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.
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.
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.
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.
Related Recipes
Achari chicken recipe
Achari chicken
For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card
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
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.
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)
© Swasthi’s Recipes
This the Best Achari Chicken! I guess its’ all in the ground spices. I followed the recipe exactly and it was an hit with my flatmates. All I did different was to use some chillis which I stuffed with some aam ka achaar pickle. Let them cook on low the last 5 minutes. Thank you. Would love if you can add the stepwise pictures.
Thank you so much Gaurav,
Thanks for letting us know how it turned out. Yes will do it.
Take your time, savor the fragrance of these beautiful spices and you will be rewarded with a delightful soul-warming dish that you will want to make again and again. ♥
Zita, Thank you so much!
🙂
I just made this for lunch today it turned out really well. I didn’t have mustard oil so I used coconut oil and I also forgot the capsicum. 🤦♀️However it is delicious!
I also made your chicken vindaloo over the weekend and it was sooo good. I was eating leftovers till Tuesday. 😂
Thank you! So happy I discovered your blog. Will surely attempt more recipes in the future.
Hello Lena
That’s Awesome! Glad you like the recipes. Thank you so much
🙂
Loved loved loved this recipe! If I wanted to transfer this recipe into a marinade for raw bone-in chicken to use on the bbq, do you have any suggestions? I’m wondering if I dry roast the spices a bit on a hot pan, then grind em up and mix them into yogurt and toss the chicken in….does that seem like a good idea?
Hi KTB
Thank you! I have a tandoori chicken recipe here. Follow that recipe to make yogurt marinade, just add this achari ground spices there
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.
Glad to know!
Thanks for leaving a comment.
If I am cooking a 1.8kg free range chicken cut into pieces on the bone, do I just multiply the amount accordingly?
Yes.
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?
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!
🙂
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!
Welcome Lana,
That’s great to hear!
🙂
Absolutely delicious. I made it as written and added mango pickle. Wonderful! This made my husband very happy too!
Happy to hear that!
Thank you so much!
What’s the reason that you have to let it rest for 30 mins before serving? Is that after switching off the heat?
Yes after turning off the heat. It absorbs the flavors.
Followed this and earlier butter chicken and korma. Easy and tasty. Thanks Swasthi.
Excellent recipe! Very tasty dish ?
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
Welcome Vaibhav. It is mentioned in step 13.
I will add your email to the subscription list.
Thank you
Your recipe was great but do u have any video or step by step picture link do share plz
Thanks Fatima
Yes I have the video but will take time
Thanks a lot ,i will wait for your video plz send the link when its done
Recipe was awesome, but i missed your step by step pics
loved your Achari Chicken
Please email me when you have new receipies
Thank you!
I have added you to the subscription list. You need to confirm the subscription when you receive the first mail.
Thank you didi.
Achari chicken came out awesome.
Welcome Honey
When to add pickle??? Also pics are not there… ?
I add it after the chicken is cooked. I will be sharing a video.
Thank you maam… I just made it.. And as always it super…
You are welcome! Thank you! Glad you liked it.
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
Welcome Ranvir,
Thank you! Hope you like it!