How to Make the Best Dal Chicken Recipe—Easy & Authentic Recipe

Dal Chicken is a spice-rich and high-protein dish that blends the richness of lentils and juicy chicken with the beautiful aroma of Indian spices. The Dal Chicken Recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys warm home foods. The dal chicken recipe is not only simple to prepare but also serves as a healthy, vitamin- and mineral-dense treat. Whether you are planning a weeknight dinner or a celebratory dish, this flavorful recipe pairs beautifully with rice or roti. Follow this simple recipe to cook the best Dal Chicken at home and encourage your family members to enjoy its true flavor and richness of texture.

Ingredients for the Dal Chicken Recipe

For the Chicken and Lentils:

• 500g chicken (bone-in or boneless, as per preference)
• 1 cup yellow lentils (toor dal or masoor dal)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (pureed or finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies (slit)
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon chicken masala
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups water (adjust as needed)
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
• Juice of half a lemon (optional)

For Tempering (Tadka):

• 1 tablespoon ghee or butter
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 dried red chilies
• 4-5 cloves of garlic (sliced)
• 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (for color)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preparing the Lentils

1. Wash the dal well with clean running water until the water is clear.
2. Put the dal in a pan or pressure cooker with 2 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric powder.
3. Boil soft (2 whistles in a pressure cooker or 20 minutes if boiling in an open pan).
4. Mash the boiled dal gently and keep it aside.

2. Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a deep vessel or pan.
2. Add cumin seeds (jeera) and allow them to crackle for a few seconds.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies and sauté for one more minute.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and sauté until they get soft and the oil separates from the mixture.
6. Add salt, coriander (dhaniya) powder, red chili powder, and turmeric. Mix well.
7. Add pieces of chicken and coat them well in the masala.
8. Cook chicken until lightly golden, stirring occasionally, 8-10 minutes.

3. Combining Lentils and Chicken

1. Pour the cooked lentils into the pan containing the chicken and stir well.
2. Add roughly 2 cups of water and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
3. Occasionally stir so that it doesn’t stick.
4. Add additional water to achieve a thin consistency if necessary.
5. Sprinkle garam masala and stir again.

4. Tempering (Tadka) for Extra Flavor

1. Heat ghee or butter in a small pan.
2. Add mustard seeds and allow them to pop.
3. Add dried red chilies and minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is golden.
4. Add Kashmiri red chili powder, mix, and then pour the tempering over the dal chicken at once.

5. Final Touches

1. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
2. Squeeze lemon juice for an extra tangy flavor (optional).
3. Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or chapati.

Tips for the Best Dal Chicken Recipe

1. For a richer flavor, use ghee instead of oil.
2. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend a portion of the cooked lentils before adding them to the chicken.
3. Adjust the spice levels according to your taste by adding more or fewer chilies.
4. Bone-in chicken imparts flavor to the meal, but boneless chicken can be used for quick cooking.

Health Benefits of Dal Chicken

1. High in Protein: Chicken and lentils are high-protein foods.
2. High in Fiber: Lentils aid in digestion and keep you full for a longer period.
3. Jam-Packed with Nutrients: Nutrients such as iron, vitamins, and antioxidants in the spices and ingredients.
4. Low Fat: A perfect option for a healthy, well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Daal chicken is a healthy and tasty dish that combines the goodness of Indian spices in a bowl of comfort food. The blend of protein-filled dal and chicken makes it a healthy meal that is full of flavor and filling. Whether you are looking to prepare a quick weekend meal or a special meal for guests, this daal chicken recipe is a must-try. Serve it with rice and naan and roti and enjoy each morsel in its entirety. Do try this today and experience the great taste of spices with textures in each bite.

See this also— Chipotle Honey Chicken, Pork Bafat Recipe

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