Chicken ghee Roast is a rich, spicy, and aromatic dish from coastal karnataka (especially Mangalore/Udupi region). It’s known for its deep red color, roasted spices, tangy heat, and generous use of ghee.
🛒 Ingredients
🍗 For chicken marination
500 g chicken (bone-in preferred)
½ cup curd (yogurt)
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
🌶️ For spice paste (key flavor base)
10–12 dried Kashmiri red chilies (for color + mild heat)
5–6 spicy dry red chilies (adjust heat)
1 tbsp coriander seeds
½ tsp cumin seeds
5–6 black peppercorns
4–5 garlic cloves
1 small tamarind ball (or 1 tsp paste)
Small piece of ginger
🧈 For roasting
4–5 tbsp ghee (don’t reduce—this is essential)
1 large onion (finely sliced)
1 sprig curry leaves
Salt (as needed)
½ tsp jaggery (optional but balances heat)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe
🔹 1. Marinate the chicken
Mix chicken with curd, turmeric, salt, and lemon juice
Rest for 30 minutes to 2 hours (longer = more tender)
🔹 2. Prepare the spice paste
Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin, peppercorns, and dry chilies
Grind with garlic, ginger, tamarind, and little water
Make a smooth, thick red paste
👉 This masala is the heart of ghee roast flavor.
🔹 3. Cook the chicken
Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan
Add marinated chicken and cook until half done
Remove and set aside
🔹 4. Roast the masala (key step)
In the same pan, add remaining ghee
Add sliced onions + curry leaves
Sauté until golden
Add spice paste and cook on low flame
Roast until:
Oil separates
Raw smell disappears
Paste turns deep dark red
🔹 5. Combine chicken + masala
Add chicken back into the pan
Mix well so masala coats every piece
Add salt and jaggery if needed
Cook on low flame for 10–15 minutes
🔹 6. Final ghee roast finish
Add a small spoon of fresh ghee at the end
Toss curry leaves on top for aroma
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving
🍽️ How to Serve
Best paired with:
Neer dosa
Steamed rice
Roti or parotta
Appam (Kerala style)
🌟 What Makes It “Authentic”
✔ Heavy use of ghee (signature richness)
✔ Roasted dry spice paste (not raw blended masala)
✔ Balanced heat + tang (chili + tamarind)
✔ Deep red color from Kashmiri chilies
✔ Slow roasting for intense flavor
⚡ Pro Tips
Don’t skip ghee—it defines the dish
Roast masala slowly; rushing ruins flavor
Kashmiri chilies = color, spicy chilies = heat balance
Resting after cooking improves taste
Bone-in chicken gives deeper flavor
🧠 Final Thought
Chicken ghee Roast is all about slow roasting, bold spices, and rich ghee flavor. It may look simple, but the magic lies in patience and layering flavors properly.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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