Chicken is a common ingredient in Indian food and is used in a wide range of dishes, from rich and creamy curries to spicy grilled kebabs. It is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a multitude of ways, making it perfect for Indian dishes that showcase complex and layered flavors. Whether it's marinated and grilled, simmered in a fragrant curry sauce, or layered with rice and spices in a biryani, chicken is an essential component of many Indian recipes and plays a crucial role in the country's diverse culinary traditions.
Here are the top 5 flavorful Indian chicken recipes to try and make in your kitchen in 2023.
Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular dish in Indian cuisine that originated in the city of Delhi in the 1950s. Kundan Lal Gujral, who owned the city's Moti Mahal Delux restaurant, invented the dish. Legend has it that Gujral came up with the recipe as a way to use up leftover tandoori chicken that had been cooked in a clay oven, which tended to dry out quickly. He didn't want the chicken to go to waste, so he cooked it in a tomato-based gravy and added butter and cream to make a delicious dish.
This classic Indian dish is creamy, buttery, and full of flavor. To make this dish, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes, then grill or broil until cooked through. Meanwhile, make a rich tomato-based sauce with butter, onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with rice and naan bread.
Taste: Savory
Total time: 1 hour
Prep time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 400
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish, but its exact origins are a subject of debate, with several different theories about how the dish came to be. One theory is that Indian chefs who wanted to appeal to British tastes created it in the UK. According to this theory, the dish was invented in the 1960s or 1970s when a customer complained that his chicken tikka was too dry. The chef then added some tomato soup to the dish to make it more palatable, and thus, chicken tikka masala was born. Another idea is that chicken tikka masala came from India, where it was made to use up leftover chicken tikka. This theory says that the chicken tikka was cooked in a tomato and cream sauce with spices, making a new dish. Regardless of its origins, chicken tikka masala has become a beloved dish in both India and the UK, and it is now popular in many other countries as well.
This popular dish features tender chunks of chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. To make this dish, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for several hours or overnight, then grill or broil until cooked through. Meanwhile, make the sauce with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, cream, and a blend of spices. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with rice and naan bread.
Taste: Savory
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep time: 45 minutes
Calories per serving: 420
Chicken Korma
Chicken korma is a popular dish in both India and Pakistan. It is thought to have come from the Mughal Empire, which ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The Mughals were famously indulgent when it came to food, and chicken korma was no exception.
This mild and creamy dish is perfect for those who prefer a less spicy flavor. To make this dish, cook the chicken with onions, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices until it is browned. Add coconut milk and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Add ground almonds or cashews to the sauce to thicken it, then stir in cream for richness. Serve with rice and naan bread.
Taste: Mild
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 440
Chicken Biryani
Chicken biryani is a popular Indian and Pakistani dish that is made with layers of spiced rice and chicken that are cooked together. One idea about where biryani came from is that Muslim traders and soldiers from Persia and Central Asia brought rice and spices to India. Another idea is that biryani was created in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire, which ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The Mughal dynastyenjoyed lavish feasts and had a penchant for rice dishes, so it is possible that biryani was created as a way to showcase their wealth and taste.
This fragrant and flavorful rice dish is a staple of Indian cuisine. To make this dish, cook the chicken with onions, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices until it is browned. In a separate pot, cook basmati rice until fluffy. Layer the rice and chicken in a large pot, then top with saffron, fried onions, and chopped herbs. Cover and cook over low heat until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
Taste: Spicy
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep time: 45 minutes
Calories per serving: 530
Chicken Curry
Indian chicken curry is a popular dish that has a long and rich history in Indian cuisine. The origins of curry can be traced back to ancient India, where spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander were used in cooking for their flavor and medicinal properties. As Indian food changed and grew over time, different parts of the country came up with their own styles of curry. Chicken curry became a popular dish, with different regions using different spices and ingredients to create their own versions of the dish.
This versatile dish can be made with a variety of spices and ingredients, making it a great choice for any occasion. To make this dish, cook the chicken with onions, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices until it is browned. Add the tomatoes and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Adjust the seasonings to taste and serve with rice and naan bread.
Taste: Spicy
Total time: 1 hour
Prep time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 350
What to Serve with These Dishes
All of these chicken dishes are perfect for serving with rice, either plain or flavored with herbs and spices. Naan bread or other Indian flatbreads are also a great option to mop up any extra sauce. For a refreshing side dish, try a cucumber raita or a simple salad of mixed greens with a tangy dressing.
Whether you're new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned pro, these 5 chicken recipes are sure to impress. From the creamy, tomato-based sauce of Chicken Tikka Masala to the fragrant, saffron-infused rice of Chicken Biryani, each dish offers a unique blend of spices and flavors that will transport your taste buds to India. Give them a try and experience the magic of Indian cooking for yourself!