Want Dhaba Style Chicken Curry Spicy Tonight? Try This

Do you want to make a truly delicious chicken curry?

You can cook a famous and flavorful Indian dish right in your own kitchen. This guide will teach you how to make a dhaba style chicken curry spicy. Our recipe is very simple and easy to follow.

Key Takeaways

• Use bone-in chicken for the best taste.
• Cook the masala slowly for a rich taste.
• Freshly ground spices give the best aroma.

The entire meal will be ready in about 60 minutes. The chicken becomes perfectly soft in a rich, tasty sauce. We provide all the clear, step-by-step instructions you will need.

Let’s begin making this amazing meal together.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here is a quick look at what you need to know. This snapshot helps you plan your cooking time and see how easy it is.

Preparation Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Yield	Skill Level	Spice Level
20 Minutes	40 Minutes	60 Minutes	4 Servings	Beginner	Medium to Hot

Why dhaba style chicken curry spicy is a must try for dinner

This amazing curry is perfect for your evening meal. It is a hearty and warming dish that brings comfort after a long day. Let’s see why it’s a great choice.

An Explosion of Flavors

This dish is packed with strong and earthy tastes. It uses whole spices like bay leaves and cloves. Ground spices like coriander and turmeric add deep flavor.

The spices are cooked slowly. This method makes the curry taste very rich and special. It is a true treat for your taste buds.

A Versatile Delight for Your Main Meal

This chicken curry is great for your main course. You can eat it for a big lunch or dinner. The thick, spicy gravy is very filling and satisfying. I

t makes a complete meal when served with bread or rice. This makes it a go to option for a family dinner.

The Nostalgic Charm of Roadside Eateries

This curry comes from roadside restaurants in India. These places are called dhabas. They are famous for simple, delicious food.

Making this dish brings that same authentic feeling to your home. It feels like you are eating a traditional, home-cooked meal with a rich history behind it.

How to Prepare Dhaba Style Chicken Curry Spicy

Making this tasty curry is a simple process. Follow these instructions carefully. You will have a wonderful dish ready to enjoy with your family and friends soon.

Ingredients	Amount	Alternative
Chicken, bone-in	500 grams	Boneless chicken thighs
Onions, finely chopped	2 large	Shallots
Tomatoes, pureed	3 medium	Canned tomato puree
Ginger-garlic paste	2 tablespoons	Freshly minced ginger and garlic
Yogurt, plain	1/2 cup	Coconut cream (for less tang)
Turmeric powder	1 teaspoon	–
Red chili powder	2 teaspoons	Paprika or cayenne pepper
Coriander powder	2 tablespoons	Crushed coriander seeds
Cumin powder	1 teaspoon	Crushed cumin seeds
Garam masala	1 teaspoon	Curry powder
Whole spices (cloves, cardamom, bay leaf)	A small mix	–
Mustard oil	4 tablespoons	Vegetable oil or ghee
Fresh coriander, chopped	For garnish	Dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
Salt	To taste	–

Step 01: Marinate the Chicken First

Take a big bowl for the chicken pieces. Add the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and all the powdered spices. Mix everything together very well.

Make sure each piece of chicken is covered. Let the chicken sit in this mix for at least 30 minutes. This step makes the chicken very soft. It also helps the chicken soak up all the delicious flavors inside.

Step 02: Prepare the Curry Base

Heat the mustard oil in a large pan. Add the whole spices like cloves and bay leaves. Cook them for just a minute until they smell good.

Now, add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Cook the onions until they turn a nice golden brown color. This step is very important. It builds the main flavor of your spicy curry.

Step 03: Cook the Masala Sauce

Add the pureed tomatoes to the browned onions. Cook this mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep stirring until the oil starts to separate.

You will see oil at the edges of the pan. This means your masala base is ready. This slow cooking makes the sauce taste very deep and rich. It is the secret to a real Dhaba taste.

Step 04: Cook the Chicken in Gravy

Now, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir everything well to coat the chicken with the masala. Cook it on high heat for about five minutes.

Then, lower the heat. Cover the pan with a lid. Let the chicken cook for about 20 minutes. The chicken will become tender. It will cook in its own juices and the masala.

Step 05: Finishing the Dish

Check if the chicken is cooked through. Add a little hot water if the gravy is too thick. Sprinkle the garam masala over the top. Stir it gently into the curry.

Let it cook for two more minutes. Finally, add the fresh chopped coriander. Your delicious and spicy chicken curry is now ready to be served hot.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Result

Here are some helpful tips to make your dish perfect. These simple tricks will make your chicken curry taste even better and more authentic. Follow them for great results.

Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor

Always try to use chicken with bones in it. The bones add a lot of extra flavor to the curry. They make the gravy richer and taste much better. While cooking, the juices from the bones mix into the sauce. This gives the dish a deeper, more traditional taste that you will surely love.

Do Not Rush the Cooking Process

Patience is very important for this recipe. Take your time when browning the onions. Cook the masala slowly until you see the oil separate. This slow cooking builds a strong flavor base. A rushed curry will not have the same deep and rich taste. So, cook it slowly with love.

Use Freshly Ground Spices

For the best aroma and taste, use fresh spices. Grind your spices right before you use them. Spices like coriander and cumin smell amazing when fresh. This makes a big difference in the final dish. Your curry will be much more fragrant and flavorful. Pre-ground spices lose their power over time.

How to Store and Serve Your dhaba style chicken curry spicy

Knowing how to keep and serve your curry is useful. This will help you enjoy the leftovers and present the dish in the best way possible.

The Storing Method

• First, let the curry cool down completely. Never put hot food in the fridge. This keeps the curry safe to eat later on.
• Put the cooled curry in a container with a tight lid. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the curry. It stays good in the freezer for about 2 months. Thaw it before you reheat.

The Serving Method

• This curry tastes best with Indian breads. Serve it with hot naan, roti, or paratha to scoop up the gravy.
• You can also serve it with plain steamed rice. Basmati rice is a great choice as it is very fragrant and fluffy.
• Add a simple salad on the side. Sliced onions and lemon wedges are a classic choice that adds a fresh crunch.

Variations to try

If you like this curry, you can try some new ideas. These small changes can give you a different but equally delicious dish to enjoy next time.

Make it Creamy and Less Spicy

If you want a milder curry, this is easy. Add some cashew paste or heavy cream near the end of cooking. This will make the gravy thick, creamy, and less spicy. It gives the dish a rich and smooth texture. This version is great for people who do not like too much heat.

Give it a Smoky Flavor

You can add a fun smoky taste to your curry. This is a special technique. After the curry is cooked, place a small steel bowl in it. Put a hot piece of charcoal in the bowl. Pour a little ghee on it. Cover the pan quickly for 2 minutes to trap the smoke.

Common Mistakes, Solution and Prevention

Making a perfect curry takes practice. Here are some common problems you might face. Learn how to fix them and how to avoid them in the future.

Mistake #01: The Gravy is Too Watery

• Solution: If your gravy is thin, do not worry. Just remove the lid from the pan. Let the curry simmer for a few more minutes. The extra water will evaporate and the gravy will get thicker.
• Prevention: Add water very carefully and a little at a time. It is always easier to add more water than to remove it. Watch the consistency as you cook.

Mistake #02: The Yogurt Curdled

• Solution: It is hard to fix curdled yogurt completely. You can try to blend the gravy to make it smoother. This will help improve the texture of the sauce.
• Prevention: Always use full-fat yogurt that is at room temperature. Turn the heat to low before you add the yogurt. Stir it in quickly and continuously until it is mixed well.

Mistake #03: The Chicken is Tough

• Solution: If the chicken is a bit tough, there is a simple fix. Just cover the pan and cook it on very low heat for 10-15 more minutes. This will help it become more tender.
• Prevention: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. The yogurt in the marinade helps to soften the chicken pieces. Also, do not overcook the chicken on very high heat.

FAQ

What makes a chicken curry “dhaba style”?
Dhaba style means a rustic and hearty dish. It has bold, spicy flavors and is made with simple ingredients. It copies the cooking style of Indian roadside restaurants.

Can I make this curry less spicy?
Yes, you can easily control the heat. Use less red chili powder and fewer green chilies. You can also add a little cream or yogurt to make it milder.

What is the best chicken cut to use?
Bone-in chicken pieces are the best choice. Cuts like thighs and drumsticks work very well. They add more flavor to the gravy and stay juicy during the cooking process.

Let’s Make and Share

You now have everything to cook a wonderful meal. This recipe will help you make a tasty dhaba style chicken curry spicy. It is perfect for sharing with people you love. Go ahead and try it in your kitchen. We hope you have a great time cooking. Please share your experience with us. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful homemade chicken curry.