Himachali Chicken
A robust, dark-gravy chicken curry cooked in mustard oil with a paste of whole spices, onion, tomato, and thick yoghurt — the everyday non-vegetarian preparation in Himachali households. Heavier on whole spices and less reliant on ground masala than Punjabi chicken.
Cuisines
Himachali
Best for
Lunch
Dinner
Build a full meal around Himachali Chicken
Get a matched combo of sides and accents
Recipe
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 60 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
|
500 grams | Chicken , cut into pieces |
|
2 tablespoons | Mustard oil |
|
1 cup | Onion , finely sliced |
|
2 teaspoons | Ginger-garlic paste |
|
1 cup | Tomato , chopped |
|
1 teaspoon | Coriander powder |
|
1 teaspoon | Cumin , powder |
|
1 teaspoon | Turmeric powder |
|
1 teaspoon | Red chili powder |
|
1 teaspoon | Garam masala |
|
1 cup | Yogurt |
|
2 tablespoons | Cilantro , chopped |
|
1 | Bay Leaf |
|
2 | Cardamom , green pods |
|
1 | Cinnamon stick |
|
1 | Cardamom Pod , black |
|
Salt | To taste |
|
Water | A Needed |
Instructions
- 1 Heat mustard oil in a pan until it reaches its smoking point, then reduce the heat.
- 2 Add bay leaf, green cardamom, cinnamon stick, and black cardamom. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- 3 Add sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
- 4 Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- 5 Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and oil starts to separate.
- 6 Mix in coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Cook for another minute.
- 7 Add chicken pieces and stir well to coat them with the spices. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.
- 8 Whisk the yogurt and add it to the pan. Stir continuously to prevent curdling.
- 9 Add salt to taste and a little water if needed to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
- 10 Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- 11 Sprinkle garam masala and fresh coriander leaves over the chicken. Mix well.
- 12 Serve hot with steamed rice or roti.
Tips
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken with yogurt and spices for an hour before cooking.