Spicy Shredded Chicken Chaat with Tamarind and Fresh Coriander

Chicken Chaat
A tangy and spicy shredded chicken dish that brings vibrant flavors to your palate, with a hint of heat from green chilies and a zesty kick from tamarind or lemon juice. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially for those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors. It’s dairy-free and perfectly suited for a light, flavorful meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Dietary Information: Dairy-Free
Spice Level: Hot
Rating: 4.0 (47 votes)
Views: 82,282

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a pan and cover with water. Add the garlic cloves and salt to the water. Set the pan on a gentle heat and allow the chicken to cook for about 10 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the water and leave it to cool. Keep the water as stock for later use.

2. Prepare the Base: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and cook gently until they become soft and browned.

3. Add Spices and Tamarind: Stir in the chopped green chilies and a pinch of salt to taste. Then, pour in the tamarind water (or lemon juice) along with a bit of the reserved chicken stock. Allow the mixture to simmer, reducing the sauce slightly. Add a bit more stock and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

4. Season the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the red chili powder and mango powder (amchoor). Mix well and continue to simmer.

5. Shred the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, shred the cooked chicken using two forks into fine pieces. Add the shredded chicken to the pan with the sauce, stirring to coat the chicken thoroughly in the flavorful mixture.

6. Final Touches: Let the chicken cook in the sauce for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once done, remove from the heat and sprinkle with garam masala and a handful of fresh chopped coriander.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken chaat warm as a tasty snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal. It pairs wonderfully with naan or can be enjoyed on its own for a light, zesty bite.

Allergen Information:

• Dairy-Free: This recipe contains no dairy products, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.

Dietary Preferences:

• Spicy: The green chilies and red chili powder give this dish its hot and fiery flavor, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Gluten-Free: As there are no gluten-containing ingredients, this dish is also suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
• Low-Carb: With the focus on lean chicken and a simple sauce, this dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a good choice for those on a low-carb or keto diet.

Tips for Making Chicken Chaat:

• Adjust the Spice Level: The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or fewer green chilies and red chili powder, depending on your personal preference. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili.
• Chicken Options: While chicken thighs are used here for their tenderness and flavor, you can substitute them with chicken breasts or even leftover cooked chicken for a quicker version.
• Tamarind Water Substitute: If you don’t have tamarind water, fresh lemon juice can be used as a tangy substitute. Adjust the quantity to your taste.

Conclusion:

Chicken Chaat is a flavorful, dairy-free, and spicy dish that brings together the best of tangy tamarind, zesty lemon, and hot chilies. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a light meal, or as part of a larger spread, this recipe will add a burst of flavor to your table. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or any occasion that calls for a tasty and vibrant dish. Enjoy the bold spices and tender chicken in this delightful Indian-inspired recipe!