Asli Dhaba Chicken

Asli Dhaba Chicken is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Ranveer Brar on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 49 min | Total: 1 hr 29 min

Cost: $14.42 total, $3.61 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken, bone‑in pieces (cut into medium pieces)
  • 2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Ginger‑Garlic Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 2 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust for heat level)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (optional, adds brightness)
  • 4 tbsp Mustard Oil (use cold‑pressed Indian mustard oil for authentic flavor)
  • 2 large Onions (thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup Tomato Puree (fresh tomatoes blended until smooth)
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 2 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • 2 Green Chilies (slit lengthwise)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 cup Water (hot)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken

    In a mixing bowl combine chicken pieces with salt, ginger‑garlic paste, red chili powder and lemon juice. Mix well and let rest for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Slice the Onions

    Thinly slice the two large onions. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Heat Mustard Oil and Sauté Onions

    Place the tawa over medium‑high heat, add 2 tbsp of mustard oil and let it heat until it starts to smoke slightly. Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they turn deep golden brown (about 10 minutes).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium‑High

  4. Add Remaining Mustard Oil and Tomato Puree

    Push the browned onions to the side, add the remaining 2 tbsp mustard oil, then pour in the fresh tomato puree. Cook, stirring, until the oil begins to separate from the masala (about 5 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Spice the Masala

    Stir in turmeric powder, coriander powder, and a pinch of extra red chili if desired. Cook for another 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Brown the Chicken

    Add the marinated chicken pieces to the tawa, mixing to coat each piece with the masala. Cook uncovered for 7 minutes, allowing the chicken to release its own juices and develop a light crust.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium‑High

  7. Simmer with Hot Water

    Pour 2 cups of hot water into the pan, stir gently, then cover with the lid. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the gravy has thickened.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Low

  8. Finish the Curry

    Uncover, add slit green chilies, chopped coriander leaves, black pepper, and garam masala. Stir and cook uncovered for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  9. Rest and Serve

    Turn off the heat, keep the pan covered for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a serving dish, garnish with extra coriander leaves.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Plate

    Serve hot with roti, naan, or steamed rice. Enjoy the smoky dhaba flavor!

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
45 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
38 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Mustard

Last updated: April 3, 2026

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Asli Dhaba Chicken

Recipe by Chef Ranveer Brar

A rustic, smoky chicken curry cooked on a flat tawa in the true dhaba style. Marinated chicken is simmered in a deep, caramelized onion‑tomato masala flavored with mustard oil, fresh spices and a dash of lemon. Perfect with roti, naan or rice.

MediumIndianServes 4

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Source Video
25m
Prep
46m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 21m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.42
Total cost
$3.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes.
  • Caramelizing the onions to a deep golden brown.
  • Cooking the tomato puree until oil separates.
  • Allowing the chicken to release its own juices before adding water.

Safety Warnings

  • Mustard oil can smoke at high temperatures; keep the kitchen well‑ventilated.
  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatter burns.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Dhaba‑Style Tawa Chicken in Indian highway cuisine?

A

Dhaba‑Style Tawa Chicken originated from roadside eateries (dhaba) that serve truck drivers and travelers across India. The dish embodies the rustic, smoky flavors created by cooking on a flat tawa over high heat, using simple ingredients like mustard oil and fresh spices that were readily available to travelers.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Tawa Chicken in North Indian dhaba cuisine?

A

In Punjab, the chicken is often cooked with a generous amount of mustard oil and finished with fresh coriander. In Rajasthan, the same dish may include dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) and a touch of yogurt. In Uttar Pradesh, a sweeter note from a pinch of sugar is common.

cultural
Q

How is Dhaba‑Style Tawa Chicken traditionally served in Indian highway dhabas?

A

It is typically served hot on a large platter, garnished with fresh coriander and green chilies, alongside buttered roti, naan, or steaming basmati rice. A side of sliced onions and lemon wedges is also offered for extra zest.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is Dhaba‑Style Tawa Chicken traditionally enjoyed in Indian culture?

A

While primarily a comfort food for travelers, it is also popular during monsoon road trips, festivals like Holi when families gather for hearty meals, and as a late‑night snack for truck drivers after long hauls.

cultural
Q

What makes Dhaba‑Style Tawa Chicken special or unique in Indian highway cuisine?

A

The use of mustard oil, deep caramelized onions, and the technique of cooking on a flat tawa give the chicken a smoky, robust flavor that cannot be replicated by standard stovetop curries. The emphasis on patience ("sabur") and slow browning creates depth that defines dhaba cooking.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include burning the onions, adding water too early (which prevents proper masala development), and over‑cooking the chicken which makes it dry. Always wait for the oil to separate from the tomato puree before adding the chicken.

technical
Q

Why does this Dhaba‑Style Tawa Chicken recipe use mustard oil instead of ghee or vegetable oil?

A

Mustard oil provides a sharp, pungent aroma that is characteristic of North‑Indian dhaba cooking. Ghee would give a richer taste but lacks the distinctive bite, while vegetable oil does not contribute the authentic flavor profile.

technical
Q

Can I make Dhaba‑Style Tawa Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Marinate the chicken overnight, and the cooked curry can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if the gravy has thickened.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the masala is properly cooked for Dhaba‑Style Tawa Chicken?

A

The masala should be thick, deep reddish‑brown, and you should see a clear layer of oil separating on the surface. The onions should be caramelized, not just translucent, giving the gravy a glossy sheen.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Ranveer Brar specialize in?

A

Chef Ranveer Brar’s YouTube channel focuses on Indian regional cuisine, modern twists on classic dishes, and detailed technique tutorials that blend traditional flavors with contemporary cooking methods.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Ranveer Brar's approach to Indian dhaba cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Chef Ranveer Brar emphasizes storytelling and cultural context, often linking recipes to travel experiences and the philosophy of patience (sabur). He also highlights ingredient sourcing, such as using authentic mustard oil, which many other channels overlook.

channel

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