Pickle Chicken Curry - Delicious Flavorful and Spicy Dish | How to make Pickle Chicken Curry

Welcome to Delicious Savory Secrets, where we uncover mouthwatering recipes for you to enjoy! Today, we have a delightful dish that will tantalize your taste buds: Pickle Chicken Curry. This recipe combines the tangy goodness of pickles with succulent chicken and aromatic spices, creating a unique and flavorful experience.

Let's dive right in.

Pickle Chicken Curry Recipe:
Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup yogurt
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons pickle (any spicy pickle of your choice)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well, ensuring all the chicken pieces are coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or you can refrigerate it overnight for better flavor.
2. Heat oil in a large pan or a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Now, add the marinated chicken along with the marinade to the pan. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken starts to brown.
5. Add the spicy pickle to the pan and mix it with the chicken. Adjust the quantity of pickle according to your taste preference and the spiciness of the pickle.
6. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the chicken cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
7. Check the chicken for doneness. It should be cooked through and tender. If needed, cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
8. Taste the curry and adjust the salt and spice levels according to your preference.
9. Once the chicken is cooked, turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
10. Serve the pickle chicken curry hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti.

Tips for Perfectly Pickle Chicken Curry:

Here are some tips to help you make a perfectly pickle chicken curry:

1. Marination: Ensure that you marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it more tender and flavorful.
2. Choose the Right Pickle: Pickles come in various flavors and levels of spiciness. Choose a pickle that complements the flavors of the chicken and suits your taste preferences. Spicy pickles add an extra kick to the curry, so adjust the quantity according to your spice tolerance.
3. Browning the Chicken: When sautéing the chicken in the pan, make sure to cook it until it turns brown. Browning the chicken enhances the flavor and texture of the curry.
4. Low and Slow Cooking: After adding the pickle and mixing it with the chicken, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the curry simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld together. Cooking on low heat ensures that the chicken becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors of the spices and pickle.
5. Stirring Occasionally: While the curry is cooking, stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.
6. Adjusting Spices: Taste the curry before serving and adjust the salt and spice levels according to your preference. If you want it spicier, you can add a little more pickle or red chili powder. If it's too spicy, you can balance it with a bit of yogurt.
7. Garnish: Freshly chopped coriander leaves add a burst of freshness and a pleasant aroma to the pickle chicken curry. Sprinkle some on top before serving.

Health and Benefit of Pickle Chicken Curry:

Pickle chicken curry can offer several health benefits, depending on the ingredients used and the cooking methods employed. Here are some potential health benefits of pickle chicken curry:

1. Protein Source: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall development. Including chicken in your diet provides high-quality protein that supports tissue maintenance and helps keep you feeling full.
2. Nutrient-Rich Spices: Many spices commonly used in curry, such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and coriander, offer various health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. Ginger and garlic have antimicrobial and digestive properties. Coriander is rich in antioxidants and may help promote digestion.
3. Probiotic Benefits: Some pickles used in chicken curry are fermented, which means they contain beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. Probiotics support a healthy gut by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, aiding digestion, and enhancing nutrient absorption.
4. Antioxidant Properties: Spices and ingredients like turmeric and coriander in pickle chicken curry contain antioxidants that help protect your body against free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and contribute to chronic diseases.

Versatility of Ingredients: 

Pickle chicken curry can be customized with various vegetables like onions, tomatoes, or bell peppers, providing added vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish.
Pickle chicken curry can be a flavorful and nutritious dish, it's important to consider a few factors for a healthier preparation:

1. Choose lean cuts of chicken and remove visible fat before cooking to reduce saturated fat content.
2. Opt for homemade pickles or those with minimal additives and preservatives.
3. Be mindful of the salt content in pickles and adjust the overall sodium intake accordingly.
4. Use healthy cooking methods such as sautéing in minimal oil or opting for baking or grilling instead of deep-frying.

How to Garnish Pickle Chicken Curry:

Garnishing pickle chicken curry adds a visual appeal and can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

1. Fresh Coriander Leaves: Finely chop some fresh coriander leaves and sprinkle them over the curry just before serving. Coriander leaves add a refreshing flavor and a vibrant green color to the dish.
2. Sliced Green Chilies: For those who enjoy extra heat, slice some green chilies and arrange them on top of the curry. This not only adds a spicy kick but also adds a pop of color.
3. Lemon Wedges: Serve the pickle chicken curry with lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing some lemon juice over the curry just before eating can add a tangy twist and balance the flavors.
4. Yogurt Swirl: If the pickle chicken curry is on the spicier side, you can garnish it with a swirl of yogurt. Use a spoon to drizzle some plain yogurt on top of the curry, creating a contrasting creamy texture.
5. Toasted Nuts: Add some crunch and richness to the dish by sprinkling toasted nuts, such as slivered almonds or crushed cashews, over the curry. This adds a delightful texture and nutty flavor.
6. Fried Onions: Thinly slice an onion and deep fry it until golden brown and crispy. Drain the fried onions on a paper towel to remove excess oil, then sprinkle them over the curry. Fried onions not only add a crispy element but also impart a sweet and savory flavor.

Variations of Pickle Chicken Curry:

Here are a few variations of pickle chicken curry that you can try:

1. Mango Pickle Chicken Curry: Instead of using a traditional spicy pickle, incorporate mango pickle into the curry. Mango pickle adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, complementing the chicken beautifully.
2. Lime Pickle Chicken Curry: Lime pickle provides a tangy and zesty twist to the chicken curry. The vibrant citrus flavor of lime pickle adds brightness and freshness to the dish.
3. Garlic Pickle Chicken Curry: For garlic lovers, try using garlic pickle in your chicken curry. Garlic pickle adds a robust and savory flavor, giving the curry a deliciously garlicky kick.
4. Mixed Pickle Chicken Curry: If you enjoy a variety of flavors, consider using a mixed pickle that includes a combination of vegetables like mango, lime, garlic, and other spicy elements. This will create a complex and dynamic flavor profile in the curry.
5. Yogurt-Based Pickle Chicken Curry: For a milder and creamier version of pickle chicken curry, incorporate yogurt-based pickles. These pickles are typically made with yogurt, spices, and vegetables, offering a tangy and mildly spicy taste.
6. Regional Variations: Explore regional variations of pickle chicken curry, such as the Punjabi Achari Murgh or Bengali Aam Kasundi Murgi. Each region may have its own unique blend of spices and pickle flavors that can add distinct characteristics to the dish.
7. Vegetarian/Vegan Options: If you prefer vegetarian or vegan alternatives, you can replace the chicken with tofu, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), or vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, or chickpeas. The pickle and spices will still infuse the dish with flavor and provide a delightful curry experience.

MORE CHICKEN DISHES FOR YOU TO ENJOY:

Butter Chicken

Tandoori Chicken

Chicken Seekh Kebab

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Serving Suggestions for Pickle Chicken Curry:

Pickle chicken curry pairs well with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing the overall dining experience.

1. Steamed Rice: Serve pickle chicken curry with steamed basmati rice or any other variety of rice. The fluffy rice acts as a neutral base, allowing the flavors of the curry to shine. You can also season the rice with a pinch of salt, ghee (clarified butter), or spices like cumin for added aroma.
2. Naan or Roti: Enjoy pickle chicken curry with traditional Indian bread such as naan or roti. These bread options are perfect for scooping up the curry and savoring the flavors together. You can opt for plain naan or try variations like garlic naan or butter naan for added richness.
3. Paratha: Serve pickle chicken curry with flaky and layered parathas. Parathas are made with whole wheat flour and can be plain or stuffed with various fillings like potato, paneer, or spinach. They provide a satisfying and substantial accompaniment to the curry.
4. Chapati or Phulka: Chapati or phulka is a thin, unleavened Indian bread that pairs well with pickle chicken curry. These breads are healthier alternatives and can be easily made at home. They provide a light and wholesome option to enjoy with the flavorful curry.
5. Vegetable Pulao/Biryani: For a more elaborate meal, serve pickle chicken curry with fragrant vegetable pulao or biryani. The aromatic rice dish complements the spicy curry and adds layers of flavors. You can include vegetables like peas, carrots, beans, and bell peppers in the pulao or biryani.
6. Salad: Balance the richness of pickle chicken curry with a fresh and crisp salad. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a sprinkle of lemon juice, salt, and pepper can provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy curry.
7. Raita: Accompany the pickle chicken curry with a cooling yogurt-based side dish like raita. Raita is made with yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped onions, and a sprinkle of spices. It helps to soothe the palate and complements the flavors of the curry.

Nutrition Information for Pickle Chicken Curry:

• Carbohydrates - 1.2 g
• Fiber - 0.98g
• Protein - 8 g
• Vitamin C - 2
• Iron - 6.8mg
• Saturated fat - 4.6 g

Interesting Facts Pickle Chicken Curry | History & Origin of Pickle Chicken Curry:

Chicken pickle is a well-known variety of pickle in South India, originating from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is a traditional recipe with a long history and is enjoyed by people from all cultures. In Andhra Pradesh, it is often referred to as Kodi pachadi. The main ingredients of this pickle are chicken, spices, red chili powder, and salt. Due to its simple recipe and delicious taste, it has become a popular condiment in households across South India.

Bon Appétit

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