Dahi Chicken Recipe

Dahi chicken is a popular Indian dish that combines chicken pieces with a yogurt-based marinade and a blend of aromatic spices. “Dahi” refers to the yogurt used in the recipe. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and other flavorings such as ginger, garlic, and lime juice, for several hours or overnight. The marinated chicken is then cooked in a pan or a tandoor oven until tender and juicy. Dahi chicken can be served with rice or naan bread and is a delicious and satisfying dish that is enjoyed throughout India and beyond.

Ingredients for Dahi Chicken Recipe:

• 500 grams of boneless chicken pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (optional)

Note:

These are just the basic ingredients, and you can adjust the spice level and add other ingredients like tomatoes, cream, or cashews to make the dish more rich and flavorful.

You can also adjust the amount of yogurt depending on how much chicken you are using and how thick you want the gravy to be. Similarly, you can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preference.

Instructions for Dahi Chicken Recipe:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, lemon juice, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to make a smooth paste.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, and toss until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade and become more tender.
3. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are golden brown. This will take around 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the onions, as this can give a bitter taste to the dish.
4. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, along with any remaining marinade. Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes or until it is browned on all sides. Keep stirring the chicken occasionally so that it cooks evenly.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the chicken cook for another 10-15 minutes or until it is cooked through. Check the chicken by cutting it into the thickest part to ensure that it is fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. If the gravy is too thick, you can add some water to thin it out. If it is too thin, you can let it cook uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken it.
7. Once the chicken is cooked through and the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, turn off the heat.
8. Garnish the Dahi chicken with fresh coriander leaves, if desired, and serve hot with rice, naan bread, or roti.

Enjoy your delicious and creamy Dahi chicken!

About:

Dahi chicken is a popular North Indian dish that is made with chicken and yogurt. The dish is known for its creamy and tangy flavor, and it is usually served with rice or roti.

To make Dahi chicken, chicken pieces are first marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice for several hours. The marinated chicken is then cooked with onions, ginger, garlic, and more spices in a skillet until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

The dish can be customized to suit different taste preferences by adjusting the number of spices used or adding other ingredients such as tomatoes or cream. Dahi chicken is a great choice for a hearty and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Tips and Variations:

Tips:

• Use fresh and good-quality yogurt to get a creamy and rich gravy.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors penetrate the meat and make it more tender.
• You can use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless, but the cooking time will be longer.
• Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry.
• Adjust the spice level to your taste preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder and garam masala powder accordingly.
• Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom.

Variations:

• You can add some cream or cashew paste to the gravy to make it more rich and creamy.
• Add some chopped tomatoes or tomato puree to the gravy for a tangy flavor.
• You can also add some vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
• Use coconut milk instead of yogurt to make a coconut milk-based curry.
• You can also make this dish using other meats like lamb or goat instead of chicken.
• To make it healthier, use Greek yogurt or low-fat yogurt instead of regular yogurt.

Serving Suggestions:

• Dahi chicken goes well with steamed white rice, jeera rice, or even pulao. The creamy gravy of the chicken blends well with the rice and makes for a hearty meal.
• You can also serve Dahi chicken with naan bread or roti. These Indian bread are perfect for dipping in the creamy gravy of the chicken.
• You can serve a fresh green salad on the side to balance the richness of the Dahi chicken. A simple cucumber and onion salad with a sprinkle of lemon juice and salt goes well with the dish.
• You can also serve a cool cucumber or onion raita on the side. The yogurt-based side dish complements the flavors of the Dahi chicken and makes for a refreshing combination.
• Indian pickles and chutneys like mango pickle, mint chutney, or tamarind chutney go well with Dahi chicken. They add a burst of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors to the dish.
• You can also serve some papad on the side. The crispy and crunchy Indian snack complements the creamy texture of the Dahi chicken and makes for a satisfying meal.

Health Benefits:

• Chicken is a rich source of protein, and Dahi chicken made with boneless chicken is a great way to get your daily protein intake. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, promoting muscle growth, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
• Dahi or yogurt used in this recipe contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health. Probiotics can help improve digestion, boost immunity, and prevent certain digestive disorders.
• Chicken is low in fat and has been shown to lower cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Dahi chicken is also a good source of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. Iron is important for healthy blood cells, while vitamin B12 is essential for brain and nerve function. Zinc is necessary for a healthy immune system and wound healing.
• Dahi chicken can be made healthier by using low-fat yogurt, lean cuts of chicken, and adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or green peas. This can increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish, making it even more nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?

A: It’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors penetrate the meat and make it more tender.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for Dahi chicken?

A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for Dahi chicken, but the cooking time will be longer.

Q: How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

A: To make the gravy thicker, you can reduce the amount of water or yogurt used in the recipe, or simmer the gravy for a longer time. To make it thinner, you can add more water or yogurt.

Q: What type of yogurt should I use for Dahi chicken?

A: It’s best to use plain, full-fat yogurt for Dahi chicken. Greek yogurt or strained yogurt can also be used for a thicker and creamier gravy.

Nutrition

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 114mg
• Sodium: 216mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 7g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 36g