8 Delicious Chicken Dishes You Have to Try in The Indian Cuisine

Indian food is all about delicious aromas, bold flavours, and exciting textures. Chicken is a popular choice in many Indian dishes, and there are tons of delicious ways it's cooked! Here are 8 classic Indian chicken dishes you have to try!

8 Delicious Chicken Dishes

1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani):

This famous dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Delicious pieces of chicken are marinated in yoghurt and spices and then cooked in a rich tomato sauce. But what makes it special? Butter and cream!

This creates a luscious and creamy sauce that's perfect with a fresh garlic naan (soft flatbread).

2. Chicken Tikka Masala:

Similar to Butter Chicken, Tikka Masala has a slightly different taste. The chicken is marinated and cooked in a tandoor oven (a special clay oven) for a smoky flavour.

Then, it's simmered in a tomato sauce with spices like coriander, giving it a more earthy taste. Both are delicious, but Tikka Masala is a touch less creamy and smokier.

3. Chicken Biryani:

Feel like royalty with Chicken Biryani! This fragrant rice dish is layered with juicy chicken and warming spices like saffron and cardamom. It comes in many variations but always features a flavourful rice cooked with chicken and spices.

Often prepared in a sealed pot, the flavours combine perfectly. Biryani is a whole meal on its own, sometimes served with raita (yoghurt dip) or a salad for added freshness.

4. Tandoori Chicken:

This classic can be an appetiser or a main course. The chicken is marinated in yoghurt, lemon juice, and a special spice mix called tandoori masala. This mix has ginger, garlic, cumin, and paprika for a vibrant flavour.

The chicken is then cooked in a tandoor oven, giving it a beautiful deep red colour and smoky char. Tandoori chicken is typically served with mint chutney (sauce) and sliced onions for a delicious flavour contrast.

5. Chettinad Chicken:

Travel virtually to southern India with Chettinad Chicken, a fiery dish that packs a punch! The chicken is cooked in a thick gravy made with coconut, chillies, and a unique blend of spices native to the South of India.

These spices can include black pepper, cloves, and even star anise, creating a complex and soulful flavour. Be warned, this dish is known for its generous use of chillies, so expect some heat!

6. Chicken Kofta:

Tired of regular chicken dishes? Try Malai Kofta, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness! Ground chicken mixed with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), nuts, and spices.

Then, it's shaped into rounds and cooked in a creamy sauce flavoured with cashews and cardamom. The rich sauce is balanced by the sweetness of the paneer, resulting in a distinctive and satisfying dish.

7. Kadai Chicken:

This dish from North India is both spicy and tangy. Chicken is stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, peppers, and a strong spice mix. The key ingredient here is tamarind paste, which adds a hint of sourness.

Kadai Chicken shows how Indian cuisine uses simple ingredients to create amazing dishes.

Also Read:

The Ultimate Guide for Making Chicken Shawarma at Home

8. Dahi Chicken:

This comforting dish is perfect for a cosy night in. Chicken is simmered in a creamy yoghurt sauce flavoured with ginger, garlic, and a touch of fenugreek.

The yoghurt adds a nice tang and creaminess, while the mild spices create a warm and inviting aroma. Dahi Chicken is a great option for those who prefer milder curries and goes well with steamed rice or jeera rice (rice flavoured with cumin).

This is just a taste of the incredible variety of Indian chicken dishes. Every region in India has its specialities, so there's always something new to discover! So grab a fork, dive into these classic dishes, and experience the magic of Indian food!