Chicken Curry: Authentic Dhaba-Style in your kitchen
If you’ve ever stopped at a roadside dhaba in India, you know the magic of their food—simple, rustic, yet bursting with bold flavors. Dhaba Style Chicken Masala is one of those iconic dishes that combines juicy chicken, caramelized onions, rich tomato masala, and a touch of curd to balance the heat. Cooked with whole spices and finished with fresh coriander, this curry has a smoky, earthy taste that instantly reminds you of a hearty dhaba meal.
Table of Contents
What is Chicken curry?
Chicken Masala Curry is a classic Indian-style chicken dish where tender chicken pieces are simmered in a flavorful onion–tomato gravy spiced with everyday masalas. The word “masala” refers to the blend of spices—like turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garam masala—that give the curry its rich taste and aroma.
It’s one of the most popular home-style chicken recipes because it is:
Simple to make with easily available ingredients.
Versatile—pairs equally well with roti, naan, or rice.
Comforting and flavorful, yet not overly heavy like festive biryanis or kormas.
Main Ingredient of Chicken curry:
For the Curry
500 g chicken (with bone or boneless)
2 tbsp oil
1 tbsp butter
1 bay leaf
1 black cardamom (badi elaichi)
1 cinnamon stick
2 dry red chilies
2 slit green chilies
2 medium onions, sliced
1 tbsp ginger–garlic paste
2 tomatoes, pureed (or 1 cup tomato puree)
Salt to taste
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp red chili powder
½ cup whisked curd (yogurt)
2 tsp chicken masala (store-bought or homemade)
½ tsp garam masala
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Meyer Trivantage 24cm Stainless Steel Tope With Lid
What Is So Special About Chicken curry?
What makes Chicken Masala Curry special is its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Unlike heavy festive dishes, this curry is made with everyday ingredients—onions, tomatoes, curd, and basic spices—yet it delivers a rich, dhaba-style taste.
Here’s why it stands out:
Wholesome & Comforting: A curry that feels homely yet indulgent.
Bold Spices: Everyday masalas like cumin, coriander, and garam masala create a deep, aromatic gravy.
Versatile: Pairs beautifully with roti, naan, paratha, or even plain steamed rice.
Dhaba Vibes at Home: The combo of butter, fried onions, and whole spices brings that rustic roadside charm.
Quick to Cook: Ready in under an hour—perfect for both weekday dinners and special family meals.
Quick and Easy Chicken curry:
Uses basic pantry spices—no fancy ingredients required.
One-pot cooking—chicken and masala simmer together, saving time.
Quick marination with curd and spices makes the chicken tender without overnight prep.
Ready in under an hour, yet tastes like a slow-cooked dhaba-style curry.
How to make
1. Heat oil and butter in a pan. Add bay leaf, black cardamom, cinnamon stick, dry red chilies, and slit green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds.
2. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
3. Add ginger–garlic paste, sauté for a minute, then add chicken pieces. Cook until lightly browned.
4. Stir in tomato puree, salt, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder. Mix well.
5. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is half done.
6. Add whisked curd, chicken masala, and garam masala. Stir and cook on medium flame until the chicken is cooked through and the masala thickens.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Expert Tips
Saute onions well: Cook onions until golden brown; this is the base of a flavorful curry.
Whisk curd before adding: Prevents curd from splitting and keeps the gravy smooth.
Cook the masala properly: Always cook tomato–spice mix until oil separates; this deepens flavor.
Balance the spices: Adjust chili and garam masala as per your spice tolerance.
Use bone-in chicken: Gives a richer taste compared to boneless pieces.
Low and slow cooking: Simmering on low flame enhances the dhaba-style flavor.
Butter or ghee finishing: A small dollop at the end adds richness and aroma.
Recipe Card
Leave a comment