Dhaba Chicken Curry
A robust, rustic chicken curry inspired by the roadside dhabas of Punjab. Bone-in chicken is simmered in a rich, smoky onion-tomato masala with whole spices, ginger, garlic, and a generous hit of black pepper. The gravy is thick, dark, and deeply flavored—perfect for scooping up with hot tandoori roti or naan.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~15 min
Marinate the chicken.
Pat chicken pieces dry. Rub all over with ginger-garlic paste, 1 pinch of salt, and 1 pinch of turmeric powder. Set aside for 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
- temper · ~2 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat oil and ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until shimmering.2.Add cumin seeds and let them crackle (20-30 sec).3.Add black cardamom, green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Sauté until fragrant (30-40 sec). - saute · ~10 min
Caramelize the onions.
1.Add sliced onions to the pan and sprinkle a pinch of salt to help them release moisture.2.Sauté on medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until deep golden brown (8-10 min).3.Don't rush this step — the dark caramelized onions give the curry its signature colour and depth.TIPDon't rush the onions — dark caramelization is what gives dhaba curry its signature smokiness. - saute · ~9 min
Cook the masala base.
1.Add remaining ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté until the raw smell disappears (1 min).2.Add red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Stir continuously for 30 sec to bloom the spices.3.Pour in the tomato puree. Cook on medium heat, stirring often, until the oil separates from the mixture (6-8 min).TIPLook for oil separating at the edges — that's your sign the masala is fully cooked. - saute · ~6 min
Sear the chicken in the masala.
1.Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan.2.Sauté on high heat for 5-6 minutes, turning the pieces to brown them on all sides.3.This searing step locks in juices and adds another layer of smoky flavour. - simmer · ~30 min
Add yogurt and simmer.
1.Lower the heat to low. Add whisked yogurt one spoon at a time, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.2.Once all yogurt is incorporated, add 1 cup of hot water. Stir well.3.Season with salt and black pepper powder. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover with a lid.4.Simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.TIPAlways add yogurt on low heat and stir continuously — high heat will make it split. - simmer · ~4 min
Finish the curry.
1.Remove the lid. The gravy should be thick and coating the chicken.2.Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi over the top.3.Simmer uncovered for a final 3-4 minutes to let the flavours meld.4.Check the consistency — dhaba curry should have a thick, clinging gravy, not watery. - garnish
Garnish and serve hot.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a final pinch of garam masala. Serve hot with tandoori roti, naan, or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Caramelize onions until deep brown for that signature dark dhaba color.
- 2Add yogurt slowly on low heat and stir constantly to prevent curdling.
- 3Bloom spices in hot oil for 30 seconds to unlock their full aroma.
- 4Sear chicken on high heat for 5-6 minutes to lock in juices and smoky flavor.
- 5Crush kasuri methi between your palms before adding to release essential oils.
- 6Let the curry rest for 10 minutes after cooking for deeper flavor meld.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-free
Replace yogurt with 1/4 cup raw cashew paste (soaked cashews blended with water) for the same creamy body without dairy, ideal for lactose-intolerant cooks.
extra smokyExtra-smoky
After cooking, place a piece of hot charcoal in a small steel bowl set in the curry, pour 1/2 tsp ghee over the charcoal, and cover the pan for 3 minutes to infuse a deep, authentic dhaba-style smokiness.
mild versionMild version
Skip the slit green chilies and reduce black pepper to a pinch for a family-friendly curry that children can enjoy without losing the dish's rustic character.
quick weeknightQuick weeknight
Use 500g boneless chicken thighs cut into chunks and reduce the final simmer time to 15 minutes for a faster version that still delivers rich flavor.
mushroom dhabaMushroom dhaba
Replace chicken with 400g quartered button mushrooms — no marination needed — and follow the same recipe for a hearty vegetarian version that mushrooms' umami carries beautifully.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein
Bone-in chicken provides complete protein and minerals like calcium and phosphorus from the bones that leach into the gravy during slow simmering.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Turmeric, ginger, and black pepper in this recipe contain curcumin and piperine, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Digestive Aid from Spices
Cumin, coriander, and cardamom are traditional digestive aids that help break down proteins and reduce bloating, making this a well-balanced meal.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Ghee in moderation provides butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that supports gut health, while the minimal oil used keeps the dish relatively light for a dhaba-style curry.
Frequently asked questions
Yogurt curdles if added too quickly or over high heat. Always whisk it smooth, lower the heat to low, and stir continuously while adding one spoonful at a time.
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