The delightful aroma of warm spices mixed with tender chicken and lentils is a dish that can be savored by everyone. It’s exotic yet comforting, sophisticated yet easy to cook. And what dish am I talking about? Chana Dal Chicken – the ultimate comfort food.

This recipe is perfect for those who crave something spicy, savory, and hearty. It’s an ideal meal to serve for family dinners or parties because it will always leave your guests asking for seconds! The combination of spices may seem intimidating at first, but trust me when I say it’s worth trying.

I developed this recipe for anyone who wants to venture into South Asian cuisine or just wants to bring excitement to their dinner table. It’s versatile and suitable for any skill level from beginners to experienced cooks. Be it a cold winter night or summer barbeque, chana dal chicken always hits the spot.

So, get ready to experience a flavor explosion as you dive into the world of Chana Dal Chicken!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and flavorful chicken recipe that is easy to make and has a unique twist? Look no further than Chana Dal Chicken! This recipe blends the creaminess of lentils with the savory taste of chicken in a mouth-watering combination.

The spice blend of turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, gingerroot, garlic cloves, and green chilies gives this dish a kick of heat and exceptional depth of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a party, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its restaurant-like quality.

What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can easily substitute ingredients or adjust the spice level to your liking. It can also be served with many different sides such as naan bread, rice or vegetables.

Not only is this dish delicious but it is also healthy! Lentils are great sources of protein and fiber while skinless chicken is low in fat and high in protein. Therefore, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy diet without compromising on taste.

So next time you want to make an impression on your guests or simply want to indulge in a delicious meal without feeling guilty, try Chana Dal Chicken – you will not be disappointed!

Ingredient List

“Savoring the flavors of Chana Dal Chicken, a dish that’s perfect for any dinner party.”

Here are the ingredients we need to make this delectable Chana Dal Chicken Recipe:

1 1/2 cups Chana dal, soaked for at least 3 hours
500 gm skinless chicken cut into small pieces
2 tbsp ginger paste
2 tbsp garlic paste
2 green chilies, finely chopped
2 medium onions, finely chopped
3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
Salt to taste
Curry leaves for garnish

Make sure you soak the Chana Dal for at least three hours before beginning to cook. This will ensure that the dal boils easily and becomes tender. You can keep this dal soaking overnight too, as it will not affect the taste.

For the chicken, I usually prefer using chicken breast, as it is tender and cooks quickly. However, you can also use boneless chicken thigh if you prefer. Make sure to cut the chicken into small pieces for easy cooking.

The ginger and garlic paste add a lot of flavor to the dish. You can either buy readymade pastes from your local grocery store or make your own by blending ginger root and garlic cloves together.

The spices – turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala – are essential in bringing out the flavors of the dish. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

The onions and tomatoes make up the base of the sauce and add a natural sweetness and tanginess to the dish. Make sure to finely chop them so that they blend in with the sauce while cooking.

Lastly, don’t forget to garnish with some fresh curry leaves at the end. It not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the aroma and flavor of the dish.

The Recipe How-To

“Firing up the stovetop to whip up this irresistible Chana Dal Chicken.”

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s get started with the recipe how-to. This recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a small gathering with friends and family. Follow these steps for a delicious and flavorful chana dal chicken recipe.

Step 1: Soak Chana Dal & Cut Chicken

Rinse chana dal and soak for at least 3 hours before cooking. In the meantime, cut skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Pressure Cook Chana Dal & Chicken (Part 1)

Once the chana dal has soaked for at least 3 hours, drain the water and add it to a pressure cooker along with the cut chicken. Add grated gingerroot, chopped garlic cloves, and spices such as turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder, and garam masala.

Step 3: Pressure Cook Chana Dal & Chicken (Part 2)

Pour enough water to cover the chicken and dal mixture, and add salt to taste. Close the pressure cooker lid tightly and cook for up to 8 whistles on medium-high heat or until the chana dal is fully cooked.

Step 4: Saute Onion, Green Chilies & Tomatoes

In a separate pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced onion and saute until soft and translucent. Then add finely chopped green chilies to give it a bit of heat. Lastly, add diced tomatoes and saute until they break down into a thick paste.

Step 5: Combine Chana Dal Chicken Mixture with Onion Tomato Mixture

Once the pressure cooker is done cooking, release the pressure naturally or manually. Open the lid and transfer the chana dal chicken mixture into a large pan along with any remaining liquid. Heat over medium-high heat until its slightly thickened.

Then add in your onion-tomato mixture to your chana dal chicken mixture one tablespoon at a time to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve Hot

Finally, garnish with chopped cilantro leaves or curry leaves before serving hot with some fragrant basmati rice or naan bread.

You now know how to make this delicious chana dal chicken curry recipe! Try this recipe out at home for an easy yet flavorful dinner that is sure to impress your guests.

Substitutions and Variations

“Spice up your evening with a bowl of lip-smacking Chana Dal Chicken.”

When it comes to cooking, experimentation is the key to discovery. With the Chana Dal Chicken Recipe, you have plenty of opportunities to experiment with different ingredients and flavours.

One ingredient in this recipe that can be easily substituted is the chicken. You can use chicken breast or even chicken thighs instead of skinless chicken. While it might change the texture of the dish, it won’t alter the taste too much.

If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce or eliminate the green chilies. Alternatively, if you prefer a spicier dish, don’t hesitate to add some red chili powder or dried red chilies into the mix.

For those who love lentils but don’t have chana dal on hand, masoor dal or other yellow lentils can be substituted as well. However, keep in mind that each lentil has its own unique flavor and texture.

When it comes to spices like turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander powder or cumin powder, feel free to adjust the quantity based on your preference. Similarly, if you enjoy more heat in your dishes, add extra garam masala, gingerroot or garlic cloves for an extra kick!

For vegetarians out there, this recipe can easily be modified by swapping out chicken for vegetables such as cauliflower or potatoes. The taste will be different but just as delicious!

Whatever substitutions or variations you choose, always remember that cooking should be fun and creative. So feel free to take risks and turn this recipe into something that’s truly your own!

Serving and Pairing

“Say hello to a hearty dinner, Chana Dal Chicken style!”

Imagine a hearty meal, a bowl of warm and fragrant chana dal chicken that fills your home with a heavenly aroma. The tender skinless chicken and the perfectly cooked chana dal are nestled in a spicy sauce made from yummy ingredients like gingerroot, garlic cloves, tomatoes, green chilies, and a blend of flavorful spices like coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala.

Serving chana dal chicken is an experience that will have your guests going back for seconds. I recommend partnering it with basmati rice or fluffy naan bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. A simple fresh salad would complement the dish well since the spiced chicken and the hearty lentils leave you feeling satisfied yet craving for more.

This dish is perfect for hosting a relaxing night with friends or family at your outdoor or indoor dinner party as it’s easy to prep ahead of time. Some light background music, calming lights, and comfortable seating can all work together to create a perfect dining experience.

In conclusion, serving chana dal chicken is all about pairing it with the right accompaniments, getting the ambiance right and having fun sharing it among people you love. Don’t forget to pack the leftover in mason jars for you and your friends so they can be enjoyed as a convenient office lunch or on-the-go snack.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

“Let’s get chopping and cook up a storm with this delightful Chana Dal Chicken.”

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and reheating later. When preparing for a party, it can be helpful to make this dish the day before and let all the flavors come together in the fridge overnight.

To store, simply transfer your Chana Dal Chicken into an airtight container once it has cooled down. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it out in the fridge overnight before reheating.

When reheating, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, make sure to cover your dish with a lid or microwave-safe wrap so that it doesn’t splatter. To reheat on the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and heat on medium-high until heated through.

While this dish is best when served fresh, reheating it won’t compromise the flavor or texture if done properly. It’s a great option for busy weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests since it can easily be prepared ahead of time and quickly reheated without sacrificing taste.

Tips for Perfect Results

To make sure your Chana Dal Chicken recipe turns out as perfect as possible, here are some tips and recommendations to keep in mind.

Firstly, remember to soak the chana dal – this will help ensure that they cook evenly and tenderly. Soak them for at least an hour, or overnight for best results. Secondly, when adding the chicken to the dish, be sure to cut it into even-sized pieces so that they cook at the same rate.

When cooking the chicken, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan or pot – this can cause the chicken to steam rather than fry. If you’re cooking in batches, make sure to wipe down the pan with a paper towel in between each round.

For maximum flavor, be sure to use fresh spices such as cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder and turmeric powder. To really take your dish up a notch, you can also make your own spice blend by mixing together various spices such as cumin seeds, cinnamon sticks and dried bay leaves.

Don’t forget to taste as you go along! Adjust seasoning if necessary – too much salt or chili powder can easily ruin a dish. Finally, be patient with the recipe and allow the chana dal to cook until they have a soft texture. This dish requires time and attention – but it’s definitely worth it in the end.

FAQ

Before we wrap up this recipe article, I will answer some frequently asked questions about this Chana Dal Chicken Recipe. These FAQs will ensure that you have all the information you need to make a perfect dish every time. So let’s dive into some of the most common questions and concerns about this recipe.

What dishes can be made from chana dal?

As a home chef who loves hosting parties, I have a list of recipes that are both delicious and unique. These recipes include thattai, a crispy rice-based snack, which is a popular jar snack in South India. I also have a recipe for baked thattai, which is a slightly healthier version of the traditional snack. Another snack option is my homemade masala vada, a type of Indian dal vada that is cooked on a tava.

For those who prefer savory dishes, I recommend phodshi ki sabzi or phodshi bhaji, a stir-fried dish made with long green beans. French beans foogath is another tasty veggie dish that can be added to the menu. And if you’re looking for a hearty and spicy lentil dish, my spicy Sindhi dal is the recipe for you.

For those who are health-conscious, I have a recipe for masala chana, a weight loss-friendly snack that is perfect for those who have recently given birth. And if you need a vegetable dish that is both healthy and delicious, my makai paatal bhaji, a subzi made with corn, is the perfect addition to any meal.

Can I add chicken to Dahl?

This dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for a family dinner. It’s a red lentil dahl with chicken that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. You might even have enough leftovers for a tasty lunch the next day!

Is it important to Soak chana dal?

Before cooking chana dal, it is recommended to soak it in water for a few hours to speed up the cooking process. Soaking also aids in better digestion and reduces the chances of bloating. For toddlers, soaking the lentils for 4 to 6 hours is sufficient. You can also prepare the soaked chana dal in advance by refrigerating it for up to a week, which can help simplify the cooking process.

Is chana dal chickpeas or lentils?

When it comes to cooking, Chana Dal is a popular ingredient that you don’t want to miss out on. It is a type of skinned chickpea that is smaller in size, but packs a nutty flavor. Chana Dal is a versatile lentil that is often used in the preparation of dry curries. Additionally, it can also be ground into flour for other culinary purposes.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Chana Dal Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish for both beginners and cooking experts. With its easy-to-follow steps and its numerous substitution options, this recipe is perfect for those who want to satisfy their craving for Indian-spiced chicken while staying within their budget.

Whether you are in the mood for a hearty dinner or simply craving a jar snack, this Chana Dal Chicken will never disappoint. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a perfect comfort food that can be served with rice, naan or freshly baked bread.

So next time you’re in the mood for some Indian flavors or want to impress your family and guests with your cooking skills, don’t hesitate to try out this mouthwatering recipe. Follow the steps mentioned in this article, add some of your own personal touches and take delight in making restaurant-style chicken right in the comfort of your home.

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Anna

Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!

Delectable Chana Dal Chicken Recipe for Food Lovers