15 Classic Chicken Dishes from Around the World

Chicken is one of the most versatile meats, enjoyed across the globe in countless ways. Whether you’re looking for a hearty stew, a flavorful curry, or a simple roast, different cultures offer their own unique spin on this beloved ingredient. From spicy dishes to more delicate flavors, there’s something for every palate. These classic chicken recipes from around the world highlight the best in international cuisine, providing a taste of different cultures right in your kitchen.

Chicken Tikka Masala

This flavorful dish from India blends marinated chicken with a creamy tomato-based sauce, perfect for serving with rice or naan. Start by marinating chicken in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala for at least two hours. After grilling or baking the chicken, simmer it in a sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and more spices. The result is a mildly spicy, creamy curry that’s loved around the world for its balance of flavors.

Coq au Vin

A traditional French dish, Coq au Vin involves slowly braising chicken in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, onions, and garlic. Begin by browning the chicken in a skillet with butter, then set it aside while you cook the bacon and vegetables. Add red wine, broth, and herbs such as thyme and bay leaves, returning the chicken to the pot to braise until tender. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, savory meal.

Chicken Adobo

Hailing from the Philippines, Chicken Adobo is a tangy, savory dish made by simmering chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves. Start by marinating the chicken in soy sauce and vinegar, then sear it until golden brown. Add garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves to the pot, pouring in water to cover the chicken. Simmer until the chicken is tender, and the sauce has reduced to a flavorful glaze, perfect with rice.

Butter Chicken

A rich and creamy dish from Northern India, Butter Chicken is prepared by marinating chicken in yogurt, garlic, and spices, then simmering it in a buttery tomato sauce. Grill or bake the marinated chicken, then cook a sauce made from butter, tomatoes, cream, and more spices like garam masala and chili powder. The smooth, slightly sweet sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, making it a favorite in Indian restaurants around the world.

Chicken Cacciatore

This Italian classic is a hunter-style stew made with chicken, tomatoes, wine, and vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Brown the chicken in a skillet, then remove it while you sauté the vegetables. Add white wine and canned tomatoes to the skillet, returning the chicken to the pan. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, creating a flavorful, rustic meal that pairs well with pasta or crusty bread.

Chicken Mole

Originating from Mexico, Chicken Mole combines chicken with a rich, spicy-sweet sauce made from chocolate, chili peppers, and spices. Start by browning the chicken in a skillet, then remove it while you prepare the mole sauce with ingredients like cocoa, chili powder, cinnamon, and garlic. Simmer the chicken in the sauce until fully cooked, letting the flavors blend into a complex, delicious dish that’s perfect with rice or tortillas.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

A simple yet flavorful dish from Singapore, Hainanese Chicken Rice features poached chicken served with fragrant rice and dipping sauces. Boil the chicken with garlic, ginger, and scallions until tender, then set it aside while you cook the rice in the chicken broth. Serve the chicken sliced with a side of rice, and don’t forget to add a spicy chili sauce and ginger-scallion oil for dipping.

Chicken Shawarma

A Middle Eastern favorite, Chicken Shawarma is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. The marinated chicken is roasted until tender and juicy, then sliced thin and served in pita bread with vegetables and garlic sauce. The flavorful marinade and crispy edges make shawarma a beloved street food around the world.

Jerk Chicken

From the Caribbean, Jerk Chicken is known for its fiery, smoky flavor, thanks to a marinade made from Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and garlic. Rub the chicken with the marinade and let it sit for a few hours before grilling or roasting until the skin is crispy. The bold, spicy flavors are perfect for serving with rice and peas, a traditional Caribbean side dish.

Chicken Tagine

This Moroccan dish is cooked slowly in a tagine, or clay pot, with chicken, preserved lemons, olives, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, cumin, and ginger. Brown the chicken in a skillet, then transfer it to the tagine with onions, garlic, and spices. Add olives and preserved lemons, and let everything simmer slowly until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich and fragrant, perfect for serving over couscous.

Poulet Yassa

Poulet Yassa is a Senegalese dish that features marinated chicken simmered in a tangy, flavorful sauce made from onions, lemon, and mustard. Start by marinating the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard, then brown it in a skillet. Remove the chicken and sauté a large amount of onions until caramelized. Add the chicken back to the pan, along with water, to create a sauce. Let it simmer until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded, then serve it over rice for a savory, tangy meal.

Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo is a popular Latin American dish where chicken is cooked with rice, vegetables, and spices in a single pot. Begin by browning the chicken with garlic, onions, and bell peppers, then set it aside. In the same pot, sauté rice with tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices like cumin, oregano, and saffron. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the flavors have blended beautifully. It’s a comforting, one-pot meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Chicken Paprikash

A Hungarian favorite, Chicken Paprikash is made by simmering chicken in a rich, creamy sauce flavored with paprika. Start by browning the chicken in a skillet, then set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic, adding a generous amount of sweet paprika. Stir in chicken broth and sour cream to create a rich sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer until cooked through. Serve it over egg noodles or dumplings for a warm, comforting meal.

General Tso’s Chicken

A Chinese-American takeout favorite, General Tso’s Chicken features crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. To prepare, toss chicken pieces in a cornstarch batter and deep fry until golden. In a separate pan, make the sauce with soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated, and serve it with steamed rice for a satisfying, flavorful dish.

Chicken Parmigiana

This Italian-American classic involves breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Start by dredging chicken breasts in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fry them until golden. Place the fried chicken in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and serve the chicken over pasta for a hearty, delicious meal.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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