• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Nicky's Kitchen Sanctuary logo

  • > Start Here
  • The Recipes
    • Browse all categories
    • Asian
    • Dinner
    • Pasta
    • Roast Dinner
    • Curries
    • Sides
    • Soups
    • Big Batch
    • Quick Dinner Recipes
    • Skinny Recipes
    • Street Food
    • Lunch
    • Gluten Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cakes & Treats
    • BBQ
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Drinks
    • Appetizers
    • Sauces and Dips
  • My New Book
  • Blogger Resources
    • Living The Blog
    • How to start a food blog
    • Income Reports
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
  • Sign-Up
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • > Start Here
  • All Recipes
  • Never miss a recipe!
  • 20 Minute Meals
  • Appetizers & Party Food
  • Asian
  • Curries
  • Dinner
  • One Pot
  • Pasta
  • Roast Dinner
  • Sides
  • Slow Cooked
  • Soups
  • Street Food
  • Terms and Conditions
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home > Curries

    Chicken Dhansak

    Published: Aug 10, 2020 by Nicky Corbishley

    Go to Recipe Go to Video Print Recipe

    Tender chicken in a tangy, sweet and slightly spicy sauce, made lusciously thick and rich with the addition of red lentils.
    This is my easy dhansak recipe - ready in 45 minutes, with at least half of that hands-off time.
    The kids love the sweet tang of this curry - and you can easily make it chilli-free to suit all tastes.

    chicken dhansak in a bowl with coriander on top

    Working on curry recipes is becoming a bit of a thing during weekends.
    I think we've got over 20 curries in our curry section now!

    We've had quite a few reader requested curries, and I'm slowly starting to build up a collection of side dishes to serve with that old Friday night favourite.
    Is there something you'd like to see in there?


    What does dhansak taste like?

    Dhansak is quite a mild curry with a lovely thick sauce - make thick by the addition of red lentils. The lentils are cooked for long enough that they start to break down in the sauce, which adds a slight creaminess.
    It's also got a tomato flavour, plus a bit of tanginess from pineapple chunks and juice.
    Some versions that you get from a takeaway or restaurant can be quite hot. My version is mild, but you can spice it up by adding more hot chilli powder.

    What do we need?

    • I'm using chicken breast in this curry, but you can replace with chicken thighs if you prefer.
    • I'm also using passata. You can replace with tinned chopped tomatoes if you prefer, but there's already quite a lot of texture in the curry from the lentils, chicken, onion and pineapple - so I prefer to use passata, which is smoother.
    Ingredients for chicken dhansak on a wooden table

    How to make this curry

    Full recipe with detailed steps in the recipe card at the end of this post.

    1. Soften the onion in a pan with oil or ghee for 10 minutes until lightly caramelised.
    2. Add chicken, spices, garlic and ginger. Stir together to coat the chicken in the spices and cook for 5 minutes, until the chicken is sealed.
    3. Add tomato puree, lentils, passata, chicken stock juice from the tinned pineapple. Stir together, place the lid on and simmer for 20 minutes.
    4. Add pineapple pieces and heat through for a further 5 minutes.
    5. Serve with basmati rice and top with freshly chopped coriander.
    8 image collage showing how to make chicken dhansak

    What to serve it with

    You can serve this tasty dhansak curry with:

    • Boiled rice - my no-fail method
    • Pilau rice from this recipe
    • Chapati
    • Onion, mint and tomato salad (simply mix together ½ a bunch of finely chopped fresh mint, 10 quartered cherry tomatoes, ¼ finely diced onion and a pinch of salt and pepper.
    • Saag aloo from this Beef Kofta recipe

    chicken dhansak and rice in a dark bowl

    More Fantastic Curries

    • Slow Cooked Beef Massaman
    • Chicken Jalfrezi with homemade pilau rice
    • Chicken Madras
    • Pork Katsu Curry
    • Pulled Lamb Curry
    • Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
    • Rich and Spicy Beef Rendang
    • My Vegetarian Curry

    Watch how to make it

    YouTube video

    Stay updated with new recipes!
    Subscribe to the newsletter to hear when I post a new recipe. I’m also on YouTube (new videos every week) and Instagram (behind-the-scenes stories & beautiful food photos).

    chicken dhansak with rice in a black bowl

    Chicken Dhansak Recipe

    By: Nicky Corbishley
    Tender chicken in a tangy, sweet and slightly spicy sauce, made lusciously thick and rich with the addition of red lentils.
    4.98 from 34 votes
    Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 527 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
    • 1 large onion - peeled and finely chopped
    • 3 chicken breasts - chopped into large chunks (this is about 525g or 18.5oz)
    • 2 tbsp mild curry powder - - replace with medium or hot if you like it hotter
    • 1 tsp turmeric
    • 1 tsp garam masala
    • 1 tsp cumin
    • 2 tsp ground coriander
    • ¼ tsp hot chilli powder
    • 1 tsp ground fenugreek
    • ½ tsp salt
    • 2 garlic cloves - minced
    • 2 tsp minced ginger
    • 2 tbsp tomato puree
    • 1 tbsp honey
    • 100 g (½ cup) red lentils
    • 400 ml (1 â…” cups) passata
    • 480 ml (2 cups) chicken stock
    • 435 g (15 oz) tinned pineapple chunks in juice

    To serve:

    • Basmati rice
    • Fresh coriander (cilantro)

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Heat the vegetable oil in a large lidded saucepan (or large frying pan that has a lid) over a medium heat.
    • Add the onion, and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelised.
    • Add the chicken, curry power, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chilli powder, fenugreek, salt, garlic and ginger.
    • Stir together to coat the chicken in the spices and cook for 5 minutes, until the chicken is sealed.
    • Stir in the tomato puree and honey, then add the lentils, passata, chicken stock and ½ cup (120ml) of the juice from the tinned pineapple.
    • Stir everything together, then bring to the boil.
    • Turn down the heat, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils have softened. TIP: Give the curry a stir every few minutes to stop the lentils from sticking.
    • Add the tinned pineapple pieces and heat through for a further 5 minutes. TIP: You can add a splash of water if the curry is looking a little too thick at this stage.
    • Serve with basmati rice and top with freshly chopped coriander.

    Video

    YouTube video

    ✎ Notes

    Can I make it ahead?
    Yes, I think the flavour of the curry actually develops a little more if it's cooked ahead. 
    Make the curry, then quickly cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
    Reheat in a pan or in the microwave until piping hot throughout.
    Can I freeze it?
    Yes, this curry freezes really well. Make the curry, then quickly cool, cover and freeze. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
    Reheat in a pan or in the microwave until piping hot throughout.
    How to scale up and scale down this recipe
    You can halve or double this recipe using the same ratios of ingredients. Halving the recipe to serve 2 will take the same amount of time to cook as it would to serve 4.
    If you double the recipe, it will take 5-10 minutes longer to cook.
    Nutritional information is per serving NOT including rice

    Nutrition

    Calories: 527kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 43gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 668mgPotassium: 1687mgFiber: 21gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 803IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 106mgIron: 8mg
    Keywords Any Time Of the year, lentils
    Tried this recipe?Mention @KitchenSanctuary or tag #KitchenSanctuary on Instagram!

    Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Kitchen Sanctuary running. The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors. For more information please see our Terms & Conditions.

    Hi I’m Nicky

    I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

    Read More

    More Curries

    • Dal Makhani Recipe
    • Square overhead image of chicken panang curry and rice in a brown bowl, topped with chopped peanuts and Thai basil leaves. There is a further bowl, just in shot, at the top of the frame, an orange napkin next to the bowls and some chopped peanuts nearby. The bowls are on a wooden table.
      Chicken Panang Curry
    • Square image of seafood laksa in a white bowl on a dark surface. The laksa is topped with a coriander-chilli-red onion garnish.
      Seafood Laksa
    • A square overhead shot of Air Fryer Chicken Curry sprinkled with coriander and whole fried green chillies, with bunches of coriander scattered around, there is a pile of toasted naan breads on a wooden board, some dark fabric napkins are to the side, against a mottle grey work surface.
      Air fryer Chicken Curry

    Other Recipes You Might Like:

    Close up image of chicken Jalfrezi with pilau rice in a blue bowl
    Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe
    chicken biryani topped with natural yogurt on a white plate on a blue background.
    Chicken Biryani
    Chicken curry in a white bowl with rice.
    Easy Chicken Curry
    Overhead image of Thai red chicken curry with rice in a bowl
    Thai Red Chicken Curry

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Rate the recipe




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Kathy Boot says

      September 17, 2023 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      Fabulous recipe, I do this in the slow cooker. Very tasty and authentic

      Reply
    2. Kat says

      September 16, 2023 at 5:44 pm

      Absolutely brilliant recipe!!!

      Reply
    3. Katrina says

      August 25, 2023 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent.

      Reply
    4. Kathy says

      June 21, 2023 at 10:48 am

      5 stars
      A really good, tasty and authentic recipe

      Reply
    5. Susan says

      May 16, 2023 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      Dhansak is my fave curry but I rarely find it in restaurants. This one is the best and tastes way better than any you'd find in a restaurant. Sweet and full of depth. So delicious!

      Reply
    6. Ricey says

      March 17, 2023 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      The best Dhansak recipe I’ve found yet!

      Reply
    7. Matt says

      March 13, 2023 at 2:46 pm

      5 stars
      First rate blend of spice, sweet and heat

      Reply
    8. Jane says

      March 02, 2023 at 5:01 pm

      5 stars
      This has become a regular in our house

      Reply
    9. Diana Somerton says

      February 11, 2023 at 7:17 pm

      5 stars
      I did this in the slow cooker using chicken thighs. Absolutely delicious.

      Reply
    10. Sally says

      December 12, 2022 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe, easy to make and tastes delicious

      Reply
    11. Tim says

      November 03, 2022 at 2:42 pm

      5 stars
      Dhansak has always been my favourite curry,this recipe is so much like my local takeaway,only change that I make is by adding an extra 50g of lentils as I prefer a thicker texture 10/10 from me

      Reply
    12. Matt Keenleyside says

      October 13, 2022 at 8:58 am

      5 stars
      It's better than my local Curry House's Dhansak, tho I must admit I didn't use any pineapple. Really simple to cook and absolutely delicious. Was my first attempt at a curry, I just hope I haven't peaked to early. Thank you KITCHEN SANCTUARY

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi I’m Nicky

    I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

    Read More

    Recipes by category:

    • Popular Recipes
    • Asian
    • Curries
    • Quick Dinner Recipes
    • British Classic Recipes
    • BBQ
    • Roast Dinner
    • Street Food
    • Pasta
    Search For a Recipe

    Our Top Trending Recipes:

    • Crispy Sesame Chicken on a bed of rice in a stone bowl
      Crispy Sesame Chicken with a Sticky Asian Sauce
    • honey garlic chicken in a bowl on top of boiled rice
      Honey Garlic Chicken
    • Roast potatoes with salt and fresh thyme leaves
      The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes
    • Cheesy Pasta Bake With Chicken And Bacon - a family favourite (and it makes great leftovers too!).
      Cheesy Pasta Bake With Chicken And Bacon
    • Chicken curry in a white bowl with rice.
      Easy Chicken Curry
    • Satay sauce in a small copper pan topped with peanuts and coriander
      Easy Satay Sauce Recipe
    • Bowl of Korean fried chicken topped with sesame seeds and strips of spring onion.
      Korean Fried Chicken
    • Overhead image of tuna pasta bake in a white dish topped with finely chopped parsley.
      Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

    FREE recipes direct to your inbox!

    Never miss a recipe and sign up for our completely FREE emails.

      Featured Recipes:

      • Hands holding bowl of Bowl of chilli con carne with rice
        Chilli Con Carne
      • Lancashire hotpot on wooden background
        Traditional Lancashire Hotpot
      • A dish of creamy chicken pie with puff pastry sat on a blue and white striped cloth.
        Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
      • Egg fried rice on a dark bowl on a white background.
        Egg Fried Rice
      • Bowl of Korean fried chicken topped with sesame seeds and strips of spring onion.
        Korean Fried Chicken
      • Firecracker Chicken on a blue plate against a dark background
        Copycat Firecracker Chicken
      • Square image of buffalo chicken pasta in a silver pan on a light grey background.
        Buffalo Chicken Pasta
      • A simple made-from-scratch curry, slow cooked to intensify the heat and flavour.
        Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Curry
      As Featured On
      brit and co logo
      buzzfeed logo
      cheshire life logo
      country living logo
      beautiful home and life logo
      my fitness pal logo
      Neff logo
      The telegraph logo
      The Kitchn logo
      Vegetarian society logo

      Footer

      Nicky Corbishley is the recipe creator and photographer for Kitchen Sanctuary. Wife to Chris (chief techie and videographer) and mum to Lewis and Gracey. Read More…

      DMCA.com Protection Status

      Most Recent Recipes

      • Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
      • Chicken Breast Recipes
      • Dal Makhani Recipe
      • Chicken Cacciatore
      • Slow Cooker Jam Sponge Pudding

      Copyright © 2023 LoveFoodCreative Ltd - Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy - Terms & Conditions