Chicken Peshawari is a hearty, rustic curry from the frontier cuisine tradition with deep spice layers. Loaded with protein, this chicken dish is filling enough for carnivore and high protein diet followers.
Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add sliced onions and sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring often, until golden-brown.
Add minced ginger and garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant, adjusting heat to prevent burning.
Add all dry spices and bay leaves; stir for 1 minute to bloom the spices without scorching.
Nestle chicken thighs skin side down into the pot and sear on medium-high for 4-5 minutes per side until lightly browned.
Add chopped tomatoes and salt, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 25 minutes, turning the chicken halfway, until the chicken is almost cooked through.
Remove the lid, stir in the yogurt gradually to prevent curdling, then increase the heat to medium and simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
Check seasoning, discard bay leaves, and serve hot.