Easy Chicken Handi Recipe

Easy Chicken Handi Recipe For Curry Lovers - Creamy, Savory, and Extremely Delicious

Chicken Handi is a delightful and aromatic curry dish that features marinated tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy and spicy sauce.

This chicken curry recipe is packed with amazing flavors and incredibly simple to make, making it a perfect choice for both beginner cooks and experienced food enthusiasts.

For a delightful Indian feast that the whole family will enjoy, serve this dish alongside Guyanese Oil Roti, Yellow Rice (Indian Turmeric Pilau Rice), Onion Bhaji (Onion Pakora), or Keema Naan Bread!

What is Chicken Handi?

Chicken Handi is a rich and deliciously creamy North Indian curry dish traditionally cooked in an earthen clay pot. 

It's made with tender chicken pieces cooked in an aromatic and flavorful gravy made with onions, tomatoes, various spices, and tangy yogurt.

This Restaurant Style Chicken Handi dish is perfect for serving alongside naan bread or rice.

Why This Recipe Works?

• The combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken pieces, and a creamy tomato-based sauce creates a delightful flavor profile.

• This Murgh Handi recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible to both beginner cooks and experienced food enthusiasts.

• Marinating the chicken allows it to absorb flavors, while slow cooking helps the ingredients blend and develop a rich and savory taste.

• You can enjoy this Easy Chicken Handi recipe with naan bread or rice, giving you the flexibility to customize it according to your taste.

• The delicious flavors of this dish make it perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying a comforting meal at home.

Ingredients You'll Need

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

• Chicken - You have the option to use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast for this recipe. Alternatively, bone-in curry cuts or chicken parts like thighs, drumsticks, or wings work well too. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you choose.

• Onion - You can use diced or sliced brown, yellow, or white onion. Shallots would work great as well.

• Tomatoes - Use the tastiest tomatoes you can find to get the best result. I prefer beefsteak or Roma tomatoes but any type would work fine as long as they are tasty and juicy.

• Tomato paste - It adds an umami flavor to the dishes as well as a bright red color. You can find it in Turkish or Middle Eastern shops or buy it online from Amazon .

• Yogurt - Make sure to use plain, unsweetened natural or Greek yogurt for this recipe. Adding yogurt to the marinade keeps the meat tender and creates a creamy texture in the curry sauce.

• Spices - All the spices necessary for making Chicken Handi are common pantry staples for those who frequently cook curries at home. Feel free to adjust the spice quantities according to your personal taste preferences.

How to Make Chicken Handi?

Making this Chicken Handi Recipe is very easy and straightforward.

However, to achieve the best results you need to follow a few simple steps:

Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of plain natural yogurt, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, ½ teaspoon of garam masala powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.

Mix well.

Add 800 grams of boneless chicken thighs to the yogurt marinade and coat the chicken pieces evenly.

Set aside for about 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours.

Prepare the Curry

In a Dutch oven or a heavy-based pan, melt 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. 

Add 2 medium diced onions and sauté until golden brown.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of ginger garlic paste and ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds, and sauté gently for a minute. 

Add cumin powder, garam masala, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt along with tomato paste.

Cook for a minute until fragrant.

Then, add 3 medium chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices, for about 15-20 minutes.

Stir in the yogurt, and mix well until all are nicely incorporated.

Now, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan along with 1 teaspoon of dry fenugreek (kasuri methi).

Stir well to combine.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken cook for about 15 minutes or until it is cooked through and tender.

Add 30 milliliters of double cream or heavy cream to the pan, and stir gently to incorporate it into the curry. 

Finally, add chopped green chilies for a spicy kick and simmer the curry for another 5 - 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Top Tips From the Chef

• For more flavorful and tender chicken, marinate the chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

• Sauté the onions until they soften and turn a deep golden brown. This will enhance their sweetness and add richness to the dish.

• Cook the tomatoes long enough to allow them to break down and release their juices, adding depth to the curry.

• While cooking the chicken, make sure to cook it on low heat and cover the pan. This will help the chicken pieces cook evenly and retain their tenderness.

• Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Thicker pieces may require a slightly longer cooking time, while smaller pieces may cook faster.

• Just before serving, garnish the Chicken Handi with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

What to Serve with Chicken Handi?

Enjoy the rich flavors of Chicken Handi with freshly made Garlic Naan - Indian Flatbread or Pakistani Roghni Naan.

The soft and chewy texture of naan complements the creamy curry perfectly.

Serve Chicken Handi over aromatic Mushroom Rice (Mushroom Pilau) or Yellow Rice (Indian Turmeric Pilau Rice) for a classic combination.

If you prefer a lighter option, serve Chicken Handi with Guyanese Oil Roti or chapati.

These thin, unleavened Indian breads are perfect for scooping up the curry.

Cool down the spice level of the curry by serving it with Onion Raita, a yogurt-based condiment.

Storage and Reheating

Allow the Chicken Handi to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Place the container in the refrigerator to keep the leftovers for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to keep the leftovers longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

When reheating Chicken Handi, you can use a stovetop or microwave for best results.

Stovetop

Transfer the desired portion of Chicken Handi to a saucepan.

Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.

Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Microwave

Place the Chicken Handi in a microwave-safe container.

Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.

Heat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until it is heated evenly throughout.

It's important to reheat and consume leftovers within a safe timeframe to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of the dish.

Recipe FAQs

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Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

I hope you enjoy the process of making this delightful and aromatic Easy Chicken Handi Recipe as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂 

Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!

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