Tawa Chicken

Tawa Chicken

Tawa Chicken

Chicken tikka or bone-in pieces finished on a large flat iron griddle (tawa) with a masala of onion, tomato, green chilli, capsicum, and a blend of coriander-cumin-chilli — the tawa cooking renders the exterior slightly charred and the masala coats the chicken in a semi-dry, sticky layer. A dhaba invention that spread across North India and became a restaurant staple; the flat tawa concentrates the heat and reduces the masala faster than a karahi, producing a different texture and char character. Served sizzling from the tawa, often with chopped onion and lemon.

Cuisines

Haryanvi Punjabi Delhi

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Recipe

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Total: 50 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons mustard oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
2 medium tomatoes, pureed
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 green chili, slit
1 cup yogurt, whisked
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat mustard oil in a tawa or large skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2 Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  3. 3 Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  4. 4 Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  5. 5 Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the masala.
  6. 6 Mix in turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  7. 7 Add chicken pieces and stir well to coat them with the masala.
  8. 8 Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. 9 Add whisked yogurt and slit green chili, and mix well.
  10. 10 Cover and cook on low heat until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
  11. 11 Sprinkle garam masala and salt to taste, and mix well.
  12. 12 Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and drizzle lemon juice before serving.

Tips

For a smokier flavor, you can cook the chicken on a traditional iron tawa.