Main Course · Dinner · Indian ·

Aromatic Indian Malabar Ghee Roast Chicken

Name: Aromatic Indian Malabar Ghee Roast Chicken
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 kg chicken, cut into medium pieces; 2 tbsp yogurt; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp red chili powder; Salt, to taste; 10 dried red chilies, soaked; 1 tbsp coriander seeds; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp fennel seeds; 6 garlic cloves; 1 inch ginger, piece; 2 tbsp water; 3 tbsp ghee; 2 onions, thinly sliced; A handful of curry leaves; 1 tsp mustard seeds; Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Experience the authentic flavors of Southern India with this spicy and aromatic chicken roast cooked in traditional ghee.

4.6(660 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 11, 2026

Aromatic Indian Malabar Ghee Roast Chicken — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Marinade

For the Masala Paste

For Cooking

For Garnishing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 369 kcal
Protein: 35.5 g
Carbs: 11 g
Fat: 21.8 g
Fiber: 2 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1474 kcal
Protein: 142 g
Carbs: 44 g
Fat: 87 g
Fiber: 8 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 kg chicken cut into medium pieces	1100	120	0	60	0
2 tbsp yogurt	20	1	2	1	0
1 tbsp lime juice	4	0	1	0	0
1 tsp turmeric powder	8	0	1	0	1
1 tsp red chili powder	6	0	1	0	1
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
10 dried red chilies soaked	25	1	5	0	2
1 tbsp coriander seeds	15	1	3	0	2
1 tsp cumin seeds	8	0	1	0	0
1 tsp fennel seeds	8	0	1	0	1
6 garlic cloves	27	1	6	0	0
1 inch ginger piece	4	0	1	0	0
2 tbsp water	0	0	0	0	0
3 tbsp ghee	370	0	0	42	0
2 onions thinly sliced	88	1	20	0	1
A handful of curry leaves	3	0	1	0	0
1 tsp mustard seeds	9	0	1	0	0
Fresh coriander leaves chopped	0	0	0	0	0

Nutrition estimates are approximate and not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

1
Mix Marinade
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lime juice, turmeric, chili powder, and salt together.
2
Coat Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat well.
3
Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Tip: Marinate overnight for best flavor.

Preparing the Masala Paste

1
Grind Spices
Grind the soaked red chilies along with coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, garlic, ginger, and water into a smooth paste.
Tip: Ensure the paste is smooth to avoid burning during cooking. Pro tip: Use a stone grinder for an authentic texture.
2
Set Aside
Set the paste aside.

How to Make Aromatic Indian Malabar Ghee Roast Chicken

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Fry Onions and Spices
Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat, add mustard seeds until they splatter, then add onions and sauté until golden brown.
2
Cook Chicken
Add marinated chicken to the pan, cook for 10 minutes on high heat while stirring.
3
Incorporate Masala
Introduce the masala paste and curry leaves into the pan, and cook until the ghee separates and the chicken is tender.