Love comes in various forms: fried, roasted, grilled, etc. Chicken is the first word that strikes anyone’s mind when they hear ‘white meat.’ Renowned for its simplicity, quality, and delicacy, chicken has made its place as a household staple on most weekends, leaving your mouth watering for the most valid reasons. We will not complain!
The theory is that if you know how to eat chicken, you can survive anywhere, even in the woods. But do you know how different nations and cultures cook chicken? There is no right way to savor this meat, but we know these dishes will entice your cravings! Read on to fuel your hunger and book that next ticket to explore chicken globally!
1. Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
Although it is widely available worldwide now, something must match the authenticity of the Middle Eastern flavors. This street food is made with grilled chicken, vegetables, lettuce, sauces, hummus, and the special flatbread that binds everything together: Khaboos. It is also served with various pickles and tahini.
It is quite the perfect choice to serve at themed parties or quick dinners as it is feasible and will leave you wholly satisfied, wanting nothing more than dessert.
2. French Coq au Vin
France’s own comfort food is the French translation of ‘Chicken with wine,’ where chicken is simmered with red wine, mushrooms, garlic, and aromatic herbs. It is a classic.
The French inculcate wine into their cuisine quite profoundly, complimenting the taste nicely.
3. American Fried Chicken
This go-to meal is undoubtedly America’s favorite. With globalization, it has touched hearts across the world as well. Any savvy meat-eater can differentiate between these and similar dishes like buffalo wings, tenders, etc., as these are made by coating chicken with flour, spice, and egg, deep-frying until crisp, and then sprinkling with extra sauce.
No wonder it is finger-lickin’ good. You guessed it right: KFC revolves around this dish. It is even accompanied by a variety of dips, sour being the top choice.
4. Japanese Yakitori
Yakitori is a Japanese style of fried chicken that involves grilling pieces using a particular skewer called ‘Kushi’ on a charcoal fire. This popular street and pub classic is seasoned with a tare sauce or, sometimes, only salt.
5. Chicken Tikka Masala
Britain’s national dish, misunderstood as Indian, is infused with spicy Punjabi flavors. It features marinated and grilled chicken served in a traditional tomato-based gravy, leaving you wanting more. While it is a little time-consuming, you can speed up the process with a slow cooker! It tastes even better with naan, a very soft Indian flatbread.
6. Desi Murgh Makhani
Primarily known as butter chicken, it originated from India’s capital, Delhi, accidentally at a local dhaba, which has now accidentally stumbled upon one of the most loved dishes ever and a future international delicacy. Today, it is quite the restaurant favorite for multiple families as it comprises marinated chicken added to a stew of tomatoes, cream, dry fruits, and copious amounts of butter, and the dish would be incomplete without a side of butter naan.
It is pretty simple to make, and no, you cannot be picky with the amount of butter as it would do no justice to its name; we do not make the rules!
7. Mexico’s Mole Poblano
It is a highly complex sauce that can turn your face into disgust, but surprisingly, it is a Mexican culinary masterpiece using chocolate and chili peppers, often served with chicken.
It tastes rich, nutty, and earthy, making it not too spicy.
8. Italian Chicken Parmigiana
This chicken parmesan, also known as ‘pollo alla parmigiana,’ is prepared using a chicken breast dusted with crunchy bread crumbs. It is covered in mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and acidic tomato sauce. It is typically served over pasta, making it the best dinner option after a tiresome day.
The mythology behind this suggests that this dish dates to the twentieth century and is very contemporary.
9. Peru’s Pollo a la Brassa
This signature Peruvian golden rooster dish is of the utmost importance in their cuisine. It consists of crunchy and juicy charcoal-grilled chicken traditionally served with French fries and salads. It is popular enough for 27 million Peruvians to eat it daily.
10. Kickin’ Chicken Kiev
To prepare this classic Russian dish, you need only eggs, flour, salt, mushroom cream sauce, chicken breasts, golden panko breadcrumbs, cream cheese, tarragon, parsley, and thyme.
As challenging as it seems, it is considered one of the easiest meals to make by the natives.
Along the way
Many other dishes might not have made the list as it is very difficult to choose between multiple mouthwatering dishes coming not as one but in huge numbers from one nation itself.
Even to preserve culture and flavors, many dishes might still be unknown as the natives themselves gatekeep them. Dishes like Chicken 65, Japanese katsu, etc., are also widely known but can fall under the trap of experimenting with flavors, which ruins the overall authenticity and cultural significance.
Why is chicken so famous?
Poultry is consumed in high amounts across the world, with statistics stating 33%, even with the high rise of veganism prevailing everywhere. Chicken has a massive fanbase around the world, with people even devoting half their diet only to this meat, which makes them basically ‘Pollotarians.’
Reportedly, pollotarianism may decrease heart disease and cancer risk associated with high intake of red meat but could also leave you with deficiencies of iron, zinc, vitamin B12, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key takeaway
Non-vegetarian lovers love a good chicken meal to make their day, but limiting yourself to the value and culinary secrets various cultures and cuisines offer is ignorance. Alas, these top 10 dishes have made their mark on the list by enriching with its history; now it is your turn to delve deep into their flavors and richness by trying out the recipes or personally tasting the originality of these regional dishes as soon as possible. Round up your tastebuds and get set on your flavorful journey!
