Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.

Introduction

There are some dishes that don’t just satisfy hunger—they leave an impression. They make you pause, close your eyes, and savor every spicy, aromatic, buttery bite. For me, Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe is one of those dishes.

I still remember the first time I tasted it. I was traveling along the coastal belt of Karnataka, where this dish originates, and a friend insisted I try the “famous ghee roast” at a local restaurant. When the plate arrived—deep red, glistening with fragrant ghee, smoky from spices, and perfectly coated chicken—I knew I was in for something special.

One bite, and I was hooked. The combination of roasted spices, tangy tamarind, earthy heat, and rich ghee was unlike anything I had tasted before. It was bold, fiery, unapologetic, and deeply comforting all at once. Since that day, Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe has held a permanent spot in my kitchen and my heart.

Over time, I developed my own version of the recipe—keeping it traditional, but also easy enough for home cooking. And every time I make it, the aroma immediately takes me back to that small coastal restaurant and that unforgettable first bite.

Today, I’m sharing a complete guide to making an authentic Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe at home, along with tips, variations, FAQs, and serving ideas. If you love bold Indian flavors, this dish is about to become your new favorite.

Let’s get cooking!

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Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe (2026)

Ingredients for Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe

This Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe uses traditional ingredients but is easy to follow at home.

For the Chicken Marinade

1 kg chicken (bone-in pieces preferred for flavor)
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp yogurt (optional, for tenderness)

For the Ghee Roast Masala

12–15 dried Kashmiri red chilies (for color)
4–6 dried spicy red chilies (like Guntur or Byadgi)
1 tbsp coriander seeds
½ tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp black peppercorns
½ tsp fenugreek seeds
4–5 garlic cloves
1 tbsp tamarind paste
1 tsp jaggery or sugar (optional but recommended)
Water as needed

For Cooking

4–5 tbsp ghee (use good quality for best flavor)
8–10 curry leaves
Salt to taste

Optional Add-ins

1 chopped onion (if you prefer a little body in the masala)
Cashew paste (for a richer version)
Tomato (for mild variation—traditional recipes don’t include it)

How to Prepare Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe

This dish uses three main steps: marinating the chicken, making the masala, and cooking everything in fragrant ghee.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix:
- Chicken pieces
- Turmeric
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Yogurt (optional)
Coat the chicken well and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Overnight marination makes it even better.

This helps tenderize the chicken and enhances flavor absorption.

Step 2: Make the Ghee Roast Masala

Heat a dry pan.
Add the following spices:
- Kashmiri chilies
- Spicy red chilies
- Coriander seeds
- Cumin
- Pepper
- Fenugreek
Dry roast on medium heat until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
Add garlic and roast briefly.
Let everything cool completely.
Add tamarind paste and a little water, then blend to a smooth, thick paste.

The masala should be deep red and aromatic.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a heavy pan.
Add the marinated chicken pieces and sauté on medium heat until lightly browned.
Cover and cook until chicken is 80% done, adding a splash of water if needed.

Set the chicken aside—don’t overcook it here.

Step 4: Prepare the Ghee Roast Masala Base

In another pan, heat the remaining ghee.
Add curry leaves and let them crackle.
Add the prepared masala paste.
Sauté on low heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring continuously.

This step removes rawness from spices and enhances richness.

Step 5: Combine & Reduce

Add the partially cooked chicken to the masala.
Mix well so all pieces are well-coated.
Add jaggery (optional) to balance the heat and tang.
Cook uncovered on low flame until:
- Chicken is tender
- Masala thickens
- Ghee begins to release from the sides

The final texture should be thick, glossy, and beautifully coated.

Your authentic Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe is ready!

How to Serve Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe

Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe is incredibly versatile. Here’s how you can enjoy it:

1. With Neer Dosa (Traditional Pairing)

Soft, delicate neer dosas perfectly balance the spicy richness of the chicken.

2. With Parotta or Chapati

The flaky layers of parotta soak up the masala beautifully.

3. With Steamed Rice

A comforting combination for everyday meals.

4. With Jeera Rice or Ghee Rice

Enhances the richness and aroma.

5. As a Starter

Serve dry-style ghee roast as an appetizer at parties.

6. In a Wrap or Roll

Stuff into tortillas or rotis with onions and herbs—amazing fusion option!

7. With Appam or Idiyappam

For a Kerala-inspired twist.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe

These tried-and-tested tips will give you restaurant-style results at home.

1. Use bone-in chicken

It absorbs flavor better and stays juicier.

2. Don’t substitute ghee

The entire essence of the dish comes from ghee—use good quality.

3. Use a mix of chilies

Kashmiri chilies = color
Byadgi/Guntur = heat

This keeps the flavor balanced.

4. Slow roast the masala

Take your time sautéing the spice paste in ghee—this is where the magic happens.

5. Add jaggery sparingly

It shouldn’t taste sweet; it only rounds out the spice.

6. Adjust tamarind carefully

The dish has a signature tang, but not too much.

7. Avoid tomatoes

Traditional Chicken Ghee Roast doesn’t use tomatoes—they change the flavor.

8. Don’t rush the final simmer

Low and slow cooking ensures maximum flavor absorption.

9. Use a cast-iron pan

It gives the best smoky aroma.

10. Let it rest

Resting for 5–10 minutes after cooking enhances flavors dramatically.

Variations of Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe

While the classic version is unbeatable, here are some delicious twists you can try.

1. Chicken Ghee Roast (Gravy Version)

Add ½ cup coconut milk or yogurt to create a silky gravy-style dish.

2. Chicken Ghee Roast with Cashew Paste

Add 2 tbsp cashew paste for a richer, creamier version.

3. Chicken Ghee Roast with Coconut

Add roasted coconut for extra coastal flavor.

4. Boneless Chicken Ghee Roast

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces—perfect for starters.

5. Air Fryer Chicken Ghee Roast

Air fry chicken pieces first, then toss in ghee roast masala.

6. Paneer Ghee Roast

A vegetarian version using paneer instead of chicken.

7. Mushroom Ghee Roast

Amazing umami flavor for vegetarians.

8. Prawn Ghee Roast

Quick-cooking and bursting with flavor—ready in minutes.

9. Low-Oil Ghee Roast

Use less ghee and replace half with coconut oil.

10. Mild Ghee Roast

Reduce chilies; use Kashmiri red chilies only.

FAQs

Here are the most commonly asked questions about this Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe.

1. Is Chicken Ghee Roast very spicy?

Traditionally, yes—but you can easily adjust the number of chilies.

2. Can I use store-bought masala?

You can, but homemade masala has unbeatable freshness and flavor.

3. Can I use butter instead of ghee?

No—ghee is essential for authentic taste and aroma.

4. Can I make it ahead?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

5. How long does it keep?

Refrigerate for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

6. Can I use chicken breasts?

You can, but thighs or bone-in pieces give better results.

7. Why is my masala too sour?

You may have used too much tamarind. Add a pinch of jaggery to balance it.

8. Why is my masala watery?

Cook longer on low heat until it thickens and ghee separates.

9. Can I reduce the amount of ghee?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different.

10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use coconut oil instead of ghee—it won’t be traditional, but still tasty.

Why Chicken Ghee Roast Works (Flavor Breakdown)

This dish is a masterclass in flavor harmony:

Spicy

Red chilies build bold, fiery heat.

Smoky

Dry roasting spices adds depth.

Tangy

Tamarind balances the richness.

Umami-rich

Garlic, spices, and slow-cooked chicken create layers of savoriness.

Buttery

Ghee ties everything together with warmth and aroma.

Balanced

Jaggery adds subtle roundness, completing the flavor profile.

Every bite delivers the perfect blend of hot, tangy, and aromatic notes.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe is meal-prep friendly and reheats beautifully.

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a pan with 1–2 tsp ghee to revive flavors.

Meal Prep Ideas

Use in wraps
Serve with rice bowls
Add to dosa or uttapam
Serve with toasted bread

Final Thoughts

Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe is not just a dish—it’s an experience. Bold, fiery, buttery, aromatic, and deeply comforting, it’s one of those recipes that leaves an unforgettable mark. It brings the magic of coastal India into your kitchen with its rich flavors and soulful spices.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply craving something indulgent and satisfying, Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe delivers every time. And once you master the simple masala, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

I hope this Chicken Ghee Roast Recipe brings the same warmth, excitement, and comfort to your table as it brings to mine.

Happy cooking—and enjoy every spicy, ghee-kissed bite!

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