Best Indian Chicken Dishes in Canada

As per the 2021 Census, Canada is home to over 1.3 million Indians and that number has gone significantly higher as of 2024. So, it’s no surprise to see so many bustling Indian Restaurants all across the country. Whether you’re touring the Niagara Falls or live in Toronto, you’ve seen or even been at a Restaurant that serves Indian food. 

But with so many choices and hard-to-pronounce words, an Indian menu can be hard to wrap your head around. That’s why, we’re here with a guide of the 7 best Indian Chicken dishes that you should give a shot. Whether you are a local or just passing by, these dishes will take you on a tasty tour of India’s culinary landscape. Let’s get right into it.

7 Best Indian Chicken Dishes in Canada

1. Chicken Tandoori

Chicken Tandoori is a dish that exemplifies the use of traditional Indian cooking techniques. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, and garam masala. It is then cooked at high temperatures in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven, which gives the chicken its characteristic smoky flavor and crispy exterior. This dish is often served with naan bread and a side of mint chutney.

2. Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani is a fragrant, flavorful dish that combines basmati rice, chicken, and a medley of spices. This dish is a one-pot wonder where the marinated chicken is layered with parboiled rice, fried onions, fresh herbs, and a blend of spices. The entire dish is then slow-cooked to allow the flavors to meld together. Often served with raita (a yogurt-based side dish) and hard-boiled eggs, Chicken Biryani is a complete and satisfying meal.

3. Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy dish that is a favorite in Indian cuisine. The chicken is first marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a tandoor, and finally simmered in a buttery tomato-based sauce. The addition of cream gives the dish its signature smooth texture. It’s typically served with naan or basmati rice, making it a hearty and indulgent choice.

4. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that has gained international fame. Marinated chicken pieces are cooked in a tandoor and then added to a creamy tomato-based sauce with a blend of spices. This dish is known for its vibrant orange color and its slightly tangy and spicy flavor. It is often served with naan bread or rice and is a staple on many Indian restaurant menus around the world.

5. Indian Chicken Curry

Chicken curry is perhaps one of the most popular kinds of food, with several preparations across regions in India. A basic recipe will include chicken cooked in an onion-tomato base and a mix of turmeric, cumin, and garam masala. Different regions prepare it in their way, such as South Indian curries with coconut milk or the lavish, creamy gravies of North India. You can find every type of restaurant here in Canada that makes the classic dish their way.

6. Indian Chicken Soup

Chicken Mulligatawny Soup is an Anglo-Indian classic and a favorite comfort food for many. It gets its name from the Tamil meaning “pepper water,” consisting of chicken, lentils, rice, and vegetables simmered with turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and more. This makes it hearty and flavorful to warm up on a cold day.

7. Indian Chicken Kebab

Chicken Seekh Kebabs: Served mostly as an entrée, but also a main course in Indian cuisine, the mince is mixed with spices and sometimes herbs, formed over skewers, and then grilled. It results in a flavor-rich, smoky kebab, usually served with mint chutney and a side of salad. It’s really great for those who like a bit of char and a little spice to their meat.

Conclusion

Every foodie would have a field day finding out about the finest Indian chicken delicacies in Canada. From Butter Chicken, rich in flavors, to the famous Chicken Tikka Masala, the healthy fare of Chicken Tandoori, or even the warmth exuded by Chicken Mulligatawny Soup, there’s something in there to please every palate. Enjoy your tasty gastronomical journey through these flavored dishes and don’t forget to relish each bite!

FAQs

1. Where to Find These Dishes in Canada

This kind of dish you can find in several pretty good Indian restaurants around Canada, like Balti Indian Restaurant, a popular restaurant Niagara Falls serving very authentic dishes made with chicken that is prepared to perfection—from creamy Butter Chicken to healthful Chicken Tandoori.

2. Which Is the Best Chicken Indian Dish?

Butter Chicken or Murgh Makhani is one of the most celebrated Indian chicken dishes across the globe. The origin of this recipe is from the city of Delhi, and it has won millions of hearts worldwide with its creamy gravy and a touch of spice. The chicken is marinated with yogurt and spices, roasted, and cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy with swirls of butter and cream. And the favorite part of many people is the soft texture and delicious taste, which makes Butter Chicken.

3. What is the Most Popular Indian Chicken Dish?

Butter Chicken has gained lots of popularity today. The dish which ranks as the most popular Indian dish worldwide is the Chicken Tikka Masala. This dish contains marinated chunks of chicken, which were first grilled in a clay tandoor oven and then roasted in a slow-cooked spiced tomato and cream sauce. Its complexities in flavors and the color derived from the spiciness are sure to be savored by true Indian food enthusiasts.

4. What is the Healthiest Indian Chicken Dish?

For the health-conscious, it will surely be Chicken Tandoori. This involves marinating chicken in yogurt and spices before grilling or baking the chicken. The cooking process is healthy, ensuring the meat is tender and tasty yet very low in fat. For all that, it’s perfectly combined with vegetables or salad.