Achari Chicken is a popular North Indian dish that stands out for its bold flavors and tangy taste, influenced by the traditional Indian pickles (achars). This spicy and aromatic chicken dish blends spices typically used in Indian pickling, such as mustard seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek, cumin, and nigella seeds. With the addition of yogurt, the dish becomes a perfect balance of heat and tang, making it a favorite for chicken lovers. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the steps to prepare this delectable Achari Chicken at home.
What is Achari Chicken?
Achari Chicken gets its name from the word “achar,” which means pickle in Hindi. The spices used in Indian pickles are incorporated into the chicken, giving it a unique, tangy, and spicy flavor. These spices are known for their strong, bold aromas, making Achari Chicken a flavorful delight. The dish is usually cooked in a rich gravy of yogurt and spices, with the chicken absorbing all the pickle-like flavors, creating a burst of taste in every bite.
Ingredients Needed for Achari Chicken
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you will need to make this dish:
For the Achari Masala (Pickling Spices):
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
These five spices form the core of the Achari masala, providing the dish with its signature pickling flavor.
For the Chicken Marinade:
500 grams boneless chicken (cut into medium-sized pieces)
1 cup yogurt (curd)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
Salt to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
For the Curry:
3 tbsp mustard oil (or vegetable oil)
1 large onion (finely chopped)
2 medium tomatoes (pureed)
2-3 green chilies (slit)
1 tsp garam masala powder
Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Achari Chicken
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's go through the process of making this flavorful Achari Chicken:
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
Marination is a crucial step to ensure that the chicken soaks up all the flavors of the yogurt and spices. This helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken pieces.
Add the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice to the chicken. Mix everything well so that the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you have more time, marinate it for 2-3 hours for a deeper flavor. You can also refrigerate it overnight.
Step 2: Preparing the Achari Masala
Achari masala is the heart of this dish. It brings the authentic pickle-like flavors into the chicken.
In a dry pan, lightly roast the mustard seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, and nigella seeds on low heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
Once the spices release their aroma and turn slightly golden, remove them from heat and allow them to cool.
Using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind these spices into a coarse powder. This is your homemade Achari masala, which will be added to the curry later.
Step 3: Cooking the Achari Chicken
Now, it’s time to cook the chicken with the Achari spices.
Heat mustard oil in a large pan or kadai on medium heat. Mustard oil gives an authentic flavor, but if it’s unavailable, you can use vegetable oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts separating from the mixture. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the homemade Achari masala to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes. The spices will begin to release their aroma, blending beautifully with the onion-tomato mixture.
Now, add the marinated chicken pieces along with any leftover marinade in the bowl. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns opaque and starts to brown.
Add a little water (about ½ cup) to create a semi-thick gravy. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Stir in garam masala powder and adjust salt if needed.
Once the chicken is cooked and the gravy has thickened, turn off the heat.
Step 4: Garnishing and Serving
Garnish your Achari Chicken with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve hot with Indian bread like naan, paratha, or even with steamed basmati rice.
Tips for Making Perfect Achari Chicken
Use Mustard Oil for Authentic Flavor: Mustard oil is a key ingredient in many North Indian dishes, including Achari Chicken. It gives the dish a pungent and earthy flavor that’s hard to replicate with other oils.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you like your food less spicy, you can reduce the number of green chilies or red chili powder in the recipe. However, keep in mind that AchariChicken is meant to be spicy and tangy.
Marination is Key: Don’t skip or shorten the marination time. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
Balance the Tanginess: If you want to enhance the tanginess, you can add a little more lemon juice or even a tablespoon of mango pickle to the gravy for an extra zing.
Cooking Time: Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Once it’s tender and fully cooked, remove it from heat to avoid drying it out.
Why Achari Chicken Stands Out
Achari Chicken is more than just another chicken dish. It’s a fusion of the best of Indian spices, delivering a complex flavor profile that combines heat, tang, and richness. The Achari masala sets this dish apart from your everyday chicken curry, making it a go-to recipe for those who love bold and vibrant flavors.
This dish is perfect for special occasions or even a cozy family dinner. It’s versatile and can be paired with different types of bread or rice. The pickle-like flavors ensure that it’s not too heavy, making it an ideal dish for lunch or dinner.
Conclusion
Making Achari Chicken at home is a rewarding experience. With the right ingredients and some patience, you can bring the flavors of a North Indian kitchen into your home. The beauty of this dish lies in the way the Achari spices and the creamy yogurt marinade come together to create a balanced yet robust flavor.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find that Achari Chicken is a unique dish that’s bound to become a regular on your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a flavorful meal, this Achari Chicken recipe is sure to impress!
Social Plugin