Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, there’s something utterly satisfying about preparing a mouth-watering chicken dish that transports your taste buds to the Indian subcontinent. Whether after a spicy, fiery chicken vindaloo or a comforting, creamy butter chicken, these 16 exclusive best Indian chicken recipes are perfect for all palates.
This blog will guide you through a comprehensive collection of chicken recipes, from popular favourites like curry chicken to regional gems. Along the way, you’ll uncover common misconceptions and handy tips to perfect your Indian cooking. Through each dish, you’ll discover the unique blend of whole and ground spices, the magic behind curry leaves, and the power of ginger and garlic in Indian cuisine.
From boneless delights to easy one-pot meals, these recipes will satiate your cravings and boost your cooking repertoire.
16 Lip-Smacking Indian Chicken Recipes To Try
Amritsari Chicken Masala
Amritsari Chicken Masala is a popular North Indian dish known for its rich and robust flavours. This dish features tender chicken cooked in spicy, aromatic gravy made with traditional Indian spices. The key to achieving the authentic taste lies in the marination process, where the chicken is infused with yoghurt, ginger, garlic, and a blend of ground spices before being cooked to perfection. Serve this Amritsari delicacy with a side of naan or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Read the complete recipe for the Amritsari Chicken Fry
Kerala Chicken Roast
Kerala Chicken Roast is a delightful dish hailing from the southwestern coast of India. This recipe typically features tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices, curry leaves, and coconut milk, creating authentic flavours. The dish is then roasted to perfection, resulting in juicy and flavourful chicken pieces that perfectly embody the essence of Indian cuisine. Kerala Chicken Roast is a must-try for anyone looking to savour Kerala’s culinary heritage’s rich and spicy flavours.
Know how to make Kerala Chicken Roast at home
Chicken Chettinad
Chicken Chettinad is a flavoursome dish hailing from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. Known for its rich and aromatic spices, this recipe typically includes chicken cooked in a blend of peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, and other traditional South Indian spices. The dish is characterised by its distinctive taste profile, combining heat from black pepper with the flavours of coconut, curry leaves, and fennel seeds. Chicken Chettinad is a must-try for those who appreciate bold and complex flavours in Indian cuisine.
Must Read: Chicken Chettinad Recipe
Spicy Tangy Kadhai Chicken
Spicy Tangy Kadhai Chicken is a delightful Indian chicken curry cooked in a traditional kadhai (wok). This dish bursts with bold flavours from aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The tanginess comes from tomatoes and lemon juice, while green chillies add a spicy kick. The essence of curry leaves enhances their authentic taste. Enjoy this juicy and flavourful chicken recipe with hot rotis or steamed rice for a satisfying meal. Spice up your dinner with this classic Indian chicken delight.
Read here the complete recipe for Kadhai Chicken
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian curry dish that is rich, creamy, and flavoured. This popular recipe consists of tender chicken pieces cooked in a buttery tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices like garam masala and cayenne pepper. Adding cream and butter gives it a luscious texture, making it a favourite among Indian food enthusiasts. Serve this indulgent dish with basmati rice or naan for a genuinely satisfying meal experience. Try this lip-smacking version that impresses your taste buds for a restaurant-style Butter Chicken recipe.
Chicken Dum Biryani
Chicken Dum Biryani is a classic Indian dish that combines aromatic basmati rice, tender chicken pieces, and a blend of fragrant spices. This flavourful one-pot meal is a favourite across the Indian subcontinent, and you can easily make it at home with this delicious chicken biryani recipe. Cooking the biryani on low heat allows the flavours to meld perfectly, resulting in tender and juicy chicken. Chicken Dum Biryani promises an explosion of authentic flavours in every bite with ingredients like ginger garlic, whole spices, and saffron-infused milk.
Read the step-by-step recipe to make Chicken Biryani at home
Teekha Murg
Teekha Murg is a fiery Indian chicken curry infused with bold flavours like cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns. This aromatic dish boasts a vibrant hue from the rich tomato base and a kick of heat from green chillies and red chilli powder. Garnished with fresh coriander leaves, Teekha Murg tantalises the taste buds with its spicy and savoury profile, making it a quintessential dish in Indian cuisine. It is served best with steaming hot basmati rice or buttery naan bread.
Murg Malaiwala
Murg Malaiwala is a creamy and luxurious Indian chicken curry infused with aromatic spices and rich flavours. This dish typically features tender chicken pieces cooked in a luscious gravy made with cashew paste, cream, and yoghurt for a smooth texture. Adding spices like garam masala and ginger-garlic paste elevates the dish, creating a delightful culinary experience. Murg Malaiwala is a must-try for those craving a decadent and indulgent Indian chicken curry.
Also Read: Murgh Malai Kebab
Dahi Lasooni Chicken
A delightful twist to traditional Indian chicken recipes, Dahi Lasooni Chicken combines yoghurt’s richness with garlic’s pungency. This dish offers a harmonious blend of creamy textures and bold flavours. Succulent chicken pieces marinated in a vibrant mix of spices are cooked to perfection, creating an aromatic and indulgent dish. Dahi Lasooni Chicken is a must-try for those looking to explore the diverse flavours of Indian cuisine.
Chicken 65
Chicken 65 is a popular spicy chicken appetiser featuring deep-fried boneless chicken. This South Indian dish is known for its fiery red colour and flavourful spices like curry leaves, cayenne pepper, and ginger garlic. The bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated in a mix of yoghurt, red chilli powder, and other aromatic spices before being fried to perfection. Chicken 65 is a must-try for those who enjoy bold and tangy flavours in Indian cuisine.
Read here: Chicken 65 Recipe
Chicken Palwal
Chicken Palwal is a delightful Indian chicken dish originating from the city of Palwal in Haryana. This recipe showcases tender chicken pieces cooked with aromatic spices, curry leaves, and coconut milk for an authentic burst of flavour. The blend of ground and whole spices creates a rich and satisfying curry that pairs perfectly with basmati rice or naan bread. Chicken Palwal is a must-try for those craving a taste of traditional Indian cuisine with a unique regional twist.
Andhra Style Chicken Curry
Andhra Style Chicken Curry is a fiery and flavoursome dish hailing from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It typically features a rich gravy infused with aromatic spices like curry leaves, cayenne pepper, and mustard seeds, giving it a distinctive taste. The dish often includes tender chicken pieces simmered in a blend of coconut milk and tangy tamarind, creating a perfect balance of flavours. This delicious chicken curry recipe is a must-try for those craving authentic South Indian cuisine with a spicy kick.
Also read: Andhra Chicken Korma
Chicken Gilafi Kebab
Chicken Gilafi Kebab is a delightful Indian recipe with succulent chicken pieces marinated with aromatic spices and grilled to perfection. “Gilafi” refers to the layer of bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes wrapped around the kebabs, adding a burst of flavour. This dish is a favourite at gatherings due to its juicy and tender texture, making it a must-try for any chicken kebab lover.
Kalmi Kebab
Kalmi Kebab is a delectable Indian chicken recipe where marinated chicken drumsticks are skewered and grilled to perfection. The marinade blends yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, aromatic spices, and tenderising agents like raw papaya, making it a perfect addition to your meal prep for the week. Once grilled, these succulent kebabs are often served with mint chutney and sliced onions for a burst of flavour. Kalmi Kebab offers a delightful mix of tender chicken with a smoky char, making it a favourite appetiser or main course at gatherings.
Methi Malai Cranberry Chicken
Methi Malai Cranberry Chicken combines the bitterness of fenugreek leaves with the sweetness of cranberries, creating a unique flavour profile. This dish is a delightful fusion of creamy textures from the malai (cream) and the tartness of cranberries, elevating the tender chicken pieces. The aromatic blend of spices enhances the overall experience, making it a must-try for those seeking an innovative twist to traditional Indian chicken recipes.
Also Read: How to make Methi Murgh at home?
Saag Chicken
Saag Chicken is a delightful dish that blends the goodness of greens with succulent chicken pieces. A popular Indian chicken curry, it features a vibrant mix of spinach, fenugreek, and mustard leaves. This dish is rich in flavour, with aromatic spices enhancing the taste profile. Saag Chicken offers a unique culinary experience with its creamy texture and robust flavours, making it a favourite among Indian food enthusiasts. Enjoy this delectable dish with some steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Conclusion
Through this culinary journey, we’ve explored a vast array of Indian chicken recipes, each more delectable than the last. Providing a balance of spices, ingredients, and cooking methods, these recipes cover the spectrum of India’s diverse culinary heritage. Each recipe offers unique flavour profiles. From the zesty tikka masala to the comforting butter chicken, there’s a dish for every mood, occasion, and preference.
These dishes showcase chicken’s versatility and deliciousness, proving it’s so much more than just a lean protein source. Paired with aromatic basmati rice or warm, fluffy naans, these Indian chicken recipes are perfect weekend comfort meals that will impress your family and friends. So whip out your pressure cooker, gather those aromatic spices, and get ready to dive into Indian cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken should I use for these recipes?
For most Indian dishes, it’s best to use skinless, boneless chicken breast or thigh pieces. However, curry recipes like biryani and pulao often use whole chicken pieces, allowing greater flavour infusion during the slow cooking process.
Can I make these dishes without using a specific spice?
While spices are key in Indian cooking, you can modify the recipes to your liking or according to dietary restrictions. However, keep in mind that omitting certain spices may alter the dish’s authentic flavour profile.
How should I store the chicken?
The best way to store raw chicken is to keep it in its original sealed packaging, on the coldest shelf in your refrigerator, and consume it within the ‘use by’ date. For cooked chicken, let it cool down before refrigerating in a covered container; use within two days.
How much onion is needed for 1 kg of chicken?
For 1 kg of chicken, around 200-250 grams of onion would be optimal. This amount ensures that the gravy has the necessary thickness and provides a nice, mild sweetness that complements the spices well.