Bihari Chicken Masala – Desi Style

Ready in

65 mins

Cuisine

Indian · Bihari

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

45 min

Serving

4 People

Difficulty

Medium

Calories / Serving

~550 kcal

Spicy Level

Recipe by Ashus Delicacies on YouTube
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Measurements
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All Ingredients

For Frying Chicken

All Ingredients

For Masala & Gravy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.

  1. Fry the Chicken

    Heat 2 tbsp of mustard oil in a pot. Add 4 crushed green cardamoms and 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder. for on low flame. Add 1 kg of chicken and cook on high flame, stirring continuously, until the water evaporates and the chicken turns golden brown.

  2. Season and Finish Frying

    Once the chicken is browned, add 1 tsp of salt. Mix well and continue to cook on high flame for another . Remove the chicken from the pot, draining the oil, and set it aside.

  3. Prepare the Spice Base (Tadka)

    In the same pot, add 2 more tbsp of mustard oil and heat it. On low flame, add 2 inches of cinnamon, 3-4 green cardamoms, 1 black cardamom, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 5-6 cloves, 4-5 dried red chillies, 2-3 bay leaves, and 1 tsp cumin seeds. for to until fragrant.

  4. Sauté Aromatics

    Add 5 medium-sized sliced onions and until they start to soften. Then, add 3 whole garlic bulbs and continue to cook until the onions are golden brown.

  5. Add Ginger, Garlic, and Chillies

    Add 5-6 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tsp crushed ginger, and 1 tsp crushed green chillies to the pot. for about to cook off the raw smell.

  6. Add Powdered Spices

    Add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 2 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp red chilli powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix everything well.

  7. Cook the Masala

    Pour in 1/2 cup of water, mix, cover the pot, and let the masala cook on low flame for until the oil separates and floats on top.

  8. Combine Chicken and Masala

    Once the masala is cooked, add the fried chicken back into the pot. Mix well to coat the chicken with the masala and on medium flame for .

  9. Simmer the Curry

    Add 1 cup of water to form the gravy. Stir in 1 tsp of chicken masala powder. Mix well, cover the pot, and on medium-low flame for , or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  10. Serve

    Once cooked, turn off the flame. The Bihari Chicken Masala is ready. Serve hot with rice, roti, or paratha.

Before You Cook

Helpful details before you start
Ingredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.
View 3 swaps

  • No Bay leaf?

    • 1/4 tsp dried thyme (per leaf)
    • Pinch of dried oregano

  • No Onion?

    • 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
    • 3 tbsp dried minced onion
    • Shallots or leeks (1:1)

  • No Garlic (fresh)?

    • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
    • 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)

Variations

Simple ways to adapt this recipe.

  • You can use garam masalaIngredient swap

    You can use garam masala powder instead of chicken masala powder for a slightly different flavor profile.

Helpful Tips

Small details that can improve the final result.

  • Flavour tipCooking in Mustard Oil Is

    Cooking in mustard oil is key to the authentic Bihari flavor.

  • Flavour tipFrying the Chicken Separately Before

    Frying the chicken separately before adding it to the masala enhances its texture and taste.

  • TipDon't Add Salt While Initially Frying the Chicken

    As it will release too much water. Add it after the chicken has browned.

  • TipCooking the Masala on Low

    Cooking the masala on low heat until the oil separates is crucial for a rich and flavorful gravy.

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