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In India, you will witness several small roadside restaurants known as dhaba that provides with exquisite and authentic food that you can hardly get in any fine-dining restaurant. Dhaba-style food is cooked in a unique way that exudes robust flavours. If you have ever visited a dhaba or planning to do so in the future, do not miss out on its various chicken dishes that will tantelise your taste buds.
Dhaba-style chicken dishes have a rustic charm and make up a hearty meal at any time of the day. The dhaba-style chicken dishes hold a place in people’s hearts for their rich, aromatic, and spicy profile. If you’re craving dhaba-style chicken but you cannot visit the dhaba immediately, fret not. You can enjoy making any of your favourite dhaba-style chicken dishes at home.
Here are some of the dhaba-style chicken recipes that you can try making at home. Take a look:
- Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Hailing from the dhabas of Punjab, this beloved dish has won the hearts of millions of Indians and beyond. This dish can be easily prepared by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of yoghurt, lemon juice, and some spices like garam masala, chilli powder, and turmeric. You can grill or saute the marinated chicken until slightly charred. Then in a pan, cook tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices till aromatic. Puree this mixture and simmer it with butter, cream, and cooked chicken. Garnish the rich and creamy dish with fresh coriander leaves and serve it with naan or jeera rice.
- Chicken Tikka
This is another dhaba-style favourite that is known for its smoky flavour and vibrant colour. To prepare this dish, marinate the boneless chicken chunks with yoghurt, lemon juice, and spices like cumin, coriander, and red chilli powder. Then skewer the marinated chicken and grill until tender and slightly charred. You can serve the chicken tikka with mint chutney and onion rings. This is a perfect appetizer that will please your appetite.
- Chicken Curry
Chicken curry, the simple and flavourful dish is the staple in Indian dhabas. You can start preparing this dish by sauteing onions, garlic, and ginger until golden brown. Then add a mix of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala followed by the chicken. Cook until browned. Pour in the tomato puree and simmer until the chicken is cooked thoroughly and the curry has thickened. Finally, garnish the chicken with coriander leaves and pair it with rice or roti.
- Dhaba Style Chicken Fry
If you’re planning to indulge in a quick and delicious dhaba-style snack, then chicken fry is the best option. All you need to do is marinate the chicken pieces in yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices such as turmeric, chilli powder, and garam masala. Then shallow fry the marinated chicken until crispy and golden brown. Garnish the dish with curry leaves and green chillies for added flavour and texture. This is a perfect dish to make up a party snack.
- Chicken Keema
Here spiced minced chicken makes up a hearty and satisfying dish. To prepare this, begin by sauteing onions, garlic, and ginger until golden brown and add the ground chicken and cook until it changes its colour. Stir in the tomatoes, green peas, and spices such as garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Cook till it is dry and aromatic. Garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with pav or rice. It is an excellent lunch or dinner option.
- Kadai Chicken
As the name suggests, this dish is entirely cooked in a kadai (wok) with bell peppers and onions. Start by sauteing onions, ginger, and garlic in the kadai. Following this, add the chicken pieces and cook until browned. Add in the tomatoes and a whole lot of spices namely coriander, cumin, and red chilli powder. Add the diced bell peppers and cook until the chicken is tender, and the gravy thickens. Finally, garnish with fresh coriander and pair it with naan or paratha.
- Chicken Bharta
This is one of the favourite dhaba-style chicken dishes. This is a creamy, smoky, and mildly spiced dish made with shredded chicken. Here, you can boil or roast the chicken pieces and then shred them. Saute onions, garlic, and ginger till golden, put in the tomatoes, and cook until soft. Mix the shredded chicken, yoghurt, cream, and spices such as turmeric, garam masala and red chilli powder. Cook until the mixture is well-blended with chicken. Top it with fresh coriander leaves and squeeze some lemon juice. Serve it with rice or roti.
