If you’re bored of the same old chicken curry and craving something bold, spicy, and tangy, then give this Achaari Chicken a try and you won’t be disappointed. This North Indian dish is packed with the flavors of traditional Indian pickles—without actually using any pickle!
In my household, Indian food only gets everyone excited when it involves chicken, goat, or something meaty. The moment I mention dal and sabzi (lentils and vegetables), suddenly no one has an appetite! But there are a few dishes that break that pattern—and this one is definitely a favorite.
(Post originally published on Mar 4th, 2014. Just republishing with new pictures and updated content)
Reasons why you will love this Achaari Chicken
- a flavorful recipe with bold and tangy flavors
- an easy dish for your weeknight dinner or a get together
- a perfect balance of spice & zing
- can be made under 30 mins
- can be made ahead
- a treat for meat lovers
Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special, and how you can make it at home.
What Is Achaari Chicken?
“Achaari” literally means “pickled” in Hindi, however the pickle is not used primarily to make this recipe. Instead, the recipe uses the signature spices that are commonly used in Indian pickles: mustard seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds (kalonji), fenugreek seeds, and cumin. These are toasted and ground to create that unmistakable tangy, spicy flavor.
Combined with juicy pieces of chicken, a yogurt-based , and a touch of mustard oil, this dish becomes a show-stopping curry that’s big on flavor and aroma.
How to Serve It
Achaari Chicken tastes best with naan, tandoori roti, or even plain rice. Pair it with a side of raita or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the heat. It’s equally perfect for a cozy family dinner or a weekend get-together.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but exciting enough to serve at your next dinner party. If you love dishes that are big on flavor and personality, give this one a try—you’ll thank yourself later!
Equipment & Ingredients Used:
Few Other Chicken Recipes from my blog:
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Happy Cooking!!!
Achaari Chicken Curry | Quick & Simple Recipe
Equipment
- 1 kadhai
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken
- 4 tbsp fried onions
- 2 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 3-4 tsp Achaari Masala Homemade
- 1.5 tsp salt to taste
- ¾ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- 2-3 tbsp hung yogurt
- ¼ cup tomato puree
- Chopped cilantro
- green chillies to garnish
- 3 tbsp mustard oil add if need more
- 1-2 tsp of Mango pickle masala
Instructions
- Cut, clean and wash the chicken. In a bowl, add salt, pinch of turmeric and red chili powder to marinade the chicken. Leave it aside for 10-15 mins. In a kadhai, add mustard oil and let it heat up.
- Add the marinated chicken and saute it for a few mins. Add fried onions to the chicken along with ginger garlic paste and saute for another additional few minutes. Also add the achaari masala, salt, turmeric, red chili powder and roast it.
- After the chicken is partially cooked, add tomato puree and cook it for a few mins covered.
- Uncover the kadhai, turn the gas on low before adding hung curd to it and mix well. Roast the chicken for an additional few mins covered. Also check your spices at this time, so that you can add it if anything is needed.
- Add a little bit of water if you need additional gravy as there might be enough gravy masala. Let it cook for a couple of more minutes and turn it off when you get the desired amount of gravy.
- I like to add a couple of teaspoons of mango pickle masala and mix it. Garnish it with cilantro and slit green chillies. Serve hot with chapati, paratha, naan, or tandoori roti.
Hi! What does homemade achari masala consist of?
Hi Anjali,
I will be posting the Achaari Masala recipe with the proportions in just a few.
thanks
Hi Anjali,
Just posted the recipe for the Achaari Masala…Enjoy.
Regards