Lahori Chargha Recipe
A Lahore-style whole chicken marinated with bold spices and lemon, steamed until tender and finished until richly browned.
Ingredients for Lahori Chargha
- 1 whole chicken, about 1.5 kg
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1.5 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp garam masala
- 0.5 tsp turmeric
- 2 tbsp gram flour
- Salt to taste
- Oil for finishing
How to Make Lahori Chargha
- Make deep cuts in the chicken so the marinade reaches the meat.
- Mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, spices, gram flour and salt.
- Rub the marinade all over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Steam the chicken until fully cooked and tender.
- Finish by shallow frying, deep frying or roasting until the outside is richly browned.
- Serve hot with chaat masala, lemon wedges and chutney.
Helpful Notes for Lahori Chargha
Read the full method before starting, measure the ingredients, and complete any chopping, soaking or marinating first. This makes Lahori Chargha 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.
Lahori Chargha 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 Lahori Chargha
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.