why make this recipe
This Full Chicken Steam Roast recipe gives you juicy meat and crispy skin. You steam first to keep the chicken moist. Then you roast to get a nice brown crust. It is simple, tastes rich, and feeds a family. If you like other chicken ideas, check 20 chicken breast recipes you’ll love for more simple dishes.
introduction
This recipe uses a whole chicken marinated in yogurt and spices. You steam the chicken gently so it stays soft and juicy. Then you roast it on the stove, in the oven, or in an air fryer to make the skin golden and slightly crisp. The steps are easy and the result is a full, tasty meal.
how to make Full Chicken Steam Roast Recipe
Follow the steps below in order. Do not skip marination time. The steam makes the chicken tender and the roast gives color and flavor.
Ingredients :
- Whole chicken – 1 (800 g–1 kg), cleaned
- Curd – 4 tbsp
- Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp
- Red chilli powder – 2 tsp
- Kashmiri chilli powder – 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder – 1⁄2 tsp
- Coriander powder – 2 tsp
- Cumin powder – 1 tsp
- Garam masala – 1 tsp
- Lemon juice or vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Oil – 2 tbsp
- Water – 2 cups
- Bay leaf – 1 (optional)
- Cinnamon – 1 small piece (optional)
- Butter or oil – 2–3 tbsp
- Extra chilli flakes – optional
Directions :
- Give deep cuts on the chicken breast, thighs, and legs.
- Mix all marination ingredients well.
- Apply masala inside the cavity and all over the chicken, pushing masala into cuts.
- Marinate minimum 4 hours, best overnight in fridge.
- For steaming, add water and whole spices to a large deep pan.
- Place a stand or inverted steel bowl inside. Keep the marinated chicken on a plate over the stand.
- Cover tightly and steam on medium-low flame for 35–40 minutes until fully cooked and juicy.
- For roasting (Stovetop), heat a heavy pan with butter/oil. Place steamed chicken carefully and roast on low flame, turning sides gently. Brush butter/oil while roasting until golden & crisp.
- For oven, preheat at 200°C and roast for 15–20 minutes, flipping once and brushing butter midway.
- For air fryer, cook at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, and brushing oil.
- Final touch: Sprinkle chilli flakes or chaat masala (optional). Rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
- Serve hot with mint chutney, salad, naan, or rumali roti.
how to serve Full Chicken Steam Roast Recipe
Cut the chicken into portions after it rests. Serve hot with mint chutney, salad, naan, or flatbreads. You can also serve with rice or simple salad. For other side ideas, see these baked chicken breast recipes.
how to store Full Chicken Steam Roast Recipe
- Cool the chicken to room temperature before storing.
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently in oven or pan to keep it moist.
tips to make Full Chicken Steam Roast Recipe
- Marinate well. Overnight gives the best flavor.
- Make deep cuts so the masala reaches inside.
- Steam on medium-low so the chicken cooks evenly.
- Do not overcook while roasting. Roast just to brown the skin.
- Use butter for richer taste or oil for a lighter option.
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices inside.
variation (if any)
- Add yogurt with mint or cilantro for a herby taste.
- Use lemon slices and whole spices in the cavity for extra aroma.
- For spicy version, increase red chilli or add green chilies to the marinade.
- Try tandoori spices instead of garam masala for a different flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a bigger or smaller chicken?
A: Yes. Cook time may change. For larger chicken add 10–15 minutes for steaming.
Q: Can I skip steam and roast directly?
A: You can, but steaming keeps the meat juicier. Direct roasting may dry the chicken.
Q: How do I know the chicken is cooked?
A: Check that juices run clear from the thickest part. Internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
Q: Can I marinate less time?
A: You can marinate 1–2 hours, but flavor will be milder than overnight marination.
Q: Is this safe to cook in an air fryer?
A: Yes. Use the given air fryer time and check at the end for doneness.
Conclusion
For a full guide and another version of this dish, see the detailed recipe for Chicken Chargha (Whole Chicken Steam Roast) – Tea for Turmeric.

Full Chicken Steam Roast
Ingredients
Method
- Give deep cuts on the chicken breast, thighs, and legs.
- Mix all marination ingredients well.
- Apply masala inside the cavity and all over the chicken, pushing masala into cuts.
- Marinate minimum 4 hours, best overnight in fridge.
- For steaming, add water and whole spices to a large deep pan.
- Place a stand or inverted steel bowl inside. Keep the marinated chicken on a plate over the stand.
- Cover tightly and steam on medium-low flame for 35–40 minutes until fully cooked and juicy.
- For stovetop roasting, heat a heavy pan with butter/oil. Place steamed chicken carefully and roast on low flame, turning sides gently. Brush butter/oil while roasting until golden & crisp.
- For oven, preheat at 200°C and roast for 15–20 minutes, flipping once and brushing butter midway.
- For air fryer, cook at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, and brushing oil.
- Final touch: Sprinkle chilli flakes or chaat masala (optional). Rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
