Bihari Chicken Roast
A rustic, bold chicken roast from Bihar where chicken legs are slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic masala paste of mustard oil, yogurt, and freshly pounded spices. The gravy clings to the meat, turning dark and deeply flavorful with a subtle smoky kick from the mustard oil and a perfect balance of tang from the yogurt.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Prepare the marinade paste.
1.In a large bowl, combine whisked yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, coarsely ground coriander seeds, coarsely ground black pepper, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and 0.25 tsp salt.2.Add 2 tbsp mustard oil into the mixture and whisk vigorously until well blended and smooth.3.Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and set aside for 15 minutes at room temperature.TIPPound the ginger and garlic coarsely instead of making a fine paste — the rustic texture adds to the authentic Bihari character. - saute · ~10 min
Brown the onions.
1.Heat the remaining 2 tbsp mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed kadhai or pan over medium heat until it reaches its smoking point, then reduce the heat to low.2.Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle for about 30 seconds.3.Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they turn deep golden brown (about 8-10 minutes).TIPMustard oil must be heated until it smokes to remove its raw pungency. Don't skip this step. - saute · ~8 min
Sear the marinated chicken.
1.Gently place the marinated chicken pieces into the pan, reserving any leftover marinade in the bowl.2.Sear the chicken on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly browned and the spices stick to the meat. - simmer · ~20 min
Cook the chicken in its own juices.
Pour the reserved leftover marinade over the chicken. Add the slit green chilies, the remaining 0.25 tsp salt, and half a cup of hot water. Stir everything together gently, bring to a boil, then cover the pan and lower the heat to a simmer.
TIPUse hot water to prevent the temperature from dropping and to keep the gravy cooking smoothly. - saute · ~7 min
Finish with a dry roast.
Remove the lid, increase the heat to high, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water evaporates completely. The oil will separate and the masala will turn into a thick, dark coating that clings to the chicken pieces.
TIPStir gently near the end to avoid breaking the chicken pieces, allowing the masala to char very slightly for a smoky depth. - garnish
Finish and serve.
Turn off the heat. Drizzle lemon juice over the hot chicken and garnish generously with chopped coriander leaves. Serve immediately with steamed rice or paratha.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pound ginger and garlic coarsely instead of making a fine paste for an authentic Bihari rustic texture.
- 2Heat mustard oil until it reaches its smoking point to remove raw pungency; never skip this step.
- 3Use thick yogurt and whisk it smooth so the marinade clings evenly to the chicken.
- 4Sear chicken on medium-high heat until lightly charred to build deep flavor before simmering.
- 5Add hot water during simmering to maintain steady heat and avoid shocking the gravy.
- 6Cook uncovered at the end until oil separates and masala darkens for a smoky finish.
- 7Leftover Bihari Chicken Roast tastes even better the next day — store in fridge for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Mild-family
Reduce green chilies to 1 and skip slit chilies for a kid-friendly version. Add 1 tbsp cream at the end for extra richness.
high proteinHigh-protein
Use bone-in chicken thighs only (no drumsticks) and add 2 boiled eggs halved and simmered in the masala for extra protein.
jainJain
Replace chicken with 2 cups paneer cubes (lightly fried) and use dairy yogurt. Skip garlic and onion — use asafoetida and fennel seeds for flavor.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce mustard oil to 2 tbsp total (1 for marinade, 1 for cooking) and use a non-stick pan. Sear chicken without additional oil; oil from marinade will suffice.
eggitarianEggitarian
Swap chicken with 6 hard-boiled eggs (lightly scored) or 2 cups cauliflower florets. Simmer in the masala for 10 minutes instead of chicken.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Chicken legs provide high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
Yogurt in the marinade introduces live cultures that support digestive health.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Turmeric and black pepper contain curcumin and piperine, known for reducing inflammation.
Iron and B Vitamins
Chicken is a good source of iron and B vitamins, supporting energy metabolism.
Low Carbohydrate
This dish is naturally low in carbs, making it suitable for low-carb and keto-friendly meals.
Frequently asked questions
Mustard oil gives this dish its signature pungent and smoky flavor. If you must substitute, use 3 tbsp vegetable oil + 1 tsp mustard seeds (crushed) added early.
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