Bonless Chicken Pickel 250g

Sneha Fresh Chicken pickle is a popular and flavorful condiment or side dish, especially prevalent in South Asian cuisine, particularly in India.¹ It’s essentially a spicy and tangy preparation of chicken pieces preserved in a mixture of oil, vinegar, and a blend of aromatic spices.

Chicken Pickle

• Ingredients: The primary ingredients include bite-sized pieces of chicken (either boneless or with bone), a generous amount of oil (often mustard oil, sesame oil, or vegetable oil), vinegar or lemon juice, and a complex array of spices.³ Common spices include red chili powder (for heat and color), turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and often garlic and ginger paste.⁴ Some variations might also include nigella seeds, star anise, or other whole spices.

• Preparation: The chicken is typically cooked first, sometimes lightly fried or sautéed, to ensure it’s tender and holds its shape. Then, a tempering of spices is made in oil, followed by the addition of the cooked chicken and the remaining powdered spices. Vinegar or lemon juice is added not just for tang, but also for its preservative qualities.⁶ The mixture is then simmered until the flavors meld and the oil separates, indicating proper cooking and preservation.

• Flavor Profile: Chicken pickle boasts a bold and complex flavor profile. It’s predominantly spicy due to the chili, tangy from the vinegar/lemon, and savory from the chicken and other spices. There are often subtle notes of bitterness from fenugreek, pungency from mustard, and earthiness from cumin and coriander. The oil plays a crucial role in carrying and distributing these flavors.

• Texture: The chicken pieces are usually tender, sometimes slightly firm from the cooking process, and coated generously in the thick, oily spice masala. The texture can vary depending on whether boneless or bone-in pieces are used.

• Usage: Chicken pickle is most commonly enjoyed as an accompaniment to a main meal, such as rice (plain rice, biryani, or pulao), roti, naan, or dosa.⁸ It adds a powerful burst of flavor and can elevate a simple meal. It’s also a popular item to be shared with guests or given as a gift.

• Preservation: Due to the high oil content and the addition of vinegar, chicken pickle has a relatively long shelf life, making it a convenient pantry staple. It can usually be stored at room temperature for several weeks or in the refrigerator for months.

In essence, chicken pickle is a delightful culinary creation that combines the succulence of chicken with the vibrant and pungent flavors of Indian spices, resulting in a rich, versatile, and highly addictive condiment.