Go Back
+ servings
Cracked wheat in a bowl

Pakistani Style Chicken with Dalia

Call it Dalia or Daliya. This cracked wheat cooked with chicken is not just nutritionally rich but oh so easy to make. Chicken with Dalia is the ultimate comfort food is perfect for easy dinner nights. Or when you want to give your taste buds and stomach a break but still feel satisfied.
5 from 14 votes
Prep Time 12 hours 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Pakistani
Servings 12

Equipment

  • Equipment
  • Large heavy bottom pot
  • Chopping Board
  • Small frying pan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cracked wheat soaked overnight in 12 cups water
  • 1 large cinnamon stick Dalchini
  • ½ teaspoon cloves laung
  • ½ teaspoon whole black pepper sabut kali mirch
  • 2 sprigs mint leaves
  • 2 green chilies cut the edges
  • 2 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1, 2.2 lbs whole bone in chicken skin off, cut into 16 pcs

Tempering (Tarka)

  • ¼ cup Avocado Oil*
  • ½ medium red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds Zeera

Instructions
 

  • In a large heavy bottom pot, bring cracked wheat (including the water used for soaking), chicken, cinnamon stick, cloves, black pepper, mint leaves, chilies, and salt to boil.**
  • Once everything comes to a boil, partially cover the pot, and cook on medium heat for 30 minutes, or till the cracked wheat swells and gets thick in consistency, and the chicken cooks through. Stir every 10 minutes to avoid clumping.
  • Once Dalia is done cooking, bring the heat to low, and cover the pot. Stir every now and then to make sure that the cooked Dalia does not stick to the bottom. Be careful to stir the chicken gently as it can break and disintegrate in the Dalia.
  • Heat a frying pan on medium heat. Add oil, then fry onions till they turn golden brown. After that add cumin seeds and stir fry for 5 seconds.
  • Now, add the tempered oil on Dalia. Stir gently. Cover and cook on low heat for additional 10 minutes.
  • Your Dalia with Chicken is done. Serve warm as is, or with Chaat Masala and lemon wedges.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

* To reduce fat by half per serving use, 2 tablespoons oil.
*For less heat (spicy), add the green chilies after the chicken has come to boil, and the cracked wheat has cooked for at least 30 minutes.
Consistency – If the Dalia seems too thick, simply add more water as desired and bring to boil once.
To Reheat – Heat on the stove at high for 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium low, cover and heat for another 3 minutes, or till it heats through. To reheat in the microwave, mix 2 tablespoons of water per serving. Cover, and microwave for 2 minutes. Gently mix to avoid extra hot spots, and enjoy : )
To Freeze – Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or microwave following the instructions above. Add fresh Tarka (temper) and serve warm.
Keyword Chicken recipes, Dalia with Chicken, easy dinner recipes, healthy recipes, Pakistani recipes
Are you making this recipe?I love looking at your creations. Take a picture and tag @TheUnModernWoman or share it using #TheUnModernWoman for a chance to be featured on the Gram.