Authentic Bihari Chicken Curry Recipe 🐓✨

Chicken curry is a beloved dish across the Indian subcontinent, and every region brings its unique twist to the table. Today, we explore Bihari Chicken Curry, a recipe bursting with rustic flavours, slow-cooked to perfection with bold spices and mustard oil. If you’re ready to experience a dish that stands apart from conventional chicken recipes, let’s dive in! 🍛

What Makes Bihari Chicken Unique? 🌶️

The secret to Bihari Chicken Curry lies in its unique combination of mustard oil, whole garlic cloves, and a slow-cooking process. These elements create a dish that is earthy, flavourful, and incredibly aromatic. Unlike other chicken recipes, the subtle smokiness and caramelised onions in Bihari Chicken Curry provide a distinctive taste that lingers on your palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🥘

• 1 kg chicken (cut into medium pieces)
• ½ cup mustard oil
• 6 medium onions (finely sliced)
• 2 dry red chillies
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 3 green chillies (slit)
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon Kashmiri red chilli powder
• 2 bay leaves
• Whole spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper
• 1 bulb of garlic (desi garlic preferred)
• 1 tablespoon chicken masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup water

Step-by-Step Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepping the Chicken:
Begin by rubbing the chicken pieces with turmeric powder and letting them rest for 10 minutes. This helps remove impurities and enhances the dish's colour. Wash thoroughly before cooking.

2. Sautéing the Chicken:
Heat mustard oil in a pan until it smokes lightly, then lower the heat. Sear the chicken pieces on high heat for 2-3 minutes to lock in their juices. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. Building the Curry Base:
In the same pan, add bay leaves, dry red chillies, and whole spices. Once fragrant, add sliced onions and cook them until golden brown. Add ginger paste and green chillies, stirring for a rich, aromatic base.

4. Cooking the Spices:
Sprinkle turmeric, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and coriander powder into the mixture. Stir well to coat the onions, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent the spices from burning.

5. Adding Garlic:
Add whole garlic cloves (preferably desi garlic) to the mixture. These infuse the curry with a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour. Let the mixture cook on low heat for 5 minutes.

6. Combining and Cooking:

Return the chicken to the pan, mixing thoroughly with the onion and spice base. Add chicken masala, salt, and water. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully.

Final Touch and Serving 🎉

Once the oil separates from the gravy, your Bihari Chicken Curry is ready! Garnish with freshly chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon. Serve with steamed rice, parathas, or naan for an unforgettable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

Bihari Chicken Curry is not just a meal; it’s an experience of rich tradition and bold flavours. Perfect for festive occasions or family dinners, this recipe brings the warmth and authenticity of Bihar to your plate. Explore the magic of mustard oil and whole garlic, and elevate your repertoire of chicken recipes with this unforgettable dish!