Dahi Wala Murgh
Tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy, tangy yogurt gravy, spiced with aromatic Indian masalas. This North Indian classic is a comforting and flavorful curry, perfect with hot rotis or rice.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, 1 cup of whisked dahi, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, 0.5 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder, and 0.5 tsp salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- d.Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Cashew Paste
- b.While the chicken marinates, soak the cashews in 1/4 cup of warm water for 15-20 minutes to soften them.
- c.Transfer the soaked cashews along with the water to a blender and grind into a very smooth, creamy paste. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Onions
- b.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamoms. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.
- e.Add the remaining 0.5 tbsp ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Chicken and Spices
- b.Add the marinated chicken along with the entire marinade to the pan.
- c.Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is sealed and the marinade has thickened.
- d.Reduce the heat to low. Add the powdered spices: remaining 0.5 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and the remaining 0.75 tsp salt. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Build and Simmer the Gravy
- b.Ensure the heat is on low. Slowly add the remaining 0.5 cup of whisked dahi, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes to prevent it from curdling.
- c.Once the dahi is fully incorporated, stir in the prepared cashew paste and 0.5 cup of water.
- d.Mix everything well. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through and you see oil separating at the edges.
- e.Stir occasionally to prevent the gravy from sticking to the bottom.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala and crushed kasuri methi.
- c.Let the curry rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- d.Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use full-fat, thick yogurt at room temperature and whisk it very well before adding to prevent the gravy from splitting.
- 2Always add the second batch of yogurt on the lowest possible heat and stir continuously until it's fully incorporated.
- 3For a richer, more authentic flavor, use ghee (clarified butter) instead of vegetable oil.
- 4Properly browning the onions until golden is crucial for developing a deep, savory flavor base for the gravy.
- 5For the most tender chicken, marinate for at least 2-4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoky Flavor (Dhungar Method)
After the curry is cooked, place a small steel bowl in the center. Add a piece of hot charcoal to it, pour a teaspoon of ghee over the charcoal, and immediately cover the pot with a tight lid. Let it sit for 5 minutes to infuse a smoky aroma.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies to 3-4 and add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the other powdered spices for extra heat.
With Bone in ChickenWith Bone-in Chicken
You can use bone-in chicken pieces for more flavor. Increase the simmering time in step 5 by an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through to the bone.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Promotes Gut Health
The use of dahi (yogurt) provides beneficial probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.
Rich in Aromatic Spices
Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress and support overall wellness.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Dahi Wala Murgh contains approximately 380-450 calories, depending on the fat content of the yogurt and the amount of oil used. This estimate includes the chicken, gravy, and spices.
