Have you ever wondered what’s the most popular Indian chicken dish that has taken the world by storm? I’ve been obsessed with Indian cuisine for years and I can tell you – there’s a delicious battle happening between several mouthwatering contenders!
Indian chicken dishes are renowned for their complex flavors, aromatic spices, and incredible variety. After diving deep into the latest rankings and recipes, I’m excited to share with you the definitive guide to India’s most beloved chicken creations.
The Crown Jewels: India’s Most Popular Chicken Dishes
According to TasteAtlas’s latest rankings (updated July 2025), these are the absolute stars of Indian chicken cuisine that you simply must try:
1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
The undisputed champion! Butter chicken consistently ranks as the most popular Indian chicken dish both in India and internationally. This North Indian specialty features tender chicken pieces swimming in a velvety, tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream.
What makes it special
- The chicken is traditionally marinated in yogurt and spices before being cooked
- The sauce strikes a perfect balance between tangy tomatoes and rich cream
- Its mild, slightly sweet flavor makes it accessible to all palates
As Jaclyn Bell from Logan, Utah describes it: “This chicken tikka masala recipe has flavors that keep me coming back for more. It’s a simple dish spiced with garam masala, cumin and gingerroot that’s simply amazing.”
2. Chicken Tikka Masala
Often confused with butter chicken, chicken tikka masala features grilled chunks of chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. While the roots of this recipe aren’t entirely traditional (some say it was invented in the UK!), it has become synonymous with Indian food globally.
Key differences from butter chicken:
- Chicken tikka masala typically has a smokier flavor from the grilled chicken
- The sauce tends to be spicier and more complex
- It often contains more visible spices and a deeper orange-red color
3. Tandoori Chicken
This iconic dish features chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted in a clay oven called a tandoor. The result is juicy meat with an irresistible smoky flavor and that distinctive reddish color.
Claire Elston from Spokane says: “I spent time in India and love reminders of the vibrant culture, so this tandoori chicken makes me happy. Served with warmed naan bread and a cool tomato and cucumber salad, it’s a whole meal.”
4. Chicken Korma
A rich, creamy dish from Mughlai cuisine, chicken korma combines tender chicken with a sauce made from yogurt, cream, and ground nuts. It’s mildly spiced but incredibly flavorful.
Jemima Madhavan from Lincoln, Nebraska shares “Chicken korma is a spiced Indian dish. It’s not spicy-hot, but it’s very flavorful from ingredients like cloves and ginger Serve it with rice to soak in all the sauce”
5. Chicken Biryani
Though technically a rice dish, chicken biryani deserves a spot on this list. Layers of fragrant basmati rice and tender spiced chicken are cooked together with saffron, creating a complete meal that’s a celebration on a plate.
What Makes These Dishes So Popular?
I’ve often wondered why these particular chicken dishes have achieved such widespread popularity. Here’s what I’ve figured out:
- Accessibility: They offer a gateway into Indian cuisine for beginners
- Balance: They perfectly balance spice, creaminess, and acidity
- Adaptability: They can be adjusted for heat level and ingredient availability
- Comfort factor: They’re deeply satisfying and comforting
- Versatility: They pair wonderfully with various sides like naan, rice, and vegetables
The Spice Magic: Key Ingredients
The magic of Indian chicken dishes lies in their spice blends. These are the MVPs that give these dishes their distinctive flavors:
- Garam masala: A warming blend typically including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and more
- Turmeric: Provides that golden color and earthy flavor
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy element
- Coriander: Brings a citrusy brightness
- Fenugreek: Contributes a maple-like sweetness (especially important in butter chicken!)
- Kashmiri chili powder: Offers color and mild heat
Regional Variations Worth Exploring
While butter chicken and tikka masala grab most of the spotlight, don’t sleep on these regional specialties:
Northern India
- Chicken Chettinad: Fiery and intensely flavored with black pepper and fennel
- Mughlai Chicken: Creamy, nutty, and fragrant with whole spices
Southern India
- Kerala Chicken Curry: Features coconut milk and curry leaves
- Chicken 65: Spicy, deep-fried chicken with curry leaves and chiles
As Aruna Kancharla from Bentonville, Arkansas notes about Mughlai chicken: “I enjoy cooking for my family and try to incorporate healthy new foods into our menus. This authentic Indian dish is a favorite.”
How to Make Butter Chicken at Home (My Go-To Recipe)
Since butter chicken is consistently ranked as the most popular Indian chicken dish, here’s my simplified version that doesn’t skimp on flavor:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp garam masala, divided
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in yogurt, 1 tbsp garam masala, and lemon juice for at least 1 hour (overnight is better)
- Heat ghee in a large pan and sauté onions until golden
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant
- Add remaining garam masala and cook for 30 seconds
- Pour in tomato puree and simmer for 15 minutes
- Add marinated chicken and cook until done (about 15 minutes)
- Stir in cream and kasoori methi, then simmer for 5 more minutes
- Adjust salt to taste and garnish with cilantro
Shannon Copley from Upper Arlington, Ohio shares about her slow-cooker version: “I spent several years in Malaysia eating a variety of Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian food. This was one of my favorite dishes!”
FAQ: Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Indian Chicken Dishes
What’s the difference between chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and chicken curry?
The main differences lie in preparation and flavor profiles:
- Butter chicken: Creamier, slightly sweeter tomato base with a nutty flavor
- Chicken tikka masala: Smokier flavor from grilled chicken in a spicier tomato sauce
- Chicken curry: A broader category with regional variations, typically featuring chicken simmered in spiced sauce
Are Indian chicken dishes always spicy?
Not at all! Many popular dishes like butter chicken and korma are mild, while others can be adjusted to your heat preference. As Lynn Kaufman from Mount Morris, Illinois notes about her curry chicken drumsticks: “These drumsticks are crispy with just the right amount of zing to get your mouth watering for more.”
What’s the best way to serve Indian chicken dishes?
Most Indian chicken dishes pair beautifully with:
- Basmati rice
- Naan bread
- Roti or chapati
- Cucumber raita (yogurt sauce)
- A side of vegetables like aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower)
My Personal Journey with Indian Chicken Dishes
I still remember my first taste of butter chicken at a small restaurant tucked away in my neighborhood. The rich, velvety sauce coating tender pieces of chicken was a revelation! Since then, I’ve tried countless variations, from street-side stalls in Delhi to high-end restaurants in London.
What I’ve learned is that each cook brings their own touch to these classics. Some make butter chicken sweeter, others more tangy. Some prefer chicken tikka masala with an extra kick of heat, while others keep it mild and let the spices shine.
This is the beauty of Indian chicken dishes – they’re both timeless and ever-evolving, both authentic and adaptable.
Modern Twists on Classic Indian Chicken Dishes
Creative cooks are constantly finding new ways to reimagine these beloved classics:
- Tandoori Chicken Pizza: Topped with tandoori chicken, red onions, and cilantro
- Butter Chicken Pasta: Fusion comfort food at its finest
- Chicken Tikka Tacos: As Michael Cohen from Los Angeles describes his creation: “I love tacos (who doesn’t?), but I wanted to put my own unique twist on them by incorporating some Indian flavors.”
- Sheet-Pan Tandoori Chicken: A convenient weeknight option
Final Thoughts: Why Indian Chicken Dishes Continue to Reign Supreme
The popularity of Indian chicken dishes shows no signs of waning, and it’s easy to understand why. They offer a perfect introduction to one of the world’s greatest culinary traditions while being infinitely adaptable to different tastes and preferences.
Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or someone who prefers milder flavors, there’s an Indian chicken dish waiting to become your new favorite. From the creamy indulgence of butter chicken to the smoky allure of tandoori, each offers a unique experience that celebrates the incredible diversity of Indian cuisine.
So next time you’re wondering what to cook for dinner, why not try your hand at one of these beloved classics? Your taste buds will thank you!
What’s your favorite Indian chicken dish? Have you tried making any at home? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
A Complete Chicken Lover’s Experience
At All India Cuisine, we take pride in the fact that our menu has plenty of chicken items to suit so many tastes. Every dish is prepared with affection, traditional flavors, and fresh ingredients. Our traditional Indian menu has something for every palate, from smokey tandoori to spicy gravies and creamy curries.
Pairing Suggestions
Complete your meal by pairing your favorite chicken selection with:
- Naan or Roti: Freshly baked, our bread will soak up the great gravies to perfection.
- Basmati Rice: Light and fluffy, our basmati rice goes with all curries.
- Raita: It is a cool and yogurt-based side dish, working in the way of soothing spicy dishes.
- Mango Lassi: Sweet and creamy, it gives a relieving contrast to the boldness of Indian spices.
Different Types Of Chicken Dishes At All India Cuisine
Butter Chicken
But one of the all-time favorites has to be butter chicken, straight from the Punjabi cook. The chicken is marinated overnight before being roasted and finished with tomato puree, cream, and masalas. Adding to the flavor are red and green chilies, ginger, and cream. Enjoy the typical creaminess of the soup with this recipe.
Besides Indians, a lot of foreigners like to have butter chicken, especially those who crave Indian food. Non-vegetarians start watering their mouths after the name Butter Chicken Masala is taken. It can be made in several ways.
Chicken Dum Biryani
Chicken biryani is the favorite of every food lover present in this world. If it is prepared appropriately, then no other dish can give a race to its taste. It is an Indian dish that still speaks of the Mughal era.
Spicy Chicken 65
A popular and delectable South Indian dish is chicken 65. Despite its Indo-Chinese origins, it is today well-liked both in India and abroad. This food looks gorgeous in addition to being delicious. This dish is not only delicious but also looks good. When you look at this meal, immediately you want to eat and water comes into your mouth.
Chicken Roll
Roll is a very popular street food and, at the same time, everybody’s favorite snack. Every street, every corner, has a roll shop. The flavors of the rolls are mainly available in two types: veg and non-veg. In Veg, one finds vegetables, cheese, etc., and in the Non-Veg group, it mainly consists of Chicken, Egg, and Mutton.
Chicken Lollipop
It is a meal of crispy and juicy Indian chicken. Chicken lollipop is one of the popular snack items that you can easily get on any Indian restaurant menu. Non-vegetarians may have eaten it frequently, but you may create chicken lollipops at home if you choose.
Chicken Curry
Chicken curry is a popular and delectable dish. Though it originally belonged to Punjabi cuisine, it is well-liked in the present times throughout India. It tastes delicious and awesome. It is as easy to cook as it tastes. Those who love eating non-vegetarian dishes drool upon listening to the name “chicken curry.” That tastes as great as it sounds. Chicken curry is a recipe whose components easily get mixed and can be prepared in a quick time.
Chicken 555
Chicken 555 is a famous South Indian starter with a hot and crunchy taste. This dish mainly contains marinated chicken strips deep-fried and then tossed in tangy, spicy masala.