If you’re tired of eating the same old chicken recipes and want to try something new, then the Chicken Ghee Roast recipe is a great option for you. This dish looks fantastic and tastes amazing. Chicken Ghee Roast is one of the most popular dishes in South India and is widely loved there.
To prepare it, chicken is roasted with clarified butter (ghee), semolina, red chilies, and mild spices, which makes it even more delicious. In this guide, we will tell you all the steps to make a delicious Chicken Ghee Roast right at home. So let’s get started!
What is Chicken Ghee Roast?
Chicken Ghee Roast is actually one of the traditional recipes from Karnataka, and it is especially popular in the Mangalore region. To prepare Chicken Ghee Roast, the chicken is first lightly marinated and then roasted and cooked thoroughly in clarified butter (ghee). This recipe doesn’t require a lot of tomatoes or gravy; its main flavor comes from a paste of spices and clarified butter. The ghee gives it a unique aroma that is not found in other chicken recipes.
Ingredients for making Chicken Ghee Roast
- Chicken – 500 grams (fresh)
- Ghee – 4 to 5 tablespoons
- Dried red chilies – 8 to 10
- Garlic – 6 to 7 cloves
- Ginger – 1 small piece
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Yogurt – ½ cup
- Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
The correct way to marinate chicken

Often, people don’t marinate chicken properly, which makes the recipe taste a bit bland. To marinate the chicken correctly, first wash and clean the chicken thoroughly. Then add yogurt, turmeric powder, salt, and lemon juice.
Now, mix the chicken well with the spices using your hands, making sure that all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate the chicken for 1 to 2 hours, as the longer you marinate it, the more delicious your chicken ghee roast will be.
The complete process of making Chicken Ghee Roast
We have explained the process of making Chicken Ghee Roast in very simple terms below. You can easily understand how to make it with the help of the instructions below.
Heat the ghee in a pan

First, take a thick-bottomed pan or wok, heat it slightly, and add clarified butter (ghee). Keep the gas flame on medium heat; be careful not to overheat the ghee. Heat the ghee just enough until a pleasant aroma is released, as clarified butter is what gives this recipe its authentic flavor.
Saute the cumin, ginger, and garlic

Now add cumin seeds to the hot ghee. Once they start to splutter, add the finely chopped onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté all of these over low heat until lightly golden brown, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn, otherwise, it could spoil the taste of the chicken roast and give it a raw flavor.
Add the red chili paste

Now add the prepared paste of dried red chilies. Keep the gas on low heat while performing this step and stir everything continuously so that the chilies don’t burn, as this paste gives the chicken ghee roast its red color and mild spiciness, which is what gives it its delicious flavor.
Add the marinated chicken

Now it’s time to add the marinated chicken. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and mix everything well with the spices. After doing this, leave the chicken uncovered for at least two to three minutes. This will allow all the spices to adhere properly to the chicken, and you’ll be able to appreciate the full flavor when you eat it.
Cover and cook the chicken

Now, after completing all the steps, cover the pan and let the chicken cook over medium heat. After some time, the chicken will release its own juices, and it will cook slowly in this liquid. Therefore, there is no need to add any extra water.
Stir the chicken every 7 minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Gradually, the liquid will dry up, and the sauce will thicken. Throughout this process, the chicken will become tender and juicy.
Finally, remove the lid and check if your chicken ghee roast is cooked through. If it is, turn off the gas and let the chicken rest for 2 minutes. This allows the flavors of the spices and ghee to blend well with the chicken. Now, transfer it to a plate and enjoy your chicken ghee roast.
Some tips to enhance the flavor
We have given you some essential tips that you can use to make your chicken ghee roast even more delicious.
- Always use desi ghee (clarified butter) in this recipe.
- Adding too many spices can spoil the taste.
- Always cook the chicken over medium heat.
- Use only high-quality dried red chilies.
- Never add too much water to the pan.
- Other Recipes
Conclusion
Chicken Ghee Roast is a great option for those who want to try something different and enjoy spicy food. This recipe is easy to make at home and looks beautiful while tasting absolutely delicious. So, do give Chicken Ghee Roast a try and let us know in the comments what you thought of the recipe.