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A close-up shot of spicy Mangalorean chicken ghee roast, highlighting the texture of the rich, dark red masala clinging to a piece of juicy chicken.
FL Recipes

Chicken Ghee Roast: The Authentic Mangalorean Recipe

Learn to make the most authentic Chicken Ghee Roast with this easy-to-follow recipe. This classic Mangalorean dish is fiery, tangy, and rich, featuring tender chicken slow-cooked in a fragrant masala and pure ghee for an unforgettable meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, Mangalorean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 10-12 dried Byadgi red chilies for color and mild heat
  • 1.5 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
  • 8-10 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp tamarind paste or a small lime-sized ball of tamarind
  • 750 g bone-in chicken cut into medium pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup ghee clarified butter
  • 1 tsp jaggery grated, or brown sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • 8-10 curry leaves optional

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed pan
  • 1 Blender

Method
 

Prepare the Masala, Marinate, and Cook
  1. In a dry pan over low heat, roast the Byadgi chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, and fenugreek seeds for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool completely.
  2. Transfer the cooled spices to a blender. Add the garlic cloves and tamarind paste. Blend into a smooth, thick paste, adding a little water if necessary to facilitate blending.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, turmeric powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours in the refrigerator.
  4. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear until lightly browned on all sides.
  5. Add the prepared ghee roast masala paste, jaggery, and salt to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The dish is ready when the chicken is tender and the ghee separates from the masala. Add curry leaves in the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalProtein: 25gFat: 35gFiber: 2g

Notes

For the best flavor, use high-quality, fragrant ghee.
Adjust the number of red chilies to control the spice level of the dish.
Marinating the chicken for a longer period results in more tender and flavorful meat.
Keyword Chicken Ghee Roast,Mangalorean Chicken,Spicy Chicken Roast

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