If you love spicy, juicy, masala-loaded chicken but don’t want to use a tandoor or oven, this Chatpata Masaledar Tawa Chicken Fry is the perfect recipe for you. Made easily in a regular pan, this homemade chicken recipe is full of bold Indian flavours, beautifully crispy on the outside, and incredibly juicy on the inside.
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It tastes even better than tandoori chicken, yet needs no special equipment. Whether you are cooking for a weeknight dinner, a weekend treat, or a party starter, this easy pan-fried chicken recipe never fails.
The secret lies in the thick yoghurt marinade, deep cuts in the chicken, and a two-step cooking process—high heat for crispiness and slow cooking for tenderness. Let’s dive into this authentic, easy, and SEO-friendly recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Tawa Chicken Fry Recipe
- Easy homemade recipe using a regular pan
- No oven or tandoor required
- Juicy inside and crispy outside
- Packed with authentic Indian spices
- Perfect as a starter or main dish
- Naturally spicy, tangy, and full of flavour
This chatpata chicken fry does not need any chutney or sauce. The flavours are bold enough to enjoy just as they are.
Chatpata Masaledar Tawa Chicken Fry Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Make deep cuts on chicken pieces.
- Add lemon juice and salt; rub well.
- Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and all marinade spices until smooth.
- Add chicken and coat well, pushing marinade into cuts.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Heat oil on a tawa over high heat.
- Sear chicken pieces 3–4 minutes per side on high heat.
- Fry in batches if needed.
- Add green chilies and lemon slices; scrape masala back onto chicken.
- Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
- Make deep cuts on chicken pieces.
- Add lemon juice and salt; rub well.
- Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and all marinade spices until smooth.
- Add chicken and coat well, pushing marinade into cuts.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Heat oil on a tawa over high heat.
- Sear chicken pieces 3–4 minutes per side on high heat.
- Fry in batches if needed.
- Add green chilies and lemon slices; scrape masala back onto chicken.
- Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
Notes
Tawa Chicken Fry Recipe Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Properly
Start by washing the chicken pieces and patting them dry with a kitchen towel. This step is very important for good searing later.
Now, make deep cuts on each chicken piece. These cuts allow the masala to go deep inside the meat and help the chicken cook faster and more evenly.
Why Deep Cuts Matter
- Masala reaches the inside of the chicken
- Chicken absorbs more flavour
- Faster and more even cooking
- Juicier final result
Step 2: First Marinade with Lemon and Salt
Add the chicken pieces to a large bowl.
- Squeeze the juice of ½ lemon over the chicken
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon salt evenly
Rub the lemon juice and salt well into the chicken, especially inside the cuts. This step helps tenderise the meat and builds the first layer of flavor.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the main marinade.
Step 3: Make the Thick Yoghurt Marinate
In another bowl, add:
- 1 cup thick yoghurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- All the dry spices are listed under “For Marinade”
Mix everything very well until the marinade is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps in the yoghurt.
Tip for Best Results
Always use thick yoghurt. Watery yoghurt will release moisture during cooking and prevent the chicken from becoming crispy.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken
Now add the chicken pieces to the prepared marinade.
Rub the marinade very well into:
- Both sides of the chicken
- All the deep cuts
Take your time here. The better you massage the marinade, the better your chicken will taste.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
For the best flavour, you can marinate it overnight.
Step 5: Heat the Tawa or Pan
Place a large tawa or heavy nonstick pan on the stove.
- Add ¼ cup of oil
- Heat on a high flame
The pan must be hot before adding the chicken. This is key to getting a crispy outer layer.
Step 6: Sear the Chicken on High Heat
Place the marinated chicken pieces on the hot tawa.
- Do not overcrowd the pan
- Cook in batches if needed
Cook on high heat for 3–4 minutes on one side until you see good colour and crispiness.
Flip the chicken and cook the other side on high heat for another 3–4 minutes.
Important Tip
If the pan is overcrowded, the chicken will release water and start steaming instead of frying.
Step 7: Slow Cook for Juicy Chicken
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook for 10–15 minutes, turning the chicken once or twice in between.
This slow cooking step:
- Makes the chicken soft and juicy
- Fully cooks the chicken from the inside
- Keeps the outside crispy and flavorful
- You’ll notice the oil separating slightly and the masala coating the chicken beautifully.
Step 8: Optional Smoky Flavour (Secret Technique)
For smokiness, add coal smoke for 5 minutes before serving.
This step gives your tawa chicken a restaurant-style aroma similar to tandoori chicken. It’s optional, but highly recommended if you love smoky flavours.
Step 9: Final Garnish and Serving
Once the chicken is fully cooked:
- Sprinkle fresh chopped coriander leaves on top
Serve hot with:
- Lemon wedges
- Onion rings
No chutney or sauce is needed. This chatpata tawa chicken fry is spicy, tangy, and flavorful enough on its own.
Tips for Best Tawa Chicken Fry
- Use thick yoghurt to avoida watery marinade
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating for better searing
- Adjust chilli according to your spice level
- For smokiness, add coal smoke for 5 minutes before serving
What to Serve with Tawa Chicken Fry
This versatile dish can be served in many ways:
- With roti or naan as a main course
- As a starter with drinks
- For parties and gatherings
- As a weekend special meal
It pairs well with simple Indian breads or even a fresh salad.
Read this also:
Final Thoughts
This Chatpata Masaledar Tawa Chicken Fry is proof that you don’t need a tandoor to enjoy bold, authentic Indian chicken at home. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and powerful flavours, this homemade chicken recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
If you’re looking for a juicy, spicy, and crispy pan-fried chicken recipe, this one deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Try it once, and it will quickly become a family favourite.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious homemade tawa chicken! 🍗✨
Pingback: Delicious Chicken Wraps recipe – Pure eats recipe