Chicken Chaat

Punjab Chicken Chaat Recipe - A Flavorful and Spicy Dish

Region / culture: Punjab | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Chaat is a popular Indian street food dish that is bursting with flavor and spices. It is a delicious and tangy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion.

History

Chicken Chaat originated in India and has been a favorite street food snack for many years. It is a dish that is loved for its bold flavors and unique combination of spices.

Ingredients

500 g boneless chicken
0.75 cup chopped onion
1 tsp garam masala powder
1 tbsp chopped green coriander
1 tsp dried mango powder
1 tsp chopped green chili
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tbsp oil
salt to taste

How to prepare

Clean and cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.
Boil the chicken pieces in salted boiling water for 1 minute.
Drain the excess water and chill the chicken in a refrigerator.
Mix the chopped onions, garam masala powder, dry mango powder, chopped green chilies, red chili powder, salt, chopped green coriander, lemon juice, and oil with the cooked chicken pieces.
Arrange the mixture in a serving platter or bowl.
Decorate with tomato slices or a tomato rose.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Use yogurt instead of oil for a creamy texture.
Add chaat masala for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to boil the chicken for just 1 minute to keep it tender and juicy.

- Chill the chicken in the refrigerator before mixing it with the spices to enhance the flavors.

- Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.

- Garnish with fresh coriander and lemon juice for a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Chaat as an appetizer or snack with a side of mint chutney or tamarind sauce. It can also be enjoyed as a main dish with rice or naan.

Cooking Techniques

Boil, chill, mix, and serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tofu or paneer instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute dried mango powder with lemon juice for a tangy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, lemon slices, and tomato roses for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Chaat with a refreshing mint cooler or a sweet lassi for a perfect combination of flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Chicken Chaat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 200

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Fats: 8g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium

Alergens

Allergens: None

Summary

Chicken Chaat is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and delicious choice.

Summary

Chicken Chaat is a flavorful and spicy dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and unique combination of spices, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this delicious Indian street food snack today!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Chicken Chaat. It was a warm summer day, with the sun shining brightly through the windows of my kitchen. I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother, when I stumbled upon a page that caught my eye. The recipe for Chicken Chaat.

I had never heard of Chicken Chaat before, but the ingredients and method intrigued me. It was a blend of tangy and spicy flavors, with a hint of sweetness from the mango chutney. I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered all the required ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. As I chopped the onions, garlic, and ginger, the aroma filled the room and I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation. I marinated the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, letting it sit for a few hours to absorb all the flavors.

Once the chicken was ready, I heated up a pan and started cooking. The sizzle of the chicken as it hit the hot oil, the fragrance of the spices as they mingled together, it was a symphony for the senses. I added in the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and a dollop of mango chutney, stirring everything together until the chicken was cooked through and the sauce had thickened.

I took a small taste and my taste buds exploded with delight. The tangy yogurt, the spicy chilies, the sweetness of the mango chutney, it was a perfect balance of flavors. I knew I had stumbled upon a gem of a recipe.

I served the Chicken Chaat to my family that evening and their reactions were unanimous. They loved it. The flavors danced on their tongues and they couldn't get enough. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would make again and again for years to come.

As time went on, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my family's tastes. I added more chilies for a kick of heat, a dash of cumin for depth of flavor, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Each time I made Chicken Chaat, it brought back memories of that first time I discovered it, the excitement of trying something new and the satisfaction of creating a delicious dish from scratch.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making Chicken Chaat to the next generation. They too fell in love with the flavors, the aromas, and the memories that this dish brought with it.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the recipes I have collected and mastered over the years, Chicken Chaat holds a special place in my heart. It's not just a dish, but a reminder of that sunny summer day when I stumbled upon something new and exciting, a reminder of the joy that comes from creating something delicious and sharing it with the ones you love. And for that, I am forever grateful.