Gusto TV Lahori Chicken Recipe - Pakistan's Vibrant Street Food Gem

Lahori Chicken Recipe (Pakistan)

Lahori Chicken explodes with warm spice symphony coating tender thighs in silky yogurt gravy — Pakistan’s street food superstar. Featured on Global Street Eats with Chef Devan Rajkumar, this Pakistani street food recipe captures Lahore’s legendary wok-fired chicken, fragrant with cardamom pods and cinnamon whispers, crowned with raw ginger fire and cilantro freshness.

The Inspiration

Lahore’s Food Street transforms nightly into Lahori Chicken central — massive woks sizzle under lantern glow as crowds press close, watching masters flip chicken through spice blizzard. This dish defines Pakistan’s street cooking genius: whole spices bloom in hot ghee, tomatoes break down into sauce silkiness, yogurt tempers heat at final moment for creamy finish without curdling.

Born from Lahori charcoal tandoor traditions meeting street wok efficiency, the dish demands high-heat confidence — onions caramelize fast, spices toast without burning, chicken stays juicy through quick simmer. Vendors compete through topping drama: ginger matchsticks deliver sinus-clearing fire, Thai chilies promise authentic burn, cilantro cleanses palate for second helping.

Chef Devan Rajkumar recreates this street wok ritual for Global Street Eats, honoring the rapid-fire technique that transforms grocery store thighs into market stall magic. His version balances restaurant polish with roadside soul, proving Lahori Chicken belongs in global street food pantheon.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Lahori:

5 boneless skinless chicken thighs, quartered
1 large onion, diced
1 tbsp (14.8ml) grated garlic
1 tbsp (14.8ml) grated ginger
3 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
1 tsp (4.9ml) ground turmeric
1 tsp (4.9ml) chili powder
1 tsp (4.9ml) ground coriander
1 tsp (4.9ml) ground cardamom
1 tsp (4.9ml) ground cumin
½ tsp (2.5ml) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (2.5ml) freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp (29.6ml) ghee
1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt
Salt to taste

For the Toppings:

1 inch knob ginger, peeled and cut into matchsticks
2 green Thai chilis, thinly sliced
½ bunch cilantro, chopped

Method

Season the chicken generously with salt.
Heat the ghee in a large wok or skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has started to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and tomatoes and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Then add in the chicken, turmeric, chili powder, coriander, cardamom, cumin, cinnamon and black pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
Uncover and stir in the yogurt. Let the sauce simmer for another minute, then take off the heat.
Serve topped with ginger matchsticks, sliced green chilis, and chopped cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lahori Chicken sizzling from wok into metal karahi bowls with naan wedges for sauce-mopping, or over cumin basmati rice for restaurant presentation. Street-style: accompany with quartered onions, lemon halves, and extra chilies for build-your-own heat. Pairs perfectly with cold Coke, mango lassi, or salted lassi to tame spice progression.

Family gatherings demand communal serving — one massive bowl center-table with multiple spoons and roti stack nearby. Perfect weeknight main scaled for 6-8, or Ramadan iftar star alongside kebabs and fruit chaat. Leftovers transform beautifully into kathi rolls with paratha wraps and pickled carrots.

Modern twists include chicken biryani base (stir cooked Lahori through half-cooked rice) or pizza topping over naan dough. Spice fiends double chilies; families halve chili powder for kids. Always garnish tableside for maximum aroma impact.

Final Thoughts

This Lahori Chicken recipe from Global Street Eats and Chef Devan Rajkumar captures Pakistani street food wok magic — tender thighs in silky yogurt gravy fragrant with cardamom-cinnamon warmth, crowned with ginger fire and cilantro freshness.

Rapid cooking meets profound flavor, proving street food triumphs through efficiency and instinct. From Lahore’s lantern-lit carts to global kitchens, Lahori Chicken demands second helpings everywhere it lands.

Find more recipes from Global Street Eats here!