Hyderabadi Lal Murg

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)

Hyderabadi Red Chicken, or "Lal Murgh," is a vibrant and flavorful dish from Hyderabad, known for its bold and unique culinary heritage. This recipe brings together tender chicken with a fragrant mix of spices and a creamy, rich sauce that's both spicy and satisfying. Although it may seem complex, the...

Hyderabadi Lal Murg recipe
Prep Time
2hr 0min
Cook Time
40min
Total Time
2hr 40min

Ingredients

5 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)

For Marination

  • Chicken
    Chicken
    900g
  • Ginger paste
    Ginger paste
    1tbsp
  • Garlic paste
    Garlic paste
    1tbsp
  • Salt
    Salt
    1tbsp
  • Garam Masala powder
    Garam Masala powder
    1/2tbsp
  • Coriander powder
    Coriander powder
    1tbsp
  • Cumin powder
    Cumin powder
    1tbsp
  • Red chilli powder
    Red chilli powder
    1tsp
  • Kashmiri Red Chilli powder
    Kashmiri Red Chilli powder
    2tbsp
  • Turmeric powder
    Turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
    Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
    2tbsp
  • Black Pepper powder
    Black Pepper powder
    1tsp
  • Green chillies, finely chopped
    Green chillies, finely chopped
    3piece
  • ground Tomatoes
    ground Tomatoes
    1cup
  • Tomato Sauce
    Tomato Sauce
    1/3cup
  • Yogurt
    Yogurt
    1cup
  • large-sized Onion, sliced (for Barista—fried onions)
    large-sized Onion, sliced (for Barista—fried onions)
    1piece
  • Oil
    Oil
    4tbsp
  • Handful of fresh Coriander, chopped
    Handful of fresh Coriander, chopped

For Cooking

  • Oil
    Oil
    3/4cup
  • Cumin Seeds
    Cumin Seeds
    1/2tbsp
  • Green chillies, slit
    Green chillies, slit
    2piece
  • medium-sized Onions, finely chopped or ground
    medium-sized Onions, finely chopped or ground
    2piece
  • Cashews
    Cashews
    15piece
  • Almonds
    Almonds
    15piece
  • Desiccated Coconut
    Desiccated Coconut
    2tbsp
  • Handful of fresh Mint leaves, chopped
    Handful of fresh Mint leaves, chopped

How to make Hyderabadi Lal Murg

Prepare Cashew-Almond-Coconut Mixture

  1. Step 1

    Grind the cashews, almonds, and desiccated coconut into a fine powder. Set aside for later.

Prepare Barista (Fried Onions)

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a wok over high heat.

  2. Step 2

    Add the sliced onions and fry until they turn golden brown.

  3. Step 3

    Remove the fried onions from the oil, drain, and set aside. Reserve the oil.

    Step 2.1: Remove the fried onions from the oil, drain, and set aside

Marinate the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken and all the ingredients listed under 'For Marination,' including the oil from the fried onions.

    Step 3.1: In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken and all the ingredients listed under 'For Marination,' including the oil from the fried onions
  2. Step 2

    Massage the marinade thoroughly into the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.

  3. Step 3

    Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavour.

Cook the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    In the same wok, heat the leftover oil from frying onions over medium heat.

  2. Step 2

    Add cumin seeds and slit green chillies, frying them for about 1 minute.

  3. Step 3

    Add the finely chopped onions, cooking until they soften and turn a light pink.

    Step 4.1: Add the finely chopped onions, cooking until they soften and turn a light pink
    Step 4.2: Add the finely chopped onions, cooking until they soften and turn a light pink
  4. Step 4

    Add the marinated chicken to the wok, mixing well to combine with the onions.

  5. Step 5

    Cook on high heat until the oil begins to separate from the sides of the pan.

    Step 4.1: Cook on high heat until the oil begins to separate from the sides of the pan
  6. Step 6

    Stir in the ground cashew-almond-coconut mixture.

    Step 4.1: Stir in the ground cashew-almond-coconut mixture
  7. Step 7

    Add water, stir well, and lower the heat. Cover and cook until the chicken is tender.

    Step 4.1: Add water, stir well, and lower the heat
  8. Step 8

    Once the chicken is cooked, add the chopped mint leaves. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavours to blend.

    Step 4.1: Once the chicken is cooked, add the chopped mint leaves
  9. Step 9

    Serve hot with roti, naan, or paratha.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

935.7kcal (46.78%)

Protein

77.0g (100%)

Carbs

23.8g (8.64%)

Sugars

11.2g (22.34%)

Healthy Fat

40.4g

Unhealthy Fat

13.7g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

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Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the fried onions (Barista) are golden brown, not burnt, to avoid bitterness.

  2. Adding the oil from the fried onions to the marinade enhances the dish's flavour.

FAQS

  1. How long should I marinate the chicken for Hyderabadi Red Chicken to enhance the flavor?

    For the best flavor in your Hyderabadi Red Chicken, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. However, for deeper flavor, it's recommended to marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.

  2. What are some good side dishes to serve with Hyderabadi Red Chicken?

    Hyderabadi Red Chicken pairs beautifully with roti, naan, or rice. You can also serve it with a side of raita or a fresh salad to balance the spices.

  3. Can I make Hyderabadi Red Chicken gluten-free?

    Yes, Hyderabadi Red Chicken can easily be made gluten-free. Just ensure that the yogurt and any sauces you use are gluten-free, and serve it with gluten-free bread or rice.

  4. What can I substitute for yogurt in the marination of Hyderabadi Red Chicken?

    If you need a substitute for yogurt in the marination, you can use coconut yogurt or a mixture of sour cream and a little lemon juice to achieve a similar tangy flavor.

  5. How should I store leftover Hyderabadi Red Chicken?

    Store leftover Hyderabadi Red Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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