Transform Your Dinner With This Authentic Chicken Handi Recipe

Marinate chicken in yogurt, spices, and lemon juice for 30 minutes. Sauté onions with whole spices, add ginger-garlic paste, and cook until aromatic. Stir in pureed tomatoes, spices, and marinated chicken, then simmer until tender. Finish with cream, kasuri methi, and garam masala for a creamy, rich gravy.

Ingredients:

For Chicken:

• Chicken (bone-in preferred): 500g
• Yogurt: ½ cup (whisked)
• Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tbsp
• Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
• Turmeric powder: ½ tsp
• Red chili powder: 1 tsp
• Salt: to taste

For the Handi Masala:

• Ghee or oil: 3 tbsp
• Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
• Bay leaf: 1
• Cinnamon stick: 1-inch piece
• Cloves: 3-4
• Green cardamoms: 2-3
• Onions: 2 large (finely chopped)
• Tomatoes: 3 medium (pureed)
• Green chilies: 2 (slit)
• Coriander powder: 1 tbsp
• Cumin powder: 1 tsp
• Garam masala: 1 tsp
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves): 1 tsp (crushed)
• Fresh cream: 2 tbsp
• Fresh coriander leaves: 2 tbsp (chopped)

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces.
• In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
• Add the chicken and coat well. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Handi Masala Base

• Heat ghee or oil in a handi (traditional earthen pot) or a heavy-bottomed pan.
• Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamoms. Sauté until aromatic.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. This step is crucial for a rich flavor.
• Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices

• Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
• Stir in coriander powder, cumin powder, and a little salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

• Add the marinated chicken to the handi. Cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add a little water (½ cup) for a semi-thick gravy and let the chicken simmer. Cover and cook until tender.

Step 5: Final Touches

• Stir in garam masala, kasuri methi, and fresh cream for a creamy, flavorful finish.
• Cook for another 2 minutes and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve hot Chicken Handi with naan, roti, or jeera rice for a restaurant-style experience at home. Pair it with onion salad and a squeeze of lemon for added zest.

Enjoy your rich and aromatic dish.