Chili Garlic Tawa Chicken & Pulao

Chili Garlic Tawa Chicken & Pulao is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Ranveer Brar on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $11.70 total, $2.93 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken Pieces (bone‑in, skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tbsp Ginger (grated)
  • 10 pcs Garlic Cloves (peeled; 5 for paste, 5 for roasting garnish)
  • 5 pcs Green Chilies (wrinkled, thick‑skinned) (deseed for milder heat)
  • 1 cup Fresh Mint Leaves (packed)
  • 1 cup Fresh Coriander Leaves (packed)
  • 0.25 cup Walnut Halves (for chutney, adds body)
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (optional, for extra nuttiness)
  • 2 tbsp Plain Yogurt (optional, adds tanginess to chutney)
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for cooking and chutney)
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (for finishing heat)
  • 1.5 cups Basmati Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
  • 3 cups Water (for rice and chicken cooking)
  • 1 tsp Butter (optional, for rice flavor)

Instructions

  1. Make Ginger‑Garlic‑Green Chili Paste

    Combine grated ginger, 5 peeled garlic cloves, and the green chilies in a blender. Blend to a smooth paste, adding a splash of oil if needed to emulsify.

    Time: PT5M

  2. First Marination of Chicken

    In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, lemon juice, and the ginger‑garlic‑green chili paste. Mix well and let rest for 15‑20 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prepare Mint‑Coriander Chutney

    Blend the remaining 5 garlic cloves, fresh mint, coriander, walnuts, sesame seeds, a pinch of salt, 1 tbsp oil, a small piece of ginger, and optional yogurt into a fine paste.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Second Marination (Herb Paste)

    In a small bowl, mix the fresh mint, coriander, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp oil, and a pinch of salt. Coat the partially marinated chicken with this herb paste and let rest another 15 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Toast Garlic for Garnish

    Heat a teaspoon of oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add 5 whole garlic cloves and sauté until light golden brown, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Cook Chicken on Tawa (Part 1)

    Heat the tawa over medium‑high heat, add 2 tbsp oil, and spread the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 8 minutes, turning once, until the pieces are half‑cooked and start to brown.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  7. Finish Chicken with Water and Cover

    Add a splash of water (≈¼ cup) to the tawa, sprinkle red chili powder, cover with a lid or foil, and reduce heat to low. Cook for another 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Low

  8. Cook Basmati Rice

    In a saucepan, combine rinsed basmati rice, 3 cups water, a pinch of salt, and 1 tsp butter. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12‑15 minutes until water is absorbed.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium

  9. Final Garnish and Plate

    Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate, drizzle any remaining pan juices, sprinkle the toasted garlic pieces, and garnish with extra fresh coriander leaves.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Serve

    Plate a portion of rice, place the garlic chili tawa chicken on top, and accompany with a generous spoon of the green chili chutney.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
3 g

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

Allergens: Garlic, Walnuts, Sesame, Dairy (yogurt, butter)

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Chili Garlic Tawa Chicken & Pulao

Recipe by Chef Ranveer Brar

A vibrant Indian‑style tawa chicken packed with garlic, green chilies, fresh mint and coriander, served with a nutty green‑chili chutney and fragrant basmati rice. The dish balances heat, tanginess, and herbaceous freshness for a satisfying main course.

MediumIndianServes 4

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Source Video
26m
Prep
40m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.70
Total cost
$2.93
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Creating a smooth ginger‑garlic‑green chili paste without over‑processing.
  • Balancing lemon juice, salt, and heat during the first marination.
  • Incorporating fresh mint and coriander in the second marination for authentic freshness.
  • Roasting garlic to a light golden brown without burning.
  • Cooking chicken on high heat first to sear, then finishing with steam to keep it juicy.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use caution when working with hot oil and the open flame on the tawa.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Garlic Chili Tawa Chicken in Indian cuisine?

A

Garlic Chili Tawa Chicken is a modern take on traditional tawa‑cooked dishes from North India, where high‑heat grilling on a flat griddle (tawa) is common for street‑style chicken. The addition of abundant garlic, fresh green chilies, and herb pastes reflects Punjabi love for bold, aromatic flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of garlic chicken dishes in Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, chicken is often cooked on a tawa with butter and garam masala, while in Gujarat a sweeter version uses jaggery. Coastal regions add coconut or mustard seeds, and in Hyderabad the chicken may be cooked with tamarind and sesame. Chef Ranveer Brar’s version emphasizes fresh mint, coriander, and a nutty green‑chili chutney.

cultural
Q

How is Garlic Chili Tawa Chicken traditionally served in North Indian households?

A

It is typically served hot off the tawa, garnished with toasted garlic and fresh coriander, alongside plain basmati rice or roti, and a side of tangy green chutney. The meal is often enjoyed with a dollop of yogurt or raita to balance the heat.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Garlic Chili Tawa Chicken commonly prepared in Indian culture?

A

The dish is popular for weekend family meals, festive gatherings like Diwali or Navratri, and as a hearty dinner after a day of work. Its bold flavors make it a favorite for celebrations where guests expect spicy, aromatic fare.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for Garlic Chili Tawa Chicken and what can be substituted?

A

Key ingredients include fresh garlic, green chilies with thick skin, lemon juice, mint, coriander, and walnuts for the chutney. Substitutes: use cashews instead of walnuts, lime for lemon, and a small amount of ginger paste if fresh ginger is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with Garlic Chili Tawa Chicken?

A

Pair it with plain basmati rice, jeera rice, or butter naan. Side dishes like cucumber raita, pickled onions, or a simple dal tadka complement the heat and freshness of the chicken.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Garlic Chili Tawa Chicken at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, which makes it dry, under‑roasting the garlic (resulting in a raw taste), and not balancing the lemon and salt, which can make the dish taste flat. Follow the critical steps for searing and finishing with steam.

technical
Q

Why does this Garlic Chili Tawa Chicken recipe use a two‑stage marination instead of a single marination?

A

The first marination infuses the chicken with deep garlic‑chili heat and lemon acidity, while the second herb‑based marination adds fresh mint‑coriander brightness. This layered approach ensures each bite has both robust spice and refreshing herb notes.

technical
Q

Can I make the mint‑coriander chutney ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chutney can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; the flavors will meld and it stays fresh because of the oil and yogurt base.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken is properly cooked on the tawa?

A

The chicken should have a golden‑brown crust on the outside, be slightly caramelized, and remain juicy inside. When cut, the meat should be opaque with no pink and the internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Ranveer Brar specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Ranveer Brar specializes in modern Indian cooking, showcasing traditional recipes with contemporary twists, detailed technique breakdowns, and a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

channel
Q

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

A

Chef Ranveer Brar emphasizes scientific explanations of flavor balance, uses high‑quality video production, and often integrates regional specialties with accessible home‑cooking methods, setting his channel apart from more casual or purely traditional Indian cooking channels.

channel

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