Top 5 Pakistani Chicken Dishes

Chicken karahi is a poultry dish that is popular in Pakistan and North India. The word karahi in its name refers to a thick and deep cooking-pot similar to a wok in which the dish is prepared. Apart from chicken, the dish is made with red chili powder, cumin, garam masala, ginger, allspice, cardamom, tomatoes, and garlic. When prepared with mutton, the dish is known as gosht karahi. It is traditionally served with rice, roti, or naan.Expand

Murgh tikka is a popular Indian dish made from marinated chicken pieces that are grilled or roasted to perfection. The word "murgh" means chicken in Hindi and Urdu, and "tikka" refers to small, boneless pieces of meat that are marinated and cooked on skewers. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, lemon juice, and sometimes mustard oil, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with a rich, tangy flavor. Common spices in the marinade include turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, and paprika, which also give the dish its signature bright orange or red hue. Traditionally, murgh tikka is cooked in a tandoor (a clay oven), but it can also be prepared on a grill or in an oven. Murgh tikka is often served as an appetizer or snack, accompanied by mint chutney, lemon wedges, and thinly sliced onions. It can also be used as a base for other dishes, such as chicken tikka masala, where the grilled chicken pieces are simmered in a rich, creamy curry sauce.Expand

Chargah is a Lahori chicken specialty made with marinated chicken that is traditionally steamed and then deep-fried until nicely colored and crispy. A whole skinless chicken is thoroughly coated with a flavor-packed mixture of spices, ginger, garlic, lemon or lime juice, vinegar, and sometimes yogurt. Typical spices used in the marinade include green chilis, cumin seeds, cinnamon powder, garam masala powder, chaat masala, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander, and carom seeds. After marinating for several hours or overnight, the chicken is steamed until tender and then fried in hot oil. This classic Pakistani fried chicken is typically accompanied by naan, a fresh salad, and raita on the side. The dish is often enhanced with red or yellow food coloring for a more vibrant dish.Expand

Chicken lahori is a traditional chicken curry hailing from the city of Lahore. It is typically made with chicken pieces that are stir-fried with a variety of spices, plain yogurt, onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, and then simmered with water or chicken stock until the meat is fully cooked. Typical spices include turmeric powder, coriander, hot green chilis, black peppercorns, red chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and garam masala powder. This flavor-packed curry can be enriched with potatoes for added consistency and a more filling meal. Chicken lahori is usually topped with fresh cilantro leaves and accompanied by rice or naan on the side. This spicy chicken curry is a common Pakistani street food item and a staple in Lahori households.Expand

Sajji is a popular Pakistani dish originating from the province of Balochistan. It consists of marinated, skewered, and roasted lamb or chicken. The meat is typically marinated in salt, although it can also be combined with green papaya paste or stuffed with potatoes and rice. Traditionally, whole chickens are roasted over an open fire so that the burning wood imparts a smoky flavor to the meat. When properly prepared, the meat should be crisp on the outside, yet juicy and tender on the inside, and consumers often squeeze lemon juice over the meat before eating. It is recommended to serve sajji with rice, naan bread, and raita dip.Expand