Dairy-Free Chicken Nihari

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of this Dairy-Free Chicken Nihari, a comforting South Asian slow-cooked stew that is perfect for any occasion. Tender, bone-in chicken thighs are simmered in a fragrant blend of nihari spices, garlic, and ginger, creating a deeply flavorful broth thickened naturally with whole wheat flour instead of traditional dairy-based ingredients. Sautéed onions and coconut oil add layers of depth, while a finishing garnish of fresh cilantro, green chilies, and a squeeze of lemon elevate the dish with a burst of brightness. This dairy-free twist on a classic recipe is perfect for those seeking bold, authentic flavors in a wholesome, satisfying meal. Serve it steaming hot with naan or rice, and savor every spoonful of this hearty, gluten-conscious masterpiece!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:260 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 kg Chicken thighs, bone-in
• 2 large Onions, thinly sliced
• 5 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Ginger, minced
• 4 tablespoons Coconut oil
• 4 tablespoons Nihari spice mix
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 6 cups Water
• 3 tablespoons Whole wheat flour
• 1 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 2 Green chilies, sliced
• 1 Lemon, cut into wedges

Directions

Step 1

Heat the coconut oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are golden brown, about 10–12 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the nihari spice mix and salt, and stir well to ensure the spices are coated with the oil.

Step 5

Place the chicken thighs into the pot and mix them with the spiced onion mixture. Brown the chicken on all sides for about 8–10 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in 5 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone.

Step 7

In a separate bowl, mix the whole wheat flour with the remaining 1 cup of water to form a smooth slurry.

Step 8

Gradually add the flour slurry to the pot, stirring continuously to avoid lumps, and cook for another 20 minutes until the broth is thickened and the flour taste has cooked out.

Step 9

Adjust the seasoning if necessary, garnishing with chopped cilantro and sliced green chilies before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side, accompanied by naan or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3255.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2991.5

Total Fat 217.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 89.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 810mg	0%
Sodium 6421.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 85.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.9g	0%
Total Sugars 21.3g
Protein 197.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 479.5mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 3976.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.3%

Protein: 25.6%

Carbs: 11.1%