A unique chicken curry that is cooked in Indian Achar/pickling spices and yogurt. Its different from the traditional curry as the flavor of Nigella/Kalonji and Fennel/Sauf give a distinct flavor.

I always used to buy readymade Achari Masala, till I made the Achari spice blend at home. The Achari Masala is so easy to make at home and is so versatile! Besides using it for traditional pickles, I have used it as a stuffing in bhindi, replaced the spices in my Saufiya Karela with Achari Masala and as a tava fry masala for all vegetables,paneer,potatoes and meats!

The mustard oil is recommended for the traditional taste, but it is an acquired taste and it will taste just as good made in ghee or any other oil. Enjoy with fresh rotis and sliced onions.

Also try my healthy minced Chicken kebabs, made without any bread/crumbs or binding agent(A whole 30 recipe) and Kesariya Chicken Tikka, made in a few drops of oil in a pan!

Achari Chicken

Aanchal Gupta

A unique chicken curry that is cooked in Indian Achar/pickling spices and yogurt.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings pounds

Ingredients

2 pounds/907 gms boneless,skinless chicken,washed and cubed
2 onions chopped
3 to matoes chopped
2 tsp ginger minced
2 tsp garlic minced
2 Bayleaves
2 Cloves
3 Green Cardamoms roughly pounded
1 small stick Cinnamon
10-12 Black peppercorns
4 tsp Achari Masala
1 tsp Turmeric/Haldi
1 tsp Kala Namak/Black salt Use regular salt if its not available
2 tsp Kasoori Methi/Dried fenugreek leaves
1 cup thick yogurt/dahi/curd
3 tbsp Mustard Oil Use any oil if its not available

Instructions

In pan heat oil and add whole spices-cinnamon,cloves,bayleaves,cardamoms and peppercorns.
Add chopped onions and cook till pink and translucent.
Add ginger,garlic and cook for a few minutes,till the raw smell goes away.
Add tomatoes and cook till tomatoes are soft.
Add Achari Masala,Haldi/Turmeric,Salt and kasoori methi/Dried fenugreek leaves and mix well.
Add chicken pieces and mix well.
Add yogurt and stir and bring to a boil.
Cover and simmer till chicken is done.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and onion rings.

Notes

Mustard oil gives a unique pickled flavor,though its an acquired taste. Use any oil of your preference if its not available. I used homemade Achari Masala, but you can use the store bought one. The Achari spice mix has salt, so be cautious while adding salt.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Here is the step by step pictorial recipe-

Ingredients