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How to make authentic Karnataka-style ghee roast chicken at home for special dinner

News9Live | May 6, 2026 1:39 PM CST

New Delhi: Karnataka-style chicken ghee roast is one such delicacy that, with its name only, can instantly uplift someone’s mood, and when cooked at home, its aroma fills the air and attracts everyone to enjoy a hearty meal whenever prepared with love and the right techniques. To turn your simple evenings into something special or your ordinary meal into something aromatic and rich, this dish is deeply satisfying. Known for its fiery red colour, silky texture and unmistakable roasted ghee aroma, this iconic coastal recipe comes from the Mangalorean region, where spices, ghee, and tamarind create magic on the plate.

The slow-roasting spices are what make this dish so special and magical. Here is the complete guide on how to cook it at home and add richness to your dinner with bold flavours and the fresh aroma of Indian spices.

Karnataka-style chicken ghee roast recipe

For the Masala

10–12 Byadgi red chillies (for colour)
4–5 regular red chillies (for heat)
1 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp fenugreek (methi) seeds
1 tsp black peppercorns
6–7 garlic cloves
1 small lemon-sized tamarind (soaked in warm water)
1 tsp jaggery (optional, for balance)

For the Chicken

500 g chicken (bone-in or boneless)
3–4 tbsp ghee
Salt to taste
Fresh curry leaves
1 tsp lemon juice

Steps to prepare:

Dry roast Byadgi and regular red chillies until fragrant. Remove.

In the same pan, roast coriander seeds, cumin, methi and pepper until golden.

Add the roasted spices to a blender with garlic, tamarind pulp and a little water. Grind into a thick, smooth, deep-red paste.

Heat 1–2 tbsp ghee in a pan. Add chicken pieces and sauté for 4–6 minutes.

Add a little salt and cook until the chicken is 70 per cent done. Set aside.

In the same pan, add 1–2 tbsp more ghee. And fresh curry leaves.

Add the ghee roast masala paste and cook on a medium flame, stirring continuously.

Add the half-cooked chicken to the pan. Mix well.

Add jaggery if you prefer a slight sweetness.

Cook covered on low flame for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is fully done and the masala becomes thick and glossy.

Drizzle 1 tsp ghee and add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Give it one final mix.

This hearty, comforting and flavourful dish works well for parties, get-togethers or a dinner evening with your family where you want to enjoy a perfect end after a long day. The combination of ghee, roasted spices and tangy notes makes it ideal for a special meal.