This Chicken Tahari Recipe, also known as tehari or tahri pulao, is one of the most delightful chicken and rice dishes celebrated in India and Pakistan. The tender, juicy chicken is paired with fragrant turmeric rice, creating a wonderful flavor that’s perfect for both lunch and dinner, especially when served with raita.
The vibrant yellow hue of the fluffy rice adds to its appeal, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings. You simply have to try this delicious rice dish!
If you're in the mood for biryani or pulao, this rice dish offers a distinct flavor of chicken and rice that resembles pulao but features different ingredients and cooking methods. This traditional yellow rice recipe hails from Pakistan and India, infused with aromatic desi spices. While it's commonly prepared with potatoes, if you enjoy meat, chicken is an excellent choice to create a delicious tahri version. It's one of the most beloved lunch recipes in Pakistani cuisine.
Are you on the hunt for delicious rice dishes? Check out, Aloo ki Tahari, White biryani, Chicken Kabsa, Pulao Biryani, and Pakistan's Special Chicken Biryani. Each recipe is simple and quick to make at home, and I’m sure they will enhance your dinner experience!
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Tahari, Tahri or Tehari Recipe
Tahri, Tahari, Tehri, or Tahiri – this delicious rice dish is known by many names! It's a classic South Asian recipe featuring vibrant yellow rice. In India (particularly Hyderabad), Pakistan, and Bangladesh, you'll find various versions of this dish. Some regions include potatoes (aloo), while others opt for meat. Whether it's vegetarian tahri or the meaty version, both are beloved and enjoyed by many. The standout feature of tahari/tahri is its striking yellow hue and the delightful blend of spices used in the cooking process.
Here you can find both recipes (veg and nonveg)
- Aloo Ki Tahari (veg tehri)
- Chicken Tahari / Tahri recipe (non veg tahri)
Many people often associate tahari with biryani and pulao, but it truly stands apart in its unique flavor, aroma, and taste. The blend of traditional spices gives it a distinct character that sets it apart from other rice dishes.
I absolutely adore this recipe and typically prepare it for summer lunches, pairing it with biryani raita and a fresh green salad.
Tahari is a beloved dish in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Today, I'm excited to share a popular Pakistani-style chicken tahari recipe that is renowned worldwide. It's spicy, moist, and bursting with aroma, making it irresistible. Once you try making it, I’m sure you’ll want to whip it up again and again.
My goal is to help you create this dish in a restaurant-style manner, perfect for impressing guests or adding to your family gatherings. If you’re new to cooking or a bachelor, this recipe is incredibly simple and requires just a few spices. If you haven’t yet tried making chicken tahari, I highly recommend giving it a go for your family—they will absolutely love the flavor!
Ingredients
Chicken - 600 Gms | Yogurt - 1 tablespoon | Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 teaspoon | Salt - ½ teaspoon | Red Chili Powder - ½ teaspoon | Coriander Powder - ½ teaspoon | Turmeric Powder - ½ teaspoon | Fresh Lemon Juice - 2 teaspoon | Oil - 1 tablespoon | Cumin Seeds - ½ teaspoon | Whole Garam Masala: Cinnamon (3"), cloves (5) Anise (1) Bay Leaves (2), Black Pepper (15) | Onion Slices - 1 Cup | Tomatoes - ½ Cup (Cubes) | Green Chilies - 4 to 5 | Water - ½ Liter | Rice - 2 Cups (Soaked)
How to Make Chicken Tahari
To prepare chicken tahari, follow these steps:
Marination: Let's start by combining yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, salt, red chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder in a bowl. Mix these ingredients well to create a smooth paste. Next, add the chicken pieces and drizzle some lemon juice over them. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the yogurt mixture. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
Cooking Chicken: Heat some oil in a pan. Once hot, add cumin seeds and allow them to pop for a few seconds. Then, toss in whole garam masala and let it sizzle for another 3 to 4 seconds. Immediately add thinly sliced onions and fry them until they turn a lovely pink color. Once the onions are ready, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry on high heat until the chicken changes color. Next, add green chilies and diced tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes blend into the gravy and oil rises to the top. Pour in ½ liter of water and mix everything well. Cover the pan and let the chicken cook on medium/low heat for 30 minutes until tender.
Rice Preparation: While the chicken is cooking, take 2 cups of rice, wash it, and soak it for 15 minutes.
Cooking Chicken with Rice: After the chicken has cooked for 30 minutes, add the soaked rice and some salt to the pan. Gently stir the rice in with a spoon. Cover the pan and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Start with high heat for the first 7 to 8 minutes, then reduce to medium/low heat to allow the rice to steam properly.
Your delicious Chicken Tahari is now ready! Serve it with Biryani raita and fresh Veg salad. Enjoy your cooking and your meal!
Chicken Tahari Video
Now, let’s head to the kitchen and dive into this simple, tasty tahari recipe with chicken. We’ll go through it step by step, making it easy for everyone. Be sure to check out the recipe video to help beginners follow along with the quick instructions!
Share this recipe with your family and friends. It would be great if you leave your feedback in the comment box. If you make this recipe at home then share a picture with the hashtag #hinzcooking
Tahri Tips
- Only use whole garam masala (khara garam masala). Avoid using garam masala powder to make a signature tahari taste.
- Turmeric is essential spice for achieving that beautiful color in your tahari.
- Opt for Basmati rice to ensure a delightful taste in your dish.
- When cooking 2 cups of soaked rice, use 2.5 cups of water in a regular pan on the stovetop. This is the standard ratio to cook rice.
- Make sure to steam the rice properly for a soft and moist texture.
Serving
Here are few ideas to make best serving of chicken Tahari. It's compulsory to add Raita and salad. Then make a combo with Shami kabab or any other keema kabab. Whenever I am Chicken Tahari then curry is must especially for lunch serving.
Here are some great ideas for serving chicken tahari. Don’t forget to include Raita and salad. Pair it with Shami kabab or any other keema kabab for a delicious combo. Personally, I always serve chicken tahari with curry, especially for lunch.
Many enjoy it with mango pickle, so if that’s your preference, give it a try! For me, tahari rice and raita are just perfect. I’d love to hear in the comments what you like to pair with it!
It's a quick and easy recipe of 'Tahari' with chicken that you can easily make at home and serve your family and friends. You can join our Facebook group of foodies to interact with other foodies!! At Hinz cooking, you can find more recipes related to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and teatime. Explore recipe collection to get your desired recipes.
More Rice Dishes
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Chicken Tahari Recipe Pakistani (Tahri Recipe)
Ingredients
- 600 g Chicken Skinless with bones
- 1 tablespoon Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Coriander Powder
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 2 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- ½ teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- Whole Garam Masala: Cinnamon (3″), cloves (5) Anise (1) Bay Leaves (2), Black Pepper (15)
- 1 cup Onion Slices
- ½ cup Tomatoes Cubes
- 5 pieces Green Chilies
- ½ liter Water
- 2 cups Rice Soaked
Instructions
Marination
- In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, salt, red chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Stir everything together until you achieve a smooth paste.
- Next, add the chicken pieces and drizzle lemon juice over them.
- Thoroughly mix the chicken with the yogurt and spices.
- Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes.
Cooking Chicken
- In a skillet, pour in some oil and heat it up.
- Add cumin seeds and allow them to pop for a few seconds.
- Then, toss in whole garam masala and let it sizzle for another 3 to 4 seconds.
- Immediately add thinly sliced onions and sauté until they turn a lovely pink color.
- Once the onions are ready, add the marinated chicken.
- Stir and cook on high heat until the chicken changes color.
- Now, add green chilies and diced tomatoes.
- Cook until the tomatoes blend into the gravy and the oil rises to the top.
- Next, pour in ½ liter of water and mix everything well.
- Allow the chicken to cook for 30 minutes on medium to low heat until it becomes tender.
Rice Preparation
- For the rice, take 2 cups and rinse them under tap water.
- Soak the rice for 10 to 15 minutes.
Cooking Rice and Chicken
- When the chicken has cooked for 30 minutes, add the soaked rice along with some salt.
- Gently stir the rice with a spoon.
- Cover the pot and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Initially cook on high heat for the first 7 to 8 minutes, then reduce to medium/low to ensure the rice cooks perfectly.
- Once 8 minutes have passed, turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the steam for about 10 to 15 minutes. After that, gently fluff the rice with a spoon.
Video
Notes
- It's best to use chicken with bones because it creates a delicious broth for cooking rice.
- Allowing the chicken to marinate for an extended period enhances its flavor.
- Always opt for peeled tomatoes. For the finest results, choose Pakistani basmati rice.
- Remember to soak the rice for about 10 minutes before cooking, but avoid soaking it for too long if you're using high-quality basmati.
- Be cautious not to steam tahari rice for too long, leading to mushy rice. After steaming (dum), let the rice rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Once the time is up, gently stir the rice with a spoon to separate the grains; otherwise, they may stick together.
Hinz
Quick and easy Pakistani chicken tahari. Let's give it a try!
Tiffany Tucker
Hi my name is Tiffany I made this dish for my family today and it turned out wonderful thank you so much.
harika
I’m not that much of an internet reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back down the road best restaurants in southall
Nafisa Jahan
Nice