If chicken is your protein of choice, it's time to step out of the little world that you know so you can explore all the amazing chicken dishes this planet has to offer. We're about to take you on a global journey where we'll hit different countries in Asia, Europe, North America, and so much more. Chicken doesn't just have to be a "gym bro" food, not when there are dishes like this out there to explore.
1. Chicken Tikka Masala - India
Packed with so many delicious spices that come together in the most beautiful way, Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian chicken dish eaten around the world. When cooked well, the chicken is unbelievably tender and pairs so well with the creamy tomato-based sauce that's perfect with some white rice or naan.
Photo by amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash
2. Hainanese Chicken Rice - Singapore
Sometimes, the more simple a dish is, the tastier it is. Not everything has to be flashy and extravagant, and Hainanese Chicken Rice is a great example of that. Featuring poached chicken that's tender and juicy, it's served with rice that's been cooked in a savory chicken broth. But the stars of the show for this dish are definitely the sauces; ginger, garlic, and chili sauces are provided for that extra oomph of flavour.
Alpha from Melbourne, Australia on Wikimedia Commons
3. Coq au Vin - France
You can always trust French dishes to be delicious. Coq au Vin definitely supports that claim thanks to how complex and hearty the flavours in this chicken dish are. Braised in red wine with some mushrooms, onions, and bacon, the chicken is so soft and addictive to eat. There's something refined yet homey about this dish that just works.
stevendepolo on Wikimedia Commons
4. Pollo Asado - Mexico
You can always count on Mexican food to come packed with tons of vibrant flavours. Pollo Asado is a chicken dish that perfectly fits that description; deliciously grilled chicken is marinated in a bright and zesty mix of spices, citrus juice, and garlic. Forget about Nando's - try this instead!
Juan Emilio Prades Bel on Wikimedia Commons
5. Butter Chicken - India
Butter Chicken is just one of those dishes that has reached the hearts of so many all across the globe. One taste and it's so easy to fall in love with it. This popular Indian chicken dish is best known for its insanely buttery, rich, and creamy tomato sauce that's loaded with spices. That sounds good enough on its own when dipped with some naan, but throw in some chunks of juicy chicken and it's a winning combination.
6. Jerk Chicken - Jamaica
Jamaican food is one of those lesser known cuisines that deserve the spotlight. What you can expect is beautifully seasoned and spiced food that will never have you thinking "bland." If you're looking for the best intro dish into Jamaican cuisine, we highly recommend Jerk Chicken. It's smoky, it's spicy, and it's so so good.
Naotake Murayama on Wikimedia Commons
7. Korean Fried Chicken - South Korea
If you believe only America is good at making fried chicken, you'd be terribly wrong. Perhaps in one of the places you'd least expect it, South Korea is a rising star when it comes to amazing fried chicken. So crispy and juicy, these pieces of chicken are coated in the most addictive sauces you could ever imagine. Whether you like it sweet, spicy, tangy, or plain, South Korea's got a flavour of chicken for that.
Startandstar, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
8. Chicken Satay - Indonesia
It's a bit strange, but sometimes eating food on a skewer just makes it more enjoyable and fun. Maybe it's the novelty of it! But down in Indonesia, they've got one tasty chicken dish worth your time: chicken satay. It's more than just meat on a stick, it's perfectly grilled chicken pieces that are accompanied by the most flavourful peanut sauce. The nutty taste goes hand in hand with the smokiness of the meat, creating an awesome combo.
9. Chicken Parmigiana - Italy
For something a bit heartier and comforting, head over to Italy to try their Chicken Parmigiana aka Chicken Parmesan. This Italian-American chicken dish is just want you want to see on the dinner table after a rough day. The three simple components, breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, are all you need to create this delicious dish.
Tristan Kenney on Wikimedia Commons
10. Chicken Paprikash - Hungary
If you're looking to try Hungarian food for the first time, something a bit more traditional like Chicken Parikash is a good way to start. Covered in a delectable creamy sauce that's seasoned with, you guessed it, paprika, the chicken is so flavourful because of it. Generally served alongside some egg noodles or dumplings, it's a heartwarming dish that'll open you right up to this new cuisine.
11. Chicken Adobo - Philippines
Chicken Adobo is a stand out dish in Filipino cuisine, one that many Filipinos take great pride in. Marinated until the chicken is full of flavour, it's then simmered in a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and other spices. Cooking it down until all those flavours seep through, the resulting dish is one unlike anything you've tasted before. Who knew chicken could be so soft and tender?
dbgg1979 on flickr on Wikimedia Commons
12. Tandoori Chicken - India
Turns out India is the country to go to if you love chicken dishes - they have plenty to offer you! Another great addition to this list is Tandoori Chicken, a beloved favourite. Using a mix of yogurt and spices to season the chicken, it creates a unique flavour unlike the others already mentioned. And being cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor, you'll always be left with a nice smoky flavour that gives it extra dimension.
Photo by Rashpal Singh on Unsplash
13. Peri-Peri Chicken - Mozambique
You may be familiar with Peri-Peri Chicken from Nando's, but it's important to know more about its origins too. Originating from Mozambique, this delicious chicken dish has captured the hearts of many thanks to its tasty Peri-Peri sauce. It's incredibly spicy and will get your nose sweating, but you'll keep going back for another bite.
14. Cacciatore Chicken - Italy
There's nothing really flashy about Cacciatore Chicken, but it'll hit the spot everytime. It looks like a rather simple, homecooked meal, but don't be fooled by its appearance. It's packed with so much flavour, you'll definitely fall in love with the rustic flavours of all the vegetables and herbs. How could you go wrong with tender chicken mixed with tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions anyway?
Burkhard Mücke on Wikimedia Commons
15. Chicken Kiev - Ukraine
For the garlic fans out there, we know you've been waiting your whole life to be introduced to this extra garlicky, delicious chicken dish from Ukraine. Chicken Kiev features a nicely breaded chicken fillet that's loaded with garlic butter inside. That's right, garlic butter. Once cooked, when you slice into that thick and juicy meat, you'll have all that melted goodness oozing right out and mixing with all the other flavours.
Jason Lam on Wikimedia Commons
16. Ayam Goreng - Indonesia
Turns out Asia is pretty good at doing fried chicken. Aside from South Korea, we also can't help but mention Indonesia. Their take on fried chicken, called Ayam Goreng, is another unique but familiar taste. Seasoned with turmeric, garlic, and plenty of other spices, you can imagine just how flavourful this fried chicken is. It's got both amazing, crispy texture and wonderful taste. Can't get better than that.
17. Poulet Yassa - Senegal
If you enjoy saucy dishes, you'll definitely appreciate Poulet Yassa from Senegal. Made with slow-cooked onions and chicken that's marinated in a uniquely tangy sauce, this will open your eyes to a new world of Senegalese food.
Arnaud 25, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
18. Chicken Schnitzel - Germany
Schnitzel, now that's a fun word to say. Over in Germany, they've got a fried chicken dish we know you won't be able to resist. Chicken Schnitzel, or schnitzel of any kind, is a popular German comfort food. Breaded and fried, these chicken cutlets are usually served alongside some form of potato and salad, making it a complete meal. It's so heartwarming and satisfying, you'll definitely see the appeal.
19. Moroccan Chicken Tagine - Morocco
If you really want to get your taste buds going, Morocco's got an exciting chicken dish to share with you. Chicken Tagine is arguably one of the most aromatic chicken dishes out there for you to try. It's essentially a slow-cooked stew that features chicken, dried fruits, nuts, and different spices. It may sound a bit strange, but it's a traditional staple worth taking a bite out of.
20. Huli Huli Chicken - Hawaii, USA
A little sweet and savory never hurt anyone! Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian dish that will take you on a tropical adventure. Using pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, they were able to create this sweet and salty marinade that tastes fantastic on some juicy, grilled chicken. That little hint of pineapple will do wonders on your tongue.
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