• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Hinz Cooking - A Food Blog with Simple and Easy Dinner Recipes
  • All Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • Course
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Lunch/Dinner
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Easy Party Food
    • Easy Snack Recipes
    • Street Food
    • Best Drink Recipes
    • Easy Dessert Recipes
  • Cuisine
    • Pakistani Recipes
    • Indian Food Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Food Recipes
    • American Food Recipes
    • Chinese Food Recipes
  • Meal
    • Bread Recipes
    • Family Friendly Chicken Recipes
    • Egg Recipes
    • Kabab Recipes
    • Lamb Recipes
    • Masala Recipes
    • One Pot Recipes
    • Potato Recipes
    • Rice Recipes
    • Find Vegetarian Recipes
    • Baking Recipes
    • Chickpea Recipes
  • Type
    • Main Course
    • Side Dish Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Pakistani Recipes

    Lahori Chicken Chargha

    Published: Jan 29, 2022 · Modified: Feb 25, 2023 by Hinz

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    240Shares

    Lahori chargha is the most satisfying street food for desi people in Pakistan. It’s a chicken chargha recipe prepared with whole chicken marinated with desi homemade chargha masala properly steamed to make it tender and juicy from inside and then shallow fried to get the golden roasted crust.

    lahori chargha
    Lahori chargha

    A perfect Lahori chicken chargha recipe for family dinner and party. Just sprinkle chaat masala before serving and enjoy this tempting chicken with green chutney, Pakistani roghni naan, and rice.

    Jump to:
    • Lahori Chargha
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Lahori Chargha
    • Lahori Chargha Video
    • Expert Tips
    • How To Serve
    • How To Store
    • Other Cooking Methods
    • FAQ’s
    • You Might Also Like
    • Lahori Chicken Chargha

    Lahori Chargha

    Chicken Chargha (چرغا) is a famous food that originated in Punjab province of Pakistan. It’s the most popular recipe of Lahori street food that people love to eat and make all across the country. Lahori chargha is prepared with whole chicken (without skin) marinated overnight in a special chargha masala to penetrate the flavor of spices and lemon that makes the tasty flash. Brining and steaming make the chicken so juicy and tender from the inside and then deep frying adds a crispy golden brown roasted texture to the chicken that makes it super delicious.

    Today I am super duper excited to share my family's favorite Lahori chicken recipe that we all love to make at home. It’s a perfect recipe for a family get-together and as Ramadan is approaching so try in Ramadan Iftar! And you know the most exciting part is that you can make it ahead of time.

    In Pakistan, we can easily find good places to eat chicken chargha but living abroad I can hardly find the real Lahori flavor. Roasted whole chicken can be prepared in a variety of ways that can easily be found in every restaurant but the taste of Pakistani style Lahori chicken chargha is awesome! If you haven’t tried then give it a try and I am sure you will love it to eat again and again.

    My Experience... & Memories

    In Pakistani cuisine, chargha and sajji has a special attraction that everyone tempts to eat due to their appetizing flavor and delectable aroma. My father was a true lover of chicken chargha and he was always curious to seek good places to try the best chicken chargha. So whenever I eat and make chargha at home, it takes me to reminiscent of my childhood memories especially those cold and chilly winter nights, and eating chargha with family was an awesome experience.

    chicken chargha
    chicken chargha Recipe

    It's an overwhelming experience to cook homemade chicken chargha Lahori style with the same taste as you eat in restaurants and street food. Easy recipe for foodies to make at home! Give it a try, as you will love it!

    Hinz cooking channel

    SEE ALSO: Lahori Keema Naan

    Ingredients

    chicken chargha masala
    chicken chargha masala

    How to Make Lahori Chargha

    Step 01 – Marking & Cuts

    It’s an essential step to make a perfect chargha. First, take the chicken without skin and then add the marking points on the chicken breast and legs. With the help of a sharp knife make a deep cut on both sides of the leg and breast.

    Step 02 – Marination

    It's recommended to massage the chicken with fresh lemon juice with a sprinkle of salt so it will have sour and citric flavor infused in a chicken flash that will give good flavor while eating.

    Preparation of Homemade Chargha Masala: It’s easy to prepare chicken chargha masala with homemade spices. In a deep bowl, add thick yogurt, spice up with salt, red chilies, roasted coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, chaat masala, cumin powder, and mango powder. Mix all the ingredients to make a homogenous mixture and apply to chicken. Place the chicken in a warm place for 7 to 8 hours.

    Don't forget to truss the chicken legs with string or thread. It will keep the chicken in shape after steaming and frying. I used the thread to tie a knot on chicken legs.

    Step 03 – Steaming

    Place the overnight marinated chicken in Aluminium foil and wrap it from all sides to avoid leakages. Now steam the chicken in a steamer or place a strainer in a deep pan by adding ⅓ of water. Place the chicken over the strainer and cover for 40 minutes to get tender.

    Step 04 – Deep Frying

    After 40 minutes of steaming, now chicken is ready for frying. Carefully unfold the aluminum foil as it’s full of steam. Place the chicken in preheated oil and fry on medium heat from all sides until it gets golden brown color.

    After frying, the chicken is ready to serve! Sprinkle chaat masala and have a bite with green chutney or raita.

    lahori chargha
    Lahori Chargha with Homemade Chicken Chargha Masala

    Lahori Chargha Video

    If you are a beginner and trying chargha first time then it will be easy and quick for you to watch step-by-step directions before making.

    Lahori Chargha [Video]

    Expert Tips

    • To make the best Lahori chargha, take the whole chicken without skin.
    • Make deep marks on chicken as it will help to penetrate the chargha masala in chicken.
    • Overnight marination is good to infuse all the spices in chicken.
    • Make sure the chicken is at room temperature when applying marination. If you take it out from freezer then microwave or give it time to come on room temperature.
    • Lemon juice and salt on chicken skin add a sour and citric taste to chicken that will give you the perfect taste while eating chargha. It’s a chef tip that I took from a local chargha expert on street food.
    • When marinating, make sure the marination should not be watery or runny in texture. It should properly stick on chicken without dropouts.
    • Don’t steam for long time otherwise, the chicken will break. 40 to 50 minutes on medium steaming is fine!
    • Deep or shallow fry chicken on high to medium heat to get a properly golden texture. Never fry on low heat otherwise the chicken will release the water.
    • It’s easy to use the spoon to handle chicken while deep frying. I managed chicken for easy roll out while drying using spoon.
    • Sprinkle of homemade chaat masala will add an overwhelming taste in chicken. Don’t skip it!

    How To Serve

    Chicken Chargha is special so serving needs to be special and tempting. It’s whole chicken meat that needs to be complemented with other side ideas. I love to prepare green chutney, imli ki chutney, and fresh vegetable salad. The bite of chicken with green raita makes a perfect flavor. Tandoori roti, naan, kulcha, or simple homemade chappati also goes well with chicken.

    In addons, I like homemade fries, roasted veggies, fire roasted tomatoes, chickpea salad, and garlic butter rice.

    How To Store

    Chargha recipe is multi-purpose that you can use in a variety of ways. So store the leftover chargha in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 01 week. If you want to freeze then freeze it after steaming for 01 month. Don’t freeze for a long time as it’s not carrying any food preservatives.

    Other Cooking Methods

    Whole chicken chargha can be prepared in different ways. Deep-fried chicken chargha is the traditional recipe but you can also make it in the oven, air fryer, and on charcoal. All methods are good to give it try as it’s super delicious in all forms.

    How To Make Lahori Chargha in Oven

    Chargha can easily prepare in oven and it’s the simplest method of cooking. Marinate the chicken overnight, skip the steaming part and just place the chicken over aluminum foil and give it a good spray of oil. Preheat the oven to 220C. Put the foil over the oven griller and bake for about 45 minutes. For the best result, keep a small water bowl in the oven as it will make steam, and the chicken will remain juicy while cooking. After 45 minutes, broil the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes to get the golden marks on the chicken. (Note: Broil is the process to turn on the upper grill of oven to roast the chicken).

    In the same way, you can make the chargha in oven rotisserie which is famous for spit roasting. Don’t steam the chicken if you are cooking with this method. Just set the chicken in rotisserie spit (rod). You can check your oven guideline for the rotisserie settings to follow the cooking process.

    Air Fryer Lahori Chargha

    It’s a healthy way to cook the whole chicken in an air fryer. Place the chicken on aluminum foil and generously spray the oil over the base of aluminum foil and chicken. Place the chicken over aluminum foil and set it in your airfryer basket. Check the size of your air fryer before this step. Turn on the air fryer and cook the chicken for about 30 minutes at 300C. After 30 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for more 30 minutes.

    BBQ Lahori Chargha

    It’s the most aromatic way to cook chicken chargha on charcoal with a sprinkle of desi ghee. The recipe will remain the same. For this method, I recommend steaming the chicken for 20 minutes so it will be half cooked and the rest of the cooking will be done on charcoal. To avoid the steaming step, you can add 1 teaspoon raw papaya (kaccha pappita) that will tenderize the chicken during marination.

    Keeping the chicken on the griller while cooking on charcoal is best. Cook from all sides until it gets golden marks on chicken. Drizzle desi ghee or oil while cooking. It will make the chicken more scrumptious and the aroma will tempt you to eat.

    Don't forget to check out the detailed Recipe card or watch the video!

    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

    Don't Forget to Check: Shish Tawook | Chicken Kabsa | Chicken Mandi | White Biryani

    FAQ’s

    Best Place to Try Chicken Chargha?

    In Pakistan, street food is the best place to have chargha but if you are living outside Pakistan then find nearby chargha related to your living. In the United States, Culver city chargha house is so famous. Give it a try!

    Can I make Lahori chargha with chicken pieces?

    Yes, you can! Follow the same recipe and apply marination on chicken pieces and then steam it and fry. You will get the same taste. Many people who are reluctant to cut chargha, they can make in form of pieces. Presentation will be different but the taste will remain same.

    Why chargha break up?

    Due to extreme steaming the chargha might break while frying. Chicken is delicate after steaming so carefully handle it while frying. Mostly chargha break while frying so handle gently with spoons to flip the chicken and take it out after frying.

    Can I make Chargha with Turkey?

    Yes, you can make it with the whole Turkey by following the same recipe.

    More Chicken Recipes

    Chicken Pakora | Oven Baked Chicken Breast | Honey Garlic Chicken

    You Might Also Like

    • hot honey chicken tenders in navy blue plate topped over rice
      Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
    • hot honey sauce in small white bowl. Pouring sauce with spoon in bowl.
      Hot Honey Sauce Recipe (Homemade)
    • Cajun chicken mac and cheese baked in black baking dish.
      Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese (Baked)
    • A white bowl brimming with house sauce is captured in a shot, showcasing the delightful moment of sauce being poured from a spoon into the bowl.
      House Sauce
    lahori chicken chargha
    Print Pin
    5 from 4 votes

    Lahori Chicken Chargha

    Lahori chargha is the most satisfying street food for desi people in Pakistan. It’s a chicken chargha recipe prepared with whole chicken marinated with desi homemade chargha masala properly steamed to make it tender and juicy from inside and then shallow fried to get the golden roasted crust.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Pakistani
    Keyword chicken chargha, Lahori Chargha
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 55 minutes minutes
    Marination 8 hours hours
    Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Servings 3 Persons
    Calories 630kcal
    Author Hinz

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup Yogurt
    • 1 teaspoon Grated Garlic
    • 1 teaspoon Grated Ginger
    • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
    • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala
    • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Cumin Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Mango Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Coriander Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 tablespoon Oil
    • 2 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
    • Oil for deep frying

    Instructions

    • Make a deep cut marks on chicken legs and breast with sharp knife.
    • Apply fresh lemon juice and sprinkle of salt on chicken skin. Massage it to penetrate the flavor of lemon in chicken.
    • In a deep bowl, add yogurt and season with salt, red chilies, roasted coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, chaat masala, cumin powder, and mango powder.
    • Mix all the ingredients to make a homogenous mixture and apply to chicken.
    • Truss the chicken legs with string or thread to maintain the shape.
    • Place the chicken in a warm place for 7 to 8 hours.
    • Now place the overnight marinated chicken in Aluminium foil and wrap it from all sides to avoid leakages.
    • Steam the chicken in a steamer or place a strainer in a deep pan by adding ⅓ of water.
    • Place the chicken over the strainer and cover for 40 minutes to get tender.
    • After 40 minutes of steaming, now chicken is ready for frying.
    • Carefully unfold the aluminum foil as it’s full of steam.
    • Place the chicken in preheated oil and fry on medium heat from all sides until it gets golden brown color.
    • After frying, the chicken is ready to serve!
    • Sprinkle chaat masala and have a bite with green chutney or raita.

    Video

    Notes

    • Take the whole chicken without skin.
    • Make deep marks on chicken as it will help to penetrate the chargha masala in chicken.
    • Overnight marination is good to infuse all the spices in chicken.
    • Make sure the chicken is at room temperature when applying marination. If you take it out from freezer then microwave or give it time to come on room temperature.
    • Lemon juice and salt on chicken skin add a sour and citric taste in chicken that will give you the perfect taste while eating chargha.
    • When marinating, make sure the marination should not be watery or runny in texture. It should properly stick on chicken without dropouts.
    • Truss the chicken legs with string to maintain the chicken in shape after steaming and frying.
    • Don’t steam for a long time otherwise, the chicken will break. 40 to 50 minutes on medium steaming is fine to tender the chicken!
    • Deep or shallow fry chicken on high to medium heat to get signature golden texture. Never fry on low heat otherwise the chicken will release the water.
    • It’s easy to use the spoon to handle chicken while deep frying. I managed chicken for easy roll out while drying using a spoon.
    • Sprinkle of homemade chaat masala will add an overwhelming taste to chicken. Don’t skip it!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 630kcal

    More Pakistani Recipes

    • Mutton chops arranged beautifully on a circular platter, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges.
      Mutton Chops Recipe (Masala Lamb Chops)
    • Karak chai presented in a pair of glass cups against a pristine white backdrop.
      Karak Chai Recipe
    • brinjal bhaji - aubergine bhaji recipe
      Brinjal Bhaji (Aubergine Bhaji Recipe)
    • beef masala
      Beef Masala

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Hinz

      March 29, 2022 at 11:41 pm

      5 stars
      If you are looking to try something desi then try this Lahori Chargha recipe. It will give you true punjabi street food flavor. Easy to make and full of taste!

      Reply
    2. Recipe land

      May 28, 2023 at 5:39 pm

      easy and nice recipe to follow
      thanks for sharing

      Reply
    5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    food blogger - Hinz Cooking food blog
    HEY! NICE TO MEET YOU!

    I'm Hina, a passionate food blogger running my internet kitchen, Hinz Cooking - a food blog with easy dinner recipes, easy snacks, and much more. I believe to make simple, easy, minimalist, and quick food in my kitchen. Join me! to grow together.

    More about me →

    Easy Dinner

    • Healthy baked chicken breast recipe (for weight loss)
      Healthy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe (For Weight Loss)
    • Pouring honey garlic sauce into a cup with a spoon. There are two small cups in the image, both filled with sauce, set against a white background.
      Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe
    • A close look at the tandoori chicken piece right after baking in the oven.
      Tandoori Chicken in Oven (Baked / Broil)
    • honey garlic butter chicken recipe
      Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Recipe
    • garlic butter rice in big platter white background
      Garlic Butter Rice Recipe
    • Kabsa Recipe
      Chicken Kabsa

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    Welcome to Hinz Cooking! A food blog creating Easy dinner recipes, family meals, Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern and international. Let's Connect to become a part of food community.

    Explore

    • All Recipes
    • Pakistani Recipes
    • Indian Food Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Recipes
    • Chicken Recipes
    • American Recipes

    Contact

    • Say Hello
    • Privacy Policy
    • Photo Sharing Policy

    © Hinz Cooking 2024 · All Rights Reserved

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.