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Home >> Recipes >> Chicken Recipes

Achari chicken

By swasthi , on May 27, 2020, 30 Comments, Jump to Recipe

Achari chicken is a North Indian dish made by cooking chicken with pickling spices. “Achaar” is an Hindi term which means pickle. In North Indian cuisine there are a lot of dishes which are made with achari spices or achari masala. These have a wonderful flavor and taste very much different from the usual dishes.

achari chicken

This recipe will give you a very flavorful, delicious, spicy & slightly tangy achari chicken. It goes very well with Indian breads like naan, tandoori roti, paratha or even with phulka (roti). It also goes well with plain basmati rice, jeera rice or ghee rice.

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Achari chicken is best eaten during the cold winters as it is the right time to enjoy spicy and hot foods. Many people love to add a bit of pickle to any achari dish. It is optional and you may add or skip it.

But just note that all kinds of pickles are not suitable to use in this dish. I have only liked mango pickle here. I always feel the dish tastes good even without the addition of pickle.

This recipe has been roughly adapted from this achari paneer.

Similar recipes
Methi chicken
Tandoori chicken
Chicken vindaloo
Butter chicken

Tips

Mustard oil is used to make any achari dish. However if you do not have it you may replace it with any other cooking oil. But the flavor will not be anywhere close to the authentic achari chicken. As a substitute you can try adding a few tbsps of pickle made with mustard oil.

Achari masala is a blend of pickling spices used in this recipe. Do not alter the quantities of spices as it will alter the taste of the entire dish. Also do not use any ready made or store bought powder for this recipe. The specialty of the dish lies in the fresh ground achari masala.

Roasting spices is optional & can be skipped as the ground spices are sauteed in oil later in the recipe. However if you prefer to make the powder ahead, then you can dry roast and powder. This increases the shelf life of the powder.

Green bell pepper is a secret ingredient which is used in many Indian restaurants especially abroad. I always make mine with it as it enhances the achari flavor in the dish. However I have mentioned it as a optional ingredient here. Please do not use bitter bell peppers.

achari chicken recipe

Tips to use curd

Curd or yogurt is another key ingredient in this recipe. It not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a flavor & texture to the dish. Please use only fresh homemade thick curd or yogurt. If you are new to cooking then you can follow this homemade thick curd recipe and make your own.

  • Avoid sour yogurt to make achari chicken. I feel it makes the dish too acidic.
  • Using yogurt with low fats or with too much whey in it can curdle while cooking.
  • Always whisk the yogurt well until smooth before adding.
  • Keep the flame extremely low and add the curd to the pan in batches.
  • You can also use greek yogurt that is fresh.

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Achari chicken recipe

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achari chicken recipe

Achari chicken

Spicy & tangy chicken cooked with pickling spices like mustard, fennel seeds, methi & red chilies. Serve it with rice, roti or naan.
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For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings4
AuthorSwasthi

Ingredients (US cup = 240ml )

Achari masala

  • 4 dried red chilies (less spicy variety)
  • 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
  • ¼ tablespoon mustard seeds (use yellow if you have)
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds (jeera)
  • 2 Pinches fenugreek seeds (methi seeds)
  • 1½ tablespoons fennel seeds (saunf)

other ingredients for achari chicken

  • 1 cup onions very finely chopped (2 large)
  • ¾ cup tomatoes chopped or pureed (2 no)
  • 2 tablespoons oil (preferably mustard oil)
  • ½ to ¾ tsp kalonji (onion seeds) (skip if you do not have)
  • 1 pinch mustard (optional)
  • 1/8 teaspoon asafoetida (hing) (skip if you do not have)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1½ teaspoon chilli powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1½ teaspoon sugar (to balance the flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
  • ½ cup curd (dahi or fresh yogurt) (refer notes)
  • ½ cup hot water (use only as needed)
  • ½ kg chicken (preferably bone-in)
  • 1 tablespoon pickle (optional) achar (use any of your choice)

For garnish (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (optional, I do not use)
  • 1 teaspoon shredded ginger
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Instructions

Preparation

  • Prepare the achari spice powder by adding red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin, mustard, fennel seeds and methi seeds to a spice jar.
  • Make a fine powder set aside.
  • Beat the yogurt well with a whisk until smooth.

How to make achari chicken

  • Heat oil in a pan. If using mustard oil, heat it until smoky hot.
  • Add kalonji seeds & mustard. When they splutter add hing. 
  • Next add onions and saute until golden stirring often.
  • Add ginger garlic paste and fry till the raw smell goes away. Reduce the flame and stir in the achari spice powder.
  • Saute until a nice aroma comes out just for 1 to 2 mins. Avoid over frying as it can turn bitter.
  • Pour the tomato puree and saute till the masala thickens. Then add red chili powder, turmeric, salt and sugar.
  • Saute on a low heat for 2 to 3 mins until the masala leaves the pan. Take a tablespoon of this masala and mix it with the whisked yogurt.
  • Ensure flame is very low at this stage and add half of the yogurt. Stir well to incorporate it with the onion tomato masala.
  • Add the rest of the yogurt and mix well. Cook until the masala leaves the pan. 
  • Transfer the chicken and saute it for about 3 to 4 mins on a low heat.
  • When the chicken turns pale, cover and cook for about 3 to 5 mins stirring occasionally.
  • By now chicken releases some moisture, based on this add some hot water to make a thick masala. You may need anywhere in between ½ to 1 cup water depending on the chicken. If you prefer your curry to be on the thicker side & not runny you will need only half cup.
  • Cover and cook until the chicken is tender & cooked fully. If using achaar or pickle, stir it at this stage. Taste it and add more salt or sugar at this stage.
  • Add ginger juliennes. Cover & rest the achari chicken for at least 30 mins before serving.
  • If desired squeeze in some lemon juice before serving. Serve with basmati rice, roti or naan.
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Notes

  • Ensure you use fresh thick yogurt at room temperature. Whisk well before adding it to the pan. 
  • I personally prefer to add half of a large green capsicum to this recipe. I blend it with the tomatoes and use. Capsicum enhances the flavor of the dish. 
  • Avoid using cold water as it can toughen the chicken. 
  • The amount of water to use depends on the chicken. Sometimes chicken releases lot of moisture. Use only as needed.
  • Adjust the consistency of the dish as desired. 

Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.

For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.

NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)

Nutrition Facts
Achari chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 431 Calories from Fat 261
% Daily Value*
Fat 29g45%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 100mg33%
Sodium 732mg32%
Potassium 687mg20%
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 28g56%
Vitamin A 1041IU21%
Vitamin C 78mg95%
Calcium 152mg15%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @SwasthisRecipes or tag #swasthisrecipes!

© Swasthi’s Recipes

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About swasthi

I’m Swasthi shreekanth, the recipe developer, food photographer & food writer behind Swasthis recipes. My aim is to help you cook great Indian food with my time-tested recipes. After 2 decades of experience in practical Indian cooking I started this blog to help people cook better & more often at home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook I am sure Swasthi’s Recipes will assist you to enhance your cooking skills.
Read more..

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Recipe Rating




30 Comments
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Saum
December 30, 2020 10:47 am

5 stars
Followed the recipe to the T (capsicum tip included) before inTurned out awesome! Just a minor deviation – I pan fry my standard marination chicken before adding to gravy.

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Saum
December 30, 2020 2:17 pm

Glad to know!
Thanks for leaving a comment.

Reply
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sunil sharma
October 23, 2020 6:24 pm

If I am cooking a 1.8kg free range chicken cut into pieces on the bone, do I just multiply the amount accordingly?

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  sunil sharma
October 24, 2020 1:01 am

Yes.

Reply
Lana P
September 30, 2020 6:56 pm

5 stars
Delicious! Thank you, Swasthi, this recipe is amazing. The only thing I did differently was to cook the outside of the chicken in the hot oil at the very beginning before adding the kalonji seeds and pinch of mustard (I used mustard seeds at this step – was it supposed to be ground mustard?).

Mustard oil is banned here in the US and an internet search for a substitute advised adding 1tsp of ground yellow mustard per every 2T oil so I used canola oil and added the tsp of ground mustard at the same time as the asafoetida. I’m curious to know how close this substitution comes to the flavor of the mustard oil – Swasthi, have you ever tried this?

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Lana P
October 4, 2020 5:20 am

Hi Lana,
You are welcome! Sorry I took too long to reply you.
Yes it’s mustard seeds. I think what you made is a close substitute. But Mustard oil is easily available you can check on amazon.
Thanks for leaving a comment!
🙂

Reply
Lana P
Reply to  swasthi
October 7, 2020 4:36 pm

5 stars
Many thanks for the reply and info. Another amazing recipe – I thought my husband was going to drink the sauce! This is now my go-to recipe for chicken korma. Thanks again, Swasthi!

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Lana P
October 8, 2020 4:17 am

Welcome Lana,
That’s great to hear!
🙂

Reply
Melissa
August 31, 2020 1:39 am

5 stars
Absolutely delicious. I made it as written and added mango pickle. Wonderful! This made my husband very happy too!

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Melissa
September 1, 2020 7:30 am

Happy to hear that!
Thank you so much!

Reply
Supriya
July 13, 2020 10:14 pm

What’s the reason that you have to let it rest for 30 mins before serving? Is that after switching off the heat?

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Supriya
July 14, 2020 12:31 am

Yes after turning off the heat. It absorbs the flavors.

Reply
Lakshman
July 4, 2020 3:44 pm

Followed this and earlier butter chicken and korma. Easy and tasty. Thanks Swasthi.

Reply
Suja Nair
June 27, 2020 6:59 pm

5 stars
Excellent recipe! Very tasty dish ?

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Vaibhav Kamble
May 25, 2020 4:51 pm

Thank you!
You missed pickle in the steps still your recipe is good.im sending my email I’d please mail me if any new recipe.

Vaibhav Kamble

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Vaibhav Kamble
May 27, 2020 5:50 am

Welcome Vaibhav. It is mentioned in step 13.
I will add your email to the subscription list.
Thank you

Reply
Fatima
May 4, 2020 10:19 am

Your recipe was great but do u have any video or step by step picture link do share plz

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Fatima
May 4, 2020 10:30 am

Thanks Fatima
Yes I have the video but will take time

Reply
Fatima
Reply to  swasthi
May 4, 2020 9:01 pm

Thanks a lot ,i will wait for your video plz send the link when its done

Reply
Fatima
May 3, 2020 9:32 am

Recipe was awesome, but i missed your step by step pics

Reply
Amit Kohli
April 11, 2020 10:01 pm

5 stars
loved your Achari Chicken
Please email me when you have new receipies

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Amit Kohli
April 13, 2020 11:09 am

Thank you!
I have added you to the subscription list. You need to confirm the subscription when you receive the first mail.

Reply
Honey
February 2, 2020 4:55 pm

5 stars
Thank you didi.
Achari chicken came out awesome.

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Honey
February 3, 2020 11:07 am

Welcome Honey

Reply
Tabassum
February 1, 2020 10:18 am

When to add pickle??? Also pics are not there… ?

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Tabassum
February 1, 2020 10:23 am

I add it after the chicken is cooked. I will be sharing a video.

Reply
Tabassum
Reply to  swasthi
February 1, 2020 2:39 pm

Thank you maam… I just made it.. And as always it super…

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Tabassum
February 1, 2020 2:43 pm

You are welcome! Thank you! Glad you liked it.

Reply
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Ranvir
January 29, 2020 5:38 pm

This looks awesome. I have been trying your recipes for an year now. All of them turned out good. Will be making a Achari chicken soon. Thank you

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Ranvir
January 30, 2020 6:58 am

Welcome Ranvir,
Thank you! Hope you like it!

Reply

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