Mouth-watering Tawa Chicken Recipe for Your Weeknight Dinner
Welcome to the tantalizing world of Tawa Chicken, a spicy and flavor-packed dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. This classic Indian recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you are hosting a dinner party or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinners.
The dish is traditionally made on a tawa – a flat, round griddle – which gives it a unique smoky flavor and crispy texture. It is one of the most popular street foods in India, and with good reason; its bold flavors and aromatic spices make it an instant favorite among foodies.
If you are a fan of fiery and zesty flavors, then this Tawa Chicken recipe is definitely for you. It combines the tanginess of fresh lemon juice with the warmth of garam masala, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper. This mix of ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your mouth watering for more.
In this recipe article, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of making Tawa Chicken, starting from the ingredients list up to storing and reheating tips. Whether it’s your first time making this dish or you’re an expert in Indian cuisine, you can trust my tried-and-true recipe to deliver mouth-watering results every time.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s fire up the stove and start cooking this delicious spicy chicken dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulge your taste buds with a delicious and spicy chicken dish that will take you to the streets of India. This recipe is none other than the magnificent Tawa Chicken Recipe, which is quick and easy to make, but boasts an irresistible flavor that’s sure to leave you craving for more.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is because it gives you the authentic taste of Indian street food in the comfort of your own home. It brings together a perfect blend of aromatic spices such as garam masala, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper, which elevates the flavors of the succulent chicken pieces, making them a mouth-watering experience.
Another reason why this recipe is worth trying is its versatility. You can serve it as a starter for a party or make it the main course for dinner. Not only is it flavorful and aromatic, but it’s also an excellent source of protein that will keep you feeling full for hours.
Moreover, this recipe is easy to customize according to your taste preferences. If you like your food extra spicy, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or fresh chili peppers. If your guests have different levels of spice tolerance, just adjust the heat accordingly.
Lastly, this recipe is perfect for those who love cooking but may not have all the ingredients required for traditional Indian dishes. The ingredients needed are readily available at most supermarkets, making it easy to whip up even at short notice.
In conclusion, try this Tawa Chicken Recipe to experience a burst of flavors in every bite that will leave an unforgettable aftertaste. Partner it with some steaming rice or naan bread, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over it for an authentic Indian street food sensation that everyone will surely love.
Ingredient List
Below is a comprehensive list of ingredients required to make Tawa Chicken Recipe.
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken pieces, cut into bite-sized
- 3 tbsp oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp red chili powder or cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
Spices and Herbs
- 1 tsp jeera powder (cumin powder)
- 4 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 to 3 cloves
- A pinch of methi leaves (fenugreek seeds)
- Handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 8 green chilies (use less for less heat)
- 1 tbsp gram flour (besan)
Vegetables and Fruits
- 5 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
- Fresh lemon juice
Ensure all ingredients are fresh and measure accurately before starting the recipe. With these ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to making a tantalizing chicken dish that your guests will be raving about for days.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s dive into the recipe itself. Below, I’ll provide the step-by-step instructions to make Tawa Chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken pieces
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 tsp jeera powder
- 5 green cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 3 onions (finely chopped)
- 3 tbsp oil (divided)
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes (blanched and chopped)
- Freshly chopped cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Steps
Step 1 – Marinate the chicken
To marinate the chicken, mix together turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, salt and jeera powder in a bowl. Add chicken pieces and rub them with this marinade. Set aside for at least half an hour.
Step 2 – Heat up the tawa and cook the spice mix
Heat a heavy bottomed pan or tawa over medium heat. Add spices: cardamom pods, cinnamon stick and cloves to the pan and roast well for about a minute or so. Take these out of the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 3 – Cook onion until golden brown
In the same heated pan or tawa add oil, once it’s warm up add chopped onions, stir and cook until they are golden brown. This should take about five minutes or so.
Step 4 – Add ginger garlic paste
Add ginger paste and garlic paste to the pan once onions become golden brown; cook well for another two minutes or so before adding diced Roma tomatoes.
Step 5 – Mix everything thoroughly
Mix everything thoroughly in the pan with continuous stirring until tomatoes turn soft.
Step 6 – Put the chicken pieces into the pan with tomato mixture.
Add marinated chicken to the pan along with all your spices which you roasted earlier in step two [cardamom pods, cinnamon stick and cloves]. Cover and cook on medium heat for ten minutes.
Step 7 – Add a little water
While cooking, if you feel like there’s not enough moisture present in your spice mix then add a little bit of water but not too much as we want this to be a dry recipe.
Step 8 – Garnish & Serve
Once you make sure that your chicken is fully cooked, turn off stove & serve Tawa Chicken hot as a main dish garnished with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
Tawa Chicken goes well with Indian bread like naan, roti or rice so feel free to choose whatever best fits your menu plan!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of cooking is that you can always experiment and make changes to a recipe to suit your taste buds. While this tawa chicken recipe is perfect as it is, you can always put your own spin on it or make substitutions for certain ingredients.
For starters, if you are looking for a healthier option, you can use boneless skinless chicken breast instead of thighs. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots to the mix for some added nutrition and flavor.
If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian, simply swap out the chicken for paneer or tofu. The cooking time will be shorter for paneer or tofu than chicken, so be careful not to overcook them.
For those who prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or fresh chili peppers used in the recipe. Similarly, if spice is not your thing, reduce or omit these ingredients altogether.
Additionally, garam masala is the key ingredient that elevates the flavors of this dish, but you can substitute it with another Indian spice blend like chaat masala or pav bhaji masala.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! Experiment with different herbs and spices like oregano or rosemary. This dish is versatile enough to allow for plenty of substitutions and variations.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing the irresistible Tawa chicken recipe, there are plenty of options to consider. The spicy chicken dish pairs perfectly with both Indian and Pakistani cuisine, making it an ideal choice for any festive occasion. You can serve it either as a main course or an appetizer depending on your preference.
For a classic presentation, serve the Tawa chicken along with plain basmati rice, freshly chopped coriander, and lemon wedges. The fragrant aroma of coriander complements the flavors of cumin and garlic in the dish. The tanginess of lemon juice enhances the overall taste of the chicken and makes it more delightful. Alternatively, you can try parathas, naans or other flatbreads to savor with the chicken.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with some fusion food ideas? Add some Mexican flair by pairing it with tortilla wraps or serve it on top of fajitas with avocado and sour cream. Or switch things up entirely by incorporating Tawa chicken into your very own stir fry or pasta dish – the possibilities are endless!
For pairing drinks, a traditional lassi or nimbu pani comes to mind when considering an Indian beverage that pairs well with spices. However, if you like alcoholic beverages you can go for a light beer, white wine or even a refreshing gin tonic.
In conclusion, the Tawa chicken recipe is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. The combination of spicy and aromatic flavors are bound to tantalize your taste buds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Are you preparing for a dinner party or simply craving leftovers the next day? Whatever your reasons may be, knowing how to store and reheat your Tawa Chicken can guarantee you the best cooking experience.
To make things easier, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it is highly recommended to do so in a nonstick pan on low heat with 1-2 tablespoons of water. This will keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out. It is important not to overcook the chicken when reheating.
If you want to freeze your Tawa Chicken, it is advised to do so without the garnishes such as cilantro or green chilies. Allow them to thaw for several hours in the refrigerator before reheating them following the same steps as above. The texture might slightly change after freezing; however, it will still maintain its delicious taste and flavor.
In summary, whether it’s for convenience or practicality, Tawa Chicken has got you covered with easy make-ahead instructions, storing recommendations, and simple reheating techniques that will give you great results every time.
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the most flavorful and delicious Tawa Chicken, there are specific tips to keep in mind. From technique to ingredient selection, every choice matters in bringing out the chicken’s best flavors.
One of the most crucial tips for this recipe is marinating the chicken for at least an hour before cooking it. The longer marination time allows the spices and flavors to penetrate deeper into the chicken, resulting in a more delicious and savory end product.
Another tip is to use boneless chicken pieces as they cook faster, evenly and tenderer compared to chicken with bones. Additionally, the cut should be uniform to ensure evenness of cooking.
While frying the chicken on a tawa, ensure that you heat a heavy-bottomed pan. A well-heated tawa helps maintain an even temperature throughout that you can count on for perfectly cooked chicken without burning.
To add zest to your cooking, use fresh ingredients like ginger, garlic, chili peppers or cilantro. They are tastier than pre-prepared spice blends and add vibrancy of flavor and aroma to your dish.
It is crucial not to overcrowd the tawa when cooking the chicken pieces. Overcrowding will result in steaming instead of frying and can cause chicken pieces to become soggy instead of crispy on the outside.
Lastly, don’t forget the finishing touches like garnishing with fresh coriander or lemon juice. These subtle additions can elevate your dish from ordinary street food-style meal to something special and memorable.
By following these tips with precision and care, you can have a perfect dish of Tawa Chicken that will be sure to impress every guest at your next party!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Tawa Chicken recipe is not just a dish, but a masterpiece that brings together an explosion of flavors and spices. It has been perfected over generations and passed down from one chef to another, ensuring that each time it is prepared, it is done so with love and devotion.
If you are looking for a dish that will impress your guests or simply want to enjoy a delicious meal with your family, then the Tawa Chicken recipe is a perfect option. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, anyone can become a master chef in their own kitchen.
So don’t hesitate, try this amazing chicken recipe today and experience what it truly means to indulge in authentic Indian style Tawa Chicken!
Tawa Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into quarters
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, cut into small dice
- 2 cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 cardamom pods
- 2 teaspoons dhana jeera powder
- salt
- 2 -4 fresh chili peppers, finely chopped
- 5 -6 garlic cloves, peeled and mashed
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely grated
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon methi leaves
- 2 medium roma tomatoes, cut into cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- . Put oil in a large, wide pan, and set over medium heat. Put in cloves, cinnamon stick and cardamom pots. Sauté until spices start to sizzle then add onions. Sauté onions until they are golden brown in color.
- Add dhana jeeru, salt, chilies, garlic, ginger, cayenne, turmeric, lemon juice and methi leaves. Cook for a minute. Put chicken pieces and stir.
- Cover lid and lower heat to medium low. Cook, turning pieces occasionally until all the juices released by the chicken disappear and chicken is golden brown in color. Add tomatoes and cook for 3 - 5 minutes.
- Take pan off heat. Sprinkle with garam masala and cilantro.
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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!