India has once again topped the lists in terms of food, with four of its favourite chicken dishes ranking among the top 20 in the world, according to TasteAtlas, a world-renowned food and travel guide. Butter Chicken-in that creamy, tomato-based sauce-took the 4th position, while the smoky, spicy Chicken Tikka fell on the 6th spot. The spicy and bold flavours of Chicken 65 ranked in 10th position while Tandoori Chicken, the evergreen favourite hits the list at 18th. This is not only a recognition of Indian food being popular in the world but also of how Indian cuisine can build magic around such a simple ingredient as chicken.
Butter Chicken
But Chicken Butter, or "Murgh Makhani," probably is the most iconic dish to come out of India, and high ranking at 4th place in the list did not come as a surprise. This originally emerged from Delhi in the 1950s as the creation of chefs at the famous restaurant Moti Mahal. In this dish, the velvety smooth tomato-based gravy is enriched with butter and cream, which makes it irresistibly rich and flavourful. It generally consists of chicken marinated in a mixture of spices and yoghurt, then baked in a tandoor, a clay oven-which gives the meat a distinctly smoky flavour. This dish balances sweet and tangy flavours just right, making it an immediate favourite throughout India and abroad.
Chicken Tikka
Next is Chicken Tikka, ranking 6th, famous not just in India but globally, where this dish is the front display of any Indian restaurant. It consists of small chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of yoghurt and spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Skewer and then grill the marinated chicken, usually in a tandoor, to give the dish a characteristic smoky flavour. The result is tender, juicy pieces of chicken loaded with flavour. Chicken Tikka is usually served as an appetizer or on a plate, like Chicken Tikka Masala, which enjoys its own fan base.
Chicken 65
Number 10 gets you hot and bothered with Chicken 65. This is a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish that originates from South India, especially Tamil Nadu. The number of spices used to the year in which it was first made, there were quite a number of theories regarding the origin of the name "Chicken 65." Whatever the origin of its name, its flavour is what has made it famous. Chicken 65 is so named from its appearance when it reaches a reddish, fiery colour with the help of red chilli powder and a mix of spices. The marinade consists of yoghurt mixed with spices, and the chicken is fried well. It is often garnished with curry leaves and green chillies to add more to the bold and spicy flavour profile.
Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken also appears in the 18th position and has, over the years, become synonymous with Indian food. Originating in the Punjab region, Tandoori Chicken is a staple made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yoghurt and spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. It is then barbecued in something called a tandoor, a traditional clay oven used for the purpose, which gives the chicken its characteristic smoky flavour and charred appearance. Bright red or orange is because of the spices and sometimes food colouring used in the marinade. It is commonly served with naan bread or rice and is a staple in Indian restaurants the world over.