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Mangalorean Chicken Ghee Roast (Semi-Dry) recipe

Mangalorean Chicken Ghee Roast (Semi-Dry)

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)
IndianLunchDinnerMain CourseMeatSpicyNon-Vegetarian

Mangalorean Chicken Ghee Roast (Semi-Dry) | Spicy, Tangy & Flavourful

Mangalorean Chicken Ghee Roast is a popular coastal South Indian dish known for its spicy, tangy and slightly sweet flavour. Traditionally, Byadgi chillies are used for deep colour and aroma, but here we are using a mix of Kashmiri and regular dry red chillies, which are easier to find and still give a great balance of heat and colour.

The chicken is slow-cooked in **pure...

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Prep Time
40min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
1hr 10min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion of chicken with gravy)

For Marination

  • chicken (curry cut pieces)
    chicken (curry cut pieces)
    1kg
  • salt
    salt
    1/2tbsp
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • yogurt (curd)
    yogurt (curd)
    4tbsp
  • lemon juice
    lemon juice
    2tbsp

For Masala Paste

  • coriander seeds
    coriander seeds
    2tbsp
  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1tsp
  • peppercorns
    peppercorns
    1tsp
  • fennel seeds
    fennel seeds
    2tsp
  • fenugreek seeds (methi dana)
    fenugreek seeds (methi dana)
    1/2tsp
  • cloves
    cloves
    6clove
  • dry red chillies
    dry red chillies
    6
  • dry Kashmiri red chillies
    dry Kashmiri red chillies
    8
  • tamarind pulp
    tamarind pulp
    3tbsp
  • large garlic cloves
    large garlic cloves
    8clove

Other Ingredients

  • clarified butter (ghee)
    clarified butter (ghee)
    4tbsp
  • onion, finely chopped
    onion, finely chopped
    1cup
  • jaggery powder (adjust to taste)
    jaggery powder (adjust to taste)
    1tbsp
  • hot water
    hot water
    1cup
  • curry leaves
    curry leaves
    2sprigs

Want to keep this recipe for later? We can email it to you!

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

459.4kcal (22.97%)

Protein

55.1g (100%)

Carbs

10.8g (3.93%)

Sugars

3.5g (6.96%)

Healthy Fat

13.0g

Unhealthy Fat

10.2g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Prep Time
40min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
1hr 10min

How to make Mangalorean Chicken Ghee Roast (Semi-Dry)

Marinate the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    In a bowl, combine chicken with salt, turmeric, yogurt, and lemon juice.

    Step 1.1: In a bowl, combine chicken with salt, turmeric, yogurt, and lemon juice
  2. Step 2

    Mix well so all pieces are evenly coated.

  3. Step 3

    Prick the chicken pieces lightly with a fork to help the flavors absorb.

  4. Step 4

    Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).

Prepare the Masala Paste

  1. Step 1

    Dry roast coriander, cumin, peppercorns, fennel, fenugreek, cloves, and both chillies on low heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

  2. Step 2

    Cool completely.

    Step 2.1: Cool completely
  3. Step 3

    Grind the roasted spices with garlic and tamarind pulp to form a paste, adding very little water.

    Step 2.1: Grind the roasted spices with garlic and tamarind pulp to form a paste, adding very little water
    Step 2.2: Grind the roasted spices with garlic and tamarind pulp to form a paste, adding very little water
  4. Step 4

    Add a splash of water to the mixer jar, swirl, and keep this masala rinse water aside.

Cook the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Heat ghee in a kadhai or heavy-bottomed pan.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.

    Step 3.1: Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent
  3. Step 3

    Add the masala paste and masala rinse water and cook until the ghee separates.

    Step 3.1: Add the masala paste and masala rinse water and cook until the ghee separates
    Step 3.2: Add the masala paste and masala rinse water and cook until the ghee separates
  4. Step 4

    Add jaggery and mix.

    Step 3.1: Add jaggery and mix
    Step 3.2: Add jaggery and mix
  5. Step 5

    Add the marinated chicken and cook on high heat for 3–4 minutes to coat well.

    Step 3.1: Add the marinated chicken and cook on high heat for 3–4 minutes to coat well
    Step 3.2: Add the marinated chicken and cook on high heat for 3–4 minutes to coat well
  6. Step 6

    Add hot water, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked.

    Step 3.1: Add hot water, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked
  7. Step 7

    If the gravy looks runny, cook it uncovered on high heat for a few minutes until it reduces to a semi-dry consistency.

  8. Step 8

    Add curry leaves and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

    Step 3.1: Add curry leaves and cook for another 2–3 minutes

To Serve

  1. Step 1

    Serve hot with neer dosa or appam for a traditional pairing or with roti, naan, steamed rice, or paratha.

    Step 4.1: Serve hot with neer dosa or appam for a traditional pairing or with roti, naan, steamed rice, or paratha

Want to keep this recipe for later? We can email it to you!

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

459.4kcal (22.97%)

Protein

55.1g (100%)

Carbs

10.8g (3.93%)

Sugars

3.5g (6.96%)

Healthy Fat

13.0g

Unhealthy Fat

10.2g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use pure ghee — it defines the flavor.

  2. Bone-in chicken gives deeper flavor.

  3. Adjust heat by increasing or reducing regular red chillies.

  4. The dish thickens as it cools, don’t over-reduce.

  5. If your tamarind pulp is very concentrated, start with 2 tbsp and taste, then adjust.

FAQS

  1. Why is it called Chicken Ghee Roast?

    The chicken is slow-roasted in ghee, giving a rich aroma and glossy masala coating.

  2. What makes the masala for Ghee Roast so special?

    Freshly roasted whole spices, garlic, tangy tamarind, and a hint of sweetness from jaggery create a balanced spicy, smoky, tangy, lightly sweet profile.

  3. Can I make Chicken Ghee Roast less spicy?

    Use more Kashmiri chillies and fewer regular red chillies. Add a little extra jaggery if needed.

  4. What can I serve with Mangalorean Chicken Ghee Roast?

    Neer dosa is classic — but rice, appam, chapati, or paratha work great too.

  5. Can I use boneless chicken?

    Yes, boneless chicken works too — but bone-in gives more flavor.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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Mangalorean Chicken Ghee Roast (Semi-Dry) recipe