil separates
  • High‑heat sauté of chicken pieces
  • Adding yogurt without curdling
  • Final finish with butter, garam masala and fresh herbs

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatter burns.
  • Use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board to prevent slips.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to avoid foodborne illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Dhaba Style Chicken Masala Curry in Indian cuisine?

A

Dhaba style chicken masala originates from roadside eateries (dhaba) in North India, where cooks create bold, buttery gravies using readily available spices and generous oil. The dish reflects the hearty, comfort‑food ethos of travelers seeking a filling, flavorful meal after long journeys.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Dhaba Style Chicken Masala Curry in North Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, the curry is often richer with added butter and a touch of cream, while in Uttar Pradesh cooks may use mustard oil and a higher proportion of whole spices. Some regions add a splash of mustard greens for a tangy twist.

cultural
Q

How is Dhaba Style Chicken Masala Curry traditionally served in Indian dhaba culture?

A

It is typically served piping hot with butter‑topped naan, tandoori roti, or steaming basmati rice, accompanied by a side of sliced onions, lemon wedges and a fresh cucumber raita to balance the richness.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is Dhaba Style Chicken Masala Curry traditionally enjoyed in Indian culture?

A

While not tied to a specific festival, it is a popular weekend treat and is often prepared for family gatherings, road‑trip meals, and informal celebrations where a robust, comforting chicken dish is desired.

cultural
Q

What makes Dhaba Style Chicken Masala Curry special or unique in Indian cuisine?

A

The dish’s signature is the deep, caramelized onion base combined with fresh tomato paste and the finishing touch of butter and garam masala, delivering a velvety, slightly smoky gravy that differs from thinner tomato‑based curries.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Dhaba Style Chicken Masala Curry versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh tomatoes, Kashmiri red chili powder, kasuri methi, and whole spices like cardamom and cloves. Substitutes such as canned tomato puree, regular red chili powder, or dried fenugreek leaves can be used without drastically altering the flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dhaba Style Chicken Masala Curry at home?

A

Common errors include over‑frying onions until dark, adding water too early which dilutes the gravy, and cooking yogurt on high heat causing curdling. Also, using too much oil can make the dish greasy.

technical
Q

Why does this Dhaba Style Chicken Masala Curry recipe use Kashmiri red chili powder instead of regular chili powder?

A

Kashmiri red chili powder provides a vivid red colour and mild heat, allowing the gravy to look restaurant‑style without becoming overly spicy. Regular chili powder would add more heat and a darker hue.

technical
Q

Can I make Dhaba Style Chicken Masala Curry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the curry can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and gently reheat on low flame, adding a splash of water if the gravy thickens too much.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Dhaba Style Chicken Masala Curry?

A

The gravy should be thick, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon, with a deep orange‑red colour. Chicken pieces should be tender, juicy and coated evenly with the masala, without excess oil pooling on the surface.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Chef Ashok specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking With Chef Ashok specializes in Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on authentic flavors, step‑by‑step techniques, and practical tips for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Chef Ashok's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Chef Ashok emphasizes dhaba‑style, rustic preparations using simple equipment and explains the reasoning behind each spice addition, whereas many channels focus on restaurant‑style plating or modern fusion twists.

channel

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