Bihari Chicken Kebab
Incredibly tender chicken strips marinated in a unique blend of yogurt, spices, and mustard oil, then grilled to smoky perfection. This classic kebab from Bihar is famous for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and distinct flavor.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
- b.Cut the boneless chicken thighs into thin, 2-inch long strips. Pat them completely dry with paper towels and place in a large mixing bowl.
- c.In a separate bowl, whisk the hung curd until smooth to remove any lumps.
- d.To the curd, add the raw papaya paste, ginger-garlic paste, crushed fried onions, sattu, mustard oil, lemon juice, and all the dry spice powders: Kashmiri red chili, turmeric, coriander, cumin, garam masala, black pepper, and salt.
- e.Mix everything thoroughly to create a thick, uniform marinade paste. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken strips.
- c.Using your hands, massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously coated.
- d.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours. For the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth results, marinate overnight (8-12 hours).
- 3
Step 3
- a.Skewer and Grill the Kebabs
- b.If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- c.Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the skewers, weaving them in an 'S' shape. Do not pack them too tightly to allow for even cooking.
- d.Preheat your grill (outdoor or stovetop grill pan) to medium-high heat.
- e.Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 15-18 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on all sides.
- f.You can baste the kebabs with a little oil or ghee during the last 5 minutes of grilling if they appear dry.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Smoke the Kebabs (Dhungar Method)
- b.Once cooked, carefully remove the kebabs from the skewers and place them in a large, heatproof bowl with a tight-fitting lid.
- c.Create a small space in the center and place a small steel cup or a piece of aluminum foil shaped like a cup.
- d.Using tongs, heat the piece of charcoal over a direct flame until it is red hot and glowing.
- e.Carefully place the hot charcoal into the steel cup.
- f.Pour the ghee directly over the hot charcoal. It will immediately start to smoke profusely.
- g.Instantly cover the bowl with the lid to trap the smoke. Let the kebabs infuse for 2-3 minutes.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Carefully remove the lid, letting the smoke dissipate. Discard the charcoal cup.
- c.Serve the smoky Bihari Chicken Kebabs immediately, garnished with fresh onion rings and cilantro.
- d.They pair wonderfully with mint chutney and lemon wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, do not substitute the mustard oil. Its pungent quality is characteristic of this dish.
- 2Using chicken thighs is highly recommended as their higher fat content keeps the kebabs juicy and tender. Chicken breast can be used but may dry out.
- 3The overnight marination with raw papaya paste is the secret to the kebab's signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don't shorten this step if possible.
- 4If you cannot find sattu, you can make it by dry roasting besan (chickpea flour) in a pan over low heat until it's aromatic and light brown.
- 5After grilling, let the kebabs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more succulent.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 500g of paneer cut into thick strips or cubes. Reduce the marination time to 1-2 hours as paneer doesn't require tenderizing.
MeatMeat
Use boneless mutton or lamb strips for Mutton Bihari Kebab. Increase the raw papaya paste to 1.5 tbsp and marinate for at least 12-24 hours to ensure the meat is tender.
Cooking MethodCooking Method
To bake in an oven, preheat to 220°C (425°F). Arrange the skewers on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a good char.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Immunity-Boosting Spices
The marinade is rich in spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help support a strong immune system.
Promotes Gut Health
The use of curd (yogurt) provides beneficial probiotics, which are live bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in your gut microbiome, aiding digestion and overall gut health.
Frequently asked questions
Bihari Chicken Kebab is moderately healthy. It's an excellent source of lean protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle building. Grilling is a healthier cooking method than frying. However, it does contain oil and ghee, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.