Dal Chicken Recipe

One authentic recipe that never fails to impress is Dal Chicken, a flavorful dish made with Urad Dal and chicken. This quick-to-make recipe requires minimal ingredients, yet yields exceptional results. Serve it with roti or rice for a truly satisfying meal. The idea of substituting chicken for beef in dal gosht was inspired by my previous experiment, which garnered rave reviews from readers. I decided to take the concept a step further and create a new dish from scratch – Dal Chicken. My first attempt was nothing short of amazing, with the tangy flavor and tender chicken bites perfectly complemented by hot naans. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with even my husband requesting the recipe again for next Sunday.

Why Will This Recipe Win Your Heart?

In this recipe, I’ve incorporated Urad Dal (dal Mash), which lends a rich, creamy texture that harmoniously pairs with succulent chicken bites. The combination yields a tangy and savory flavor profile that’s both captivating and addictive.

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its ease of preparation. Compared to dal gosht, this dish requires minimal time and effort. Chicken cooks faster than beef, and the dal mash takes only 8-10 minutes to break down, making it an ideal choice for those short on time.

The crowning glory of this recipe lies in its unique texture. The tangy and oily layer that develops over the dal and juicy chicken bites creates a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. My husband was so impressed with the dish that he took several photos and shared them on Snapchat, giving me the confidence to take on my next culinary challenge.

More About Chicken Dal

Dal Chicken’s signature flavor comes from its unique combination of ingredients, including boneless chicken and chickpeas. To create the dish, we start by preparing a rich gravy with tomatoes and onions, which serves as the base for cooking the chicken. Once the chicken is fried to perfection, we add dal to the mix, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors. When it comes to selecting the right type of dal, I’ve found that Urad dal (maash Dal) produces exceptional results. In fact, I tested this theory again for my Dal Chicken recipe and was thoroughly impressed with the outcome. On the other hand, split lentils (dal chana) can be a bit more finicky, requiring additional cooking time that can make the entire process feel drawn out.There are two common approaches to making Dal Chicken. The first method involves boiling the dal separately in a pressure cooker, then frying the chicken in another pot before blending the cooked dal with the chicken. This two-pot recipe is not only efficient but also yields a flavor that’s true to the dish’s traditional taste.The alternative approach is a one-pot recipe, where you combine chicken and lentils in the same vessel, add spices and water, and let it all cook together. While this method does have its charm, I find that it can be time-consuming and produces a slightly different flavor profile compared to the traditional version. For these reasons, I stick with the first method, as it allows me to achieve the perfect balance of flavors in my Dal Chicken recipe.

How To Make Dal Chicken

To begin with, boil the Urad dal in a pressure cooker by adding one glass of water, salt, turmeric powder, and star anise. Cook the dal on medium flame for 10 minutes. Once it’s done, let it cool before proceeding to the next step.For the gravy, heat oil in a pan over medium flame and sauté cumin seeds and minced onions until they turn golden brown. Add garlic ginger paste and stir for a minute to blend the flavors.Next, add chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and cook for at least 2 minutes on medium flame. Then, add tomatoes and fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes. Close the lid and let the moisture from the tomatoes cook the chicken until it’s succulent.After that, add all the spices and a splash of water to prevent them from sticking to the pan. Stir well and cover the pan for 4 minutes over medium flame.Finally, add the boiled Urad dal and fry for 4-5 minutes on medium flame with half a cup of water to prevent the dal from sticking or becoming clumpy. Once done, garnish with cilantro, ginger pieces, lemon juice, and a cube of butter for added creaminess.

Tips For Making The dal Chicken More Special

To elevate the flavor profile of your dal chicken, consider adding a finishing touch at the end of cooking. Drizzle oil over the final dish for an authentic Pakistani flair, or substitute it with pickle oil for an extra kick of spices. For added richness and creaminess, incorporate ghee into the recipe, which will also impart a buttery aroma to the dish. If you’re not lactose intolerant, a pat of butter can be a wonderful addition, but do omit it if you’re living dairy-free. Yogurt is another secret ingredient that can lend a tangy, creamy dimension to your dal chicken, reminiscent of a flavorsome chicken korma.

When cooking the dal, consider boiling it in advance to save time and make it refrigerator-friendly. It’s also crucial to stir the mixture thoroughly during cooking to prevent clumping and ensure even flavor distribution. Finally, serve the hot dish forthwith to fully appreciate its comforting, savory, and utterly delightful nature.

FAQs

You might be wondering if it’s possible to store this dal chicken recipe, and the answer is yes – but with some limitations. While it’s not ideal for refrigeration, you can still keep it in the fridge for up to two days before serving. To reheat, simply cook it on a medium stove top and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

If you’re looking to add an extra kick of flavor to your dal chicken, consider increasing the amount of paprika and red chili powder to suit your taste buds. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a lovely citrus dimension.

One common issue with this recipe is moisture overload – accidentally adding too much water can dilute the flavors and alter the dish’s texture. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: simply simmer the curry for a few extra minutes without covering the lid, allowing excess moisture to evaporate and restoring the dish to its original glory.

Dal Chicken Recipe

The delectable Dal Chicken recipe, a harmonious blend of Urad Dal and chicken, is a culinary delight that can be prepared in no time. This quick and flavorful dish requires minimal ingredients, making it an ideal option for a busy day. The versatile Dal Chicken pairs well with roti, rice, or other accompaniments, offering endless possibilities for mealtime. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 50 minutes, this main course recipe is perfect for satisfying your cravings.