Created on December 16th, 2025 at 11:48 am
A fragrant and flavorful South Indian delight
Chicken Ghee Roast is a traditional South Indian dish that brings together the richness of ghee, aromatic spices, and tender chicken. Known for its deep, vibrant flavors, this dish is a celebration of regional ingredients and cooking techniques. The chicken basks in a marinade of spices, which not only infuses it with warmth but also enhances its natural juiciness. The bright color of the dish, paired with its robust aroma, makes it both inviting and comforting on a cooler evening.
The art of Ghee Roast lies in the careful layering of spices, creating a symphony of flavors that are both complex and harmonious. The ghee lends a luxurious texture, while the spices provide a delightful warmth without overwhelming the palate. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal, perfect for gatherings or a quiet dinner at home.
The simplicity of preparation makes Chicken Ghee Roast a great choice for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike. As it simmers, the enticing aroma fills the room, creating an experience that is sure to draw everyone to the table.
Why This Dish Belongs in Your Rotation
Chicken Ghee Roast stands out for its remarkable balance of flavors and ease of preparation. The marinated chicken becomes incredibly tender as it cooks, absorbing the warm spices, while the ghee adds a rich depth that elevates each bite. The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and red chili powder creates a depth that many crave, offering a taste that lingers pleasantly.
Additionally, this dish is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with various sides, from rice to naan, allowing you to customize your dining experience. You can even store leftovers in the refrigerator for couple of days, where the flavors only deepen over time. Enjoy it as is, or repurpose it into wraps or salads for an effortless lunch the next day.
Time Breakdown
This Chicken Ghee Roast comes together easily, making it suitable for busy weeknight dinners. With minimal hands-on time, you can focus on other tasks while it cooks.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 1 kg (≈2.2 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces (bone-in preferred for flavor)
- 2 Tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2 medium onions, finely sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2–3 green chilies, slit
- Optional: fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Kitchen Tools
Cooking Chicken Ghee Roast is straightforward with a few basic kitchen tools that streamline the process.
- Heavy-bottomed frying pan or kadai
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowl for marinating
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by marinating the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the cumin seeds, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Rub this spice mix thoroughly onto the chicken pieces and let it sit for about 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the ghee is warm, add the sliced onions. Sauté them until they turn golden brown, which may take about 6-8 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies to the pan. Stir and allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, filling the kitchen with a delightful aroma.
Carefully add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken in the onion and spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes on medium-high heat, allowing the chicken to sear slightly.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the spices.
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright finish.
Pro Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade ghee if you have it on hand.
- Allowing the chicken to marinate for longer, even overnight, will enhance the depth of flavor.
- Adjust the levels of spices based on your heat tolerance; add more chili powder for an extra kick.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or flaky naan to balance the richness.
Simple Comfort, Big Flavor
Chicken Ghee Roast is a testament to the idea that simple ingredients can create delightful flavors. The combination of spices and ghee makes for a meal that comforts and satisfies without overwhelming your time in the kitchen. It’s an ideal dish to serve to family and friends, showcasing the beauty of South Indian cuisine in a warm, inviting way. This dish proves that comfort food can be simple and satisfying.
What to Serve With Chicken Ghee Roast
To complement the rich and spicy flavors of Chicken Ghee Roast, consider serving it with fluffy basmati rice. The rice soaks up the aromatic ghee and spices, providing a base that balances the heat of the dish. For a heartier option, pair it with naan or parathas, which serve as perfect vessels for scooping up the tender chicken and sauce.
A side of cooling raita made with yogurt, cucumber, and fresh herbs can also enhance the meal by providing a refreshing contrast to the spicy roast. For drinks, a light, citrusy lemonade or a chilled glass of buttermilk can help cleanse the palate. This combination will elevate your dining experience, making each bite of Chicken Ghee Roast even more enjoyable.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Chicken Ghee Roast
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces (bone-in preferred for flavor)
- 2 Tbsp ghee (clarified butter) Use homemade for richer flavor.
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder Adjust to taste.
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
For the cooking
- 2 medium onions, finely sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2–3 green chilies, slit
For garnishing
- fresh cilantro, chopped Optional, for garnish.
- lemon wedges Optional, for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cumin seeds, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Rub the spice mix thoroughly onto the chicken pieces and let it sit for about 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Cooking
- Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once warm, add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies to the pan. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully add the marinated chicken to the pan, stirring well to coat it with the onion and spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes on medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
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