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Chicken Chaat Recipe

4.7 from 76 reviews

A vibrant and tangy Chicken Chaat recipe featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with aromatic spices, tamarind paste, and fresh vegetables. This Indian street food-inspired dish is perfect as a flavorful snack or light meal, garnished with coriander, spring onion, and zesty lemon wedges.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Oil

  • 2 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large garlic clove, crushed
  • 2 green chillies, finely chopped
  • 1 large tomato, finely chopped
  • ¼ cucumber, finely chopped
  • small handful coriander, finely chopped
  • 1 spring onion, finely sliced

Spices and Condiments

  • 4 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp chaat masala
  • lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions

  1. Brown the chicken: Heat half of the oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned all over. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Pour the remaining oil into the pan and reduce heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onion and fry for 2-3 minutes until it softens. Stir in the crushed garlic and finely chopped green chillies and cook for another 7-9 minutes until the onions are translucent and soft.
  3. Cook chicken with spices: Return the browned chicken to the pan. Add tamarind paste, garam masala, and chaat masala. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken with spices. Season with salt to taste, cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Finish and garnish: Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for 2 minutes. Stir in the finely chopped tomato and cucumber. Garnish with chopped coriander and sliced spring onion. Serve immediately with lemon wedges alongside for squeezing over the dish to add fresh zest.

Notes

  • For more heat, add extra green chillies or sprinkle additional chaat masala on top before serving.
  • If tamarind paste is unavailable, a mixture of lemon juice and a pinch of brown sugar can be used as a substitute for tanginess.
  • Ghee gives a rich flavor, but vegetable oil can be used as a lighter alternative.
  • This dish is best served fresh and slightly warm for the best texture and taste.
  • Serve with plain rice or flatbreads like naan for a fuller meal.

Keywords: Chicken chaat, Indian chicken recipe, tamarind chicken, spicy chicken dish, street food, Indian snack