Achari Chicken Masala Spicy Pickling Chicken Curry

Achari Chicken is an innovative twist on traditional Chicken Karahi, with a tangy flavor reminiscent of pickle taste. This quick recipe combines basic ground spices and ingredients for a unique flavor profile that can be prepared in just 30-35 minutes. If you’re familiar with pickles, this dish will feel like second nature. Instead of directly adding pickles to the recipe, we utilize common pickle-making ingredients to create an authentic Achari Chicken experience. Growing up in a rural setting and surrounded by traditional Indian culture, I’ve developed an appreciation for the essential role pickles play as a side dish accompaniment. This familiarity with pickle ingredients has allowed me to expertly incorporate them into this recipe. The end result is a mouth-watering, zesty dish that will leave you craving more. Stick with me as we explore the secret ingredients and serving suggestions that take this Achari Chicken to the next level.

Why We Love This Recipe

What makes our chicken curry truly special is its perfect blend of tangy flavors and aromatic scents. The incorporation of pickle-related ingredients like black mustard seeds (Rai Dana) and Fenugreek seeds (Methi Dana) adds a unique zest to the dish, making it a standout among spice lovers. Not only does this recipe pack a punch with its bold flavor profile, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring just 30-35 minutes of your time from start to finish. This beloved Achari Chicken recipe holds a special place in our hearts and is sure to become a family favorite. One of the best aspects of this dish is that it doesn’t require any exotic or grinding spices – simply basic ground spices and pickle-related ingredients are all you need to create its unforgettable taste.

Marination

To begin crafting the Achari Chicken recipe, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the marinating process.

At the core of this dish is the chicken itself, which can be either boneless or bone-in. While I prefer a mix of both, feel free to use whatever type suits your taste buds best.

Next, you’ll need some fundamental spices to infuse into the marinate. These include turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt – a trifecta that will tenderize, moisten, and enhance the flavor of the chicken.

Another essential component is yogurt, which plays a crucial role in allowing the spices to adhere to the chicken and imparting a tangy zest. When selecting yogurt for marination, opt for whole milk variety to get the best results.

How To Make Achari Chicken

As the foundation of this flavorful dish, marination is a crucial step. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with a blend of ground spices including turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Next, add a dollop of yogurt and mix well until the ingredients are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.

Moving on to the onions, heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial in developing the aroma and texture of the dish.

Now it’s time to introduce the marinated chicken and garlic into the pan. Sauté the mixture over high heat for 2 minutes, ensuring that the flavors are well combined. Don’t forget to add a pinch of garlic paste, as it will elevate the overall flavor profile.

The next step involves adding a medley of spices including chopped tomatoes, Achari masala, Nigella Seeds (Kalonji), and cardamom. Additionally, add a splash of water to facilitate the distribution of flavors. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

After 3 or 4 minutes, check the consistency of the gravy. If it starts to separate, add half a glass of water and continue to simmer for another 13-15 minutes. This prolonged cooking time will ensure that the chicken is tender and juicy.

Finally, remove any seeds from the green chilies and fill them with chat masala. Toss these over the curry and your dish is now ready to be devoured.

Nabeel a’s Pro Tips

When preparing Achari Masala, it’s essential to use the powder form and grind all spices together using a mortar and pestle. This process allows the flavors to meld seamlessly into the curry, resulting in a more intense taste experience. If you’re new to working with Achari Masala, you can opt for a readily available alternative like Shan Achar Gosht Masala.To take your dish to the next level, consider adding a few tablespoons of yogurt towards the end to achieve the perfect consistency and creaminess. The subtle tanginess of lemon juice also plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors, so be sure to squeeze in 2 lemons’ worth over the curry.

FAQs

When preparing Achari Chicken, some questions may arise about ingredient substitutions or shortcuts. One common inquiry is whether to add pickles directly to the dish. However, it’s not recommended to do so as the resulting curry would likely be overpoweringly sour and unpalatable. Instead, consider incorporating ingredients commonly used in pickle-making, such as nigella seeds, black mustard seeds, cumin, and fenugreek seeds.Another question that comes up is whether boneless chicken can be used in place of traditional bone-in chicken. The answer is yes, you can use either boneless chicken breast or thighs for this recipe. However, keep in mind that the cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly, as boneless chicken cooks more quickly than its bone-in counterpart. Additionally, reduce the amount of water in the curry, as the moisture from the chicken and tomatoes will still be sufficient to infuse the dish with flavor.Finally, some home cooks may wonder if they can use store-bought Achari Masala to streamline their recipe. The answer is yes, you can certainly utilize this pre-mixed blend of spices to simplify the cooking process.

Variations

Achari Chicken is one of my go-to dishes, as I enjoy experimenting with different flavors by adding or subtracting ingredients. My most recent iteration involved incorporating dairy yogurt alongside store-bought cream, which resulted in a delightfully creamy and slightly sweet dish. For an added kick, you can drizzle pickle oil at the end to infuse the recipe with a zesty and spicy flavor. Additionally, tossing in some chopped capsicum not only adds a nutritious twist but also provides a satisfying crunch. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing Achari Chicken to suit your taste buds.

Complimentary Serving With Achari Chicken Curry?

The rich flavor profile of Achari Chicken makes it a perfect pairing for various Indian bread options like parathas, naan, roti or chapati. But that’s not all – the magic happens when you add some crunchy elements to the mix, such as raita, salad and mint chutney, which provide a delightful contrast to the spicy dish. And let’s be real, a cold drink is the ultimate game-changer that brings everything together

Achari Chicken Masala

Achari Chicken is a flavorful twist on the classic Chicken Karahi, with a tangy pickle-like taste. This speedy recipe requires just basic ground spices and everyday ingredients, yet it delivers an exceptional culinary experience. In fact, you can have this mouthwatering dish ready in as little as 30 to 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

Instructions

In a bowl, combine 1 teaspoon each of turmeric powder, red chili, and salt to create the marinade. Add half a cup of yogurt and mix until well combined. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together effectively. Next, heat oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until they turn golden brown. Add the marinated chicken and 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste to the pan, stirring constantly. Increase the heat and cook for two minutes, allowing the garlic paste to enhance the flavor of the chicken. Tomatoes, pickling spices in their ground form, and cardamom can then be added, along with a splash of water to spread the flavors. Simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to achieve juicy chicken. Stir occasionally and wait for the desired level of doneness. If using a mortar and pestle or machine grinder, grind all Achari Masala spices before adding them to the dish. After simmering for 3-4 minutes, add half a glass of water if oil begins to separate. Sauté for an additional 13-15 minutes until the chicken is tender and juicy. Finally, remove seeds from green chilies, fill with chat masala, and add to the curry. This step is optional and can be skipped if desired. With these steps complete, our chicken curry with pickling spices is now ready to serve.