Chicken Achari Recipe
Tangy Pakistani chicken achari cooked with tomatoes, yogurt and aromatic pickling spices for a bold, slightly sour curry.
Ingredients for Chicken Achari
- 750 g chicken, curry cut
- 1 onion, finely sliced
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1½ tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp nigella seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp fenugreek seeds
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 3 green chilies
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
- Salt and lemon juice to taste
How to Make Chicken Achari
- Heat oil and fry the onion until soft and lightly golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and chicken, then fry until the chicken changes colour.
- Add tomatoes, red chili, turmeric and salt and cook until the tomatoes soften.
- Whisk the yogurt and stir it in over medium-low heat.
- Crush the fennel, nigella, mustard and fenugreek lightly and add them with the green chilies.
- Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and the masala is thick.
- Finish with a little lemon juice for extra tang and serve hot.
Helpful Notes for Chicken Achari
Read the full method before starting, measure the ingredients, and complete any chopping, soaking or marinating first. This makes Chicken Achari easier to cook and helps every stage finish at the right time.
Cut chicken into even pieces so they cook at the same rate. Let the masala become glossy before the final simmer, then check the thickest pieces carefully so the chicken is cooked through without becoming dry.
Cool leftovers promptly and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a spoonful of water if needed, stirring the gravy so the chicken warms evenly before serving.
Chicken Achari Cooking Tips
- Cut the chicken into even pieces so every portion cooks at the same rate.
- Cook the masala until it looks glossy before the final simmer for a fuller flavour.
- Add fresh ginger, coriander or green chilli near the end to keep the garnish bright.
Questions About Chicken Achari
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes. Reduce or increase the chilli to suit your household, while keeping the other spices in balance so the dish remains aromatic.
What should I do before I start cooking?
Read the full method once, measure the ingredients, and prepare any chopped items first. This makes the steps easier to follow and helps the dish cook evenly.