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Chicken Handi
ChickenIndia

Chicken Handi

Chicken Handi is a classic India dish that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Chicken, Onion, Tomatoes, Garlic, Ginger paste, Cumin seeds, Coriander seeds, Turmeric powder, Chilli powder, Green chilli, Yogurt, Cream, fenugreek and Garam masala, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. The cooking process allows natural aromas to develop, ensuring each portion is both hearty and flavorful.

Serve hot alongside fresh bread, steamed grains, or a crisp seasonal salad for a well-rounded dining experience.

If you enjoy authentic India cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Chicken Mandi.

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Ingredients

  • Chicken1.2 kg
  • Onion5 thinly sliced
  • Tomatoes2 finely chopped
  • Garlic8 cloves chopped
  • Ginger paste1 tbsp
  • Vegetable oil¼ cup
  • Cumin seeds2 tsp
  • Coriander seeds3 tsp
  • Turmeric powder1 tsp
  • Chilli powder1 tsp
  • Green chilli2
  • Yogurt1 cup
  • Cream¾ cup
  • fenugreek3 tsp Dried
  • Garam masala1 tsp
  • SaltTo taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

21 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1

Take a large pot or wok, big enough to cook all the chicken, and heat the oil in it.

Step 2🍳 Fry

Once the oil is hot, add sliced onion and fry them until deep golden brown.

Step 3

Then take them out on a plate and set aside.

Step 4

To the same pot, add the chopped garlic and sauté for a minute.

Step 5

Then add the chopped tomatoes and cook until tomatoes turn soft.

Step 6⏱️ 5 minutes

This would take about 5 minutes.

Step 7🥄 Mix

Then return the fried onion to the pot and stir.

Step 8

Add ginger paste and sauté well.

Step 9

Now add the cumin seeds, half of the coriander seeds and chopped green chillies.

Step 10🥄 Mix

Give them a quick stir.

Step 11

Next goes in the spices – turmeric powder and red chilli powder.

Step 12

Sauté the spices well for couple of minutes.

Step 13🍲 Simmer

Add the chicken pieces to the wok, season it with salt to taste and cook the chicken covered on medium-low heat until the chicken is almost cooked through.

Step 14⏱️ 15 minutes

This would take about 15 minutes.

Step 15🥘 Sauté

Slowly sautéing the chicken will enhance the flavor, so do not expedite this step by putting it on high heat.

Step 16

When the oil separates from the spices, add the beaten yogurt keeping the heat on lowest so that the yogurt doesn’t split.

Step 17✨ Serve

Sprinkle the remaining coriander seeds and add half of the dried fenugreek leaves.

Step 18🥄 Mix

Mix well.

Step 19🥄 Mix

Finally add the cream and give a final mix to combine everything well.

Step 20✨ Serve

Sprinkle the remaining kasuri methi and garam masala and serve the chicken handi hot with naan or rotis.

Step 21

Enjoy!

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

Chicken Handi carries a rich culinary tradition rooted in regional home cooking. Developed over generations, the recipe highlights wholesome local ingredients prepared with time-honored kitchen techniques.

Dietary Substitutions

You can freely swap chicken with firm pressed tofu, seitan, or thinly sliced mushrooms for a wholesome, plant-based stir-fry with equal bite and flavor absorption.

Chef Technique Tips

Ensure all ingredients are sliced to uniform thickness and patted dry before they hit the pan. Searing in a scorching hot skillet or wok creates authentic smoky caramelization ('wok hei') rather than steaming the ingredients.

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