Description
Creamy and aromatic chicken handi brings authentic Pakistani flavors to your kitchen, delivering a rich culinary experience. Spicy tender chicken simmered in a delectable sauce promises a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 500 grams (17.6 ounces) Chicken (boneless)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala powder
- 1 tablespoon Crushed Kasuri methi leaves (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt (to taste)
Other Ingredients:
- 3–4 tablespoons Oil
- 1 Medium-sized onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger Garlic (crushed)
- 2 Large tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/2 cup Plain unsweetened yogurt (not too sour)
- 3–4 Slit green chilies
- 2 tablespoons Heavy cream
- Handful of Chopped coriander leaves
Instructions
- Immerse chicken pieces in saltwater brine for 1-2 hours, ensuring complete coverage. Thoroughly rinse chicken before preparation.
- Heat oil in a large pan, introduce cumin seeds until they crackle. Add finely chopped onions, sprinkling salt, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until pale golden.
- Incorporate freshly crushed ginger and garlic, continuing to cook until onions transform into a rich caramel-like color.
- Introduce chopped tomatoes, stirring and covering the pan. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until tomatoes soften, then uncover and cook until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
- Whisk yogurt and blend into the pan. Integrate turmeric, cumin, coriander, red chili powders, stirring continuously for 5 minutes until oil emerges on the gravy’s surface.
- Introduce chicken pieces and sliced green chilies, sautéing for 3-5 minutes. Season with appropriate salt levels.
- Pour water, cover the pan, and allow chicken to simmer at medium heat for 6-7 minutes until completely cooked through.
- Adjust gravy consistency by reducing or adding liquid as preferred.
- Elevate flavor profile by sprinkling garam masala and crushed Kasuri methi. Finish with a generous splash of heavy cream, stirring thoroughly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves just before serving, enhancing visual appeal and aromatic experience.
Notes
- Brining adds incredible moisture and flavor, preventing dry chicken and enhancing tenderness during cooking.
- Carefully caramelize onions slowly to develop a deep, rich flavor foundation that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Use fresh whole spices when possible, grinding them just before cooking to maximize aromatic intensity and authentic flavor.
- Consider reducing cream or substituting yogurt for a lighter version suitable for health-conscious diners or those watching calories.
- Prep Time: 1-2 hours
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg