What Is Achari Chicken?
Hailing from Northern India, achari chicken is a dish that combines chicken with pickling spices. “Achaar” in Hindi means pickle. The flavour and taste of this spice is unique and different from other curries, and for this reason, it is used in many dishes throughout Northern India. The ingredients commonly found in achari chicken masala powder include allspice, asafoetida, bay leaf, coriander, cumin, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, garam masala, garlic, ginger, mango powder, mustard seeds, nigella seeds, and turmeric.
The preparation of achari chicken is similar to any Indian curry, yet the ingredients pack an unusual punch with authentic flavour and taste. For a long time, this dish has been made in the north, particularly in Rajasthan. The weather is much hotter in the north of India, and curries that use pickling spices enhance the taste and help preserve the food for longer.
Achari chicken goes well with Indian-style bread such as naan, tandoori roti, paratha, and also goes well with basmati rice, jeera rice, and ghee rice.
3 tips for making the best achari chicken curry
- Use chicken thigh instead of breast
The juiciness of a chicken thigh tastes much better than dry breast, and using thigh in your curry will take it to the next level.
- Marinade the meat
When cooking this dish you need to marinate the meat in achari chicken masala powder for a reasonable time. Doing so will soften the meat and give it a chance to soak up all the beautiful flavour and aroma within the spice.
- Make it fresh
Use fresh spices that haven’t been in the cupboard too long. When you buy spice and use it within a few weeks, you know your meals will be as fresh as possible.
If you want to try this unique spice mix, Leena Spices offer a gluten-free, preservative-free, additive-free recipe with flavors that dance off the plate. Try the Achari Chicken Masala Powder today.