Dahi Chicken (also known as Chicken in Yogurt Gravy) is a delicious, creamy, and mildly spiced chicken curry that is loved across India. This dish uses yogurt to tenderize the chicken, giving it a rich and smooth texture that complements the bold, aromatic spices. The tanginess from the yogurt combined with the warmth of the spices creates a perfect harmony of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.

This recipe is simple to prepare yet delivers an incredible depth of flavor, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or special occasions. If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful chicken curry, Dahi Chicken is an excellent choice.

Ingredients for Dahi Chicken

• 500g chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably thick)
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cardamom pods
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2-3 green chilies (slit)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

How to Make Dahi Chicken: Step-by-Step Process

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, add the chicken pieces along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Add the yogurt and mix well, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors.

2. Tempering the Spices

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté them for a few seconds until they release their fragrance.

3. Sautéing the Onions and Tomatoes

Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become golden brown. Then, add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for another 2 minutes until the raw smell of ginger and garlic disappears.

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy, forming a thick masala paste.

4. Cooking the Chicken

Once the masala is ready, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the masala mixture. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown slightly and absorb the flavors.

5. Simmering the Curry

Add 1-2 cups of water (depending on the desired consistency of the curry). Stir well, then cover the pan and cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes on low heat until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

6. Adding Garam Masala and Final Adjustments

Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle garam masala and cumin powder over the curry. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Garnish and Serve

Garnish the Dahi Chicken with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the curry hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan for a satisfying meal.

Tips for Making Perfect Dahi Chicken

• Yogurt Consistency: Use thick, full-fat yogurt for the best results. Thin yogurt might cause the curry to become too watery and lose its creamy texture.
• Marinate Well: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but marinating overnight will give the best results.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of red chili powder and green chilies. Alternatively, increase the spices if you enjoy a spicier flavor.
• Slow Cooking: Let the curry simmer on low heat to allow the flavors to develop fully and for the chicken to absorb all the spices.
• Add Cream (Optional): For extra richness, you can add a tablespoon of cream at the end of cooking to enhance the creamy texture of the curry.

Health Benefits of Dahi Chicken

• High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, helping to build and repair tissues, as well as support muscle growth.
• Digestive Health: Yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health and digestion. It can help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The spices used in this curry, such as turmeric and cumin, are rich in antioxidants and essential minerals that support overall health and immunity.
• Low in Fat: This recipe uses yogurt as a base, making it lower in fat compared to traditional creamy chicken curries that use heavy cream.

How to Serve Dahi Chicken

• With Steamed Rice: The creamy and slightly tangy Dahi Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice. The rice absorbs the rich gravy, making each bite delicious.
• With Roti or Naan: For a traditional Indian meal, serve Dahi Chicken with hot roti or naan. The soft, pillowy breads are perfect for dipping into the flavorful curry.
• With Jeera Rice: For a fragrant touch, serve the curry with cumin rice (jeera rice). The mild flavor of cumin rice complements the richness of the chicken curry.
• With Paratha: For a heartier meal, try pairing this curry with paratha, a type of flaky Indian flatbread.

Dahi Chicken is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful chicken curry that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a cozy meal at home. The yogurt gives the curry a smooth texture while the spices infuse the chicken with a delicious depth of flavor. Whether served with rice, roti, or naan, this dish is sure to impress anyone who loves rich, flavorful curries. Try making this simple yet delicious recipe today and enjoy the true essence of Indian flavors.