Indian cuisine is full of comforting dishes that feel both homely and indulgent, and chicken bharta is one such timeless preparation. Known for its smoky aroma, shredded texture, and deeply spiced gravy, this dish stands apart from regular chicken curries. It is bold without being heavy, rustic yet refined, making it a favorite among lovers of traditional Indian flavors.
At Shalimar, we value recipes that celebrate technique as much as ingredients. Chicken bharta reflects that philosophy perfectly—it’s not just about cooking chicken, but about transforming it into a dish packed with character.
What Is Chicken Bharta?
Chicken bharta is a North Indian–inspired dish where cooked chicken is shredded or finely chopped and then simmered in a thick onion-tomato masala. The name “bharta” refers to the process of mashing or shredding, similar to dishes like baingan bharta.
What makes this preparation special is its smoky undertone, achieved either by roasting the chicken beforehand or by using traditional smoking methods. The final dish has a coarse texture, rich flavor, and a satisfying depth that makes it perfect for slow, relaxed meals.
Unlike smooth gravies, chicken bharta has a rustic feel. Every bite offers a mix of soft chicken strands and spiced masala, making it incredibly comforting. It’s a dish often chosen by diners searching for something hearty, flavorful, and different from standard curries.
Many guests looking for chicken bharta near me are usually seeking that authentic, dhaba-style taste—smoky, bold, and soul-satisfying.
Key Ingredients That Build the Flavor
The strength of chicken bharta lies in simple ingredients used thoughtfully:
- Fresh chicken (preferably bone-in for flavor)
- Onions, finely chopped
- Tomatoes or tomato puree
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Green chilies
- Whole spices such as bay leaf and cloves
- Ground spices like coriander and cumin
- Garam masala
- Oil or ghee
- Fresh coriander leaves
The chicken is usually cooked first and then shredded, allowing it to absorb the masala more effectively during the final cooking stage.
Chicken Bharta Recipe: Traditional Preparation Method
The preparation typically begins with cooking the chicken until tender. This can be done by boiling, pressure cooking, or lightly roasting it for added smokiness. Once cooked, the chicken is cooled slightly and shredded into fine strands.
In a separate pan, oil or ghee is heated and whole spices are added to release their aroma. Finely chopped onions are sautéed until golden, followed by ginger-garlic paste. Tomatoes are then added and cooked down until the masala becomes thick and oil begins to separate.
Spices are added next, and the shredded chicken is mixed thoroughly into the masala. The dish is simmered on low heat so the chicken absorbs all the flavors. A final touch of garam masala and fresh coriander completes the preparation.
Chicken Bharta at Shalimar
At Shalimar, we prepare chicken bharta with a focus on authenticity and consistency. The chicken is cooked to perfect tenderness, shredded by hand, and slow-simmered in a well-balanced masala. We avoid overpowering spices so the natural flavor of the chicken shines through.
This dish is a favorite among guests who appreciate traditional Indian cooking styles and crave something comforting yet full of character.
- Shred the chicken finely for a uniform texture
- Cook the masala well to remove raw tomato flavor
- Simmer on low heat for deeper flavor absorption
- Use fresh spices for a cleaner aroma
- Add smokiness carefully to avoid bitterness
These small details elevate the dish from ordinary to memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to make chicken bharta?
To make chicken bharta, cook chicken until tender, shred it, and then simmer it in a thick onion-tomato masala with spices until well combined and flavorful.
How to prepare chicken bharta?
Preparation involves cooking the chicken separately, shredding it, and then slow-cooking it in a spiced gravy base to achieve a rich, textured dish.