Chicken Handi Recipe

 

Chicken Handi Recipe – Creamy, Flavorful & Authentic Restaurant-Style Dish

Chicken Handi is a perfect option for those who want a rich and flavorful meal with a creamy consistency. Chicken Handi stands out for its velvety texture alongside deep flavors and special handi clay pot cooking aromas, which originate from North Indian and Pakistani cuisine. A clay pot is not necessary since regular pans or woks serve the same purpose.

This piece presents step-by-step instructions to prepare genuine Chicken Handi from its base components. Every step in this recipe guides users from beginners to experts in home cooking. So, let’s jump in!

The following list includes everything you require for the project. The correct measurement of materials will guarantee optimal results.

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g bone-in chicken (you can use boneless, but bone-in adds more flavor)

• ½ cup yogurt (thick curd)

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• Salt to taste

For the Curry:

• 2 medium onions (finely sliced)

• 2 medium tomatoes (pureed or finely chopped)

• 1½ tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• ½ cup fresh cream (or ¼ cup cream + ¼ cup milk for lighter version)

• 3 tbsp oil or ghee (for richer flavor)

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1-2 green chilies (slit)

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (for garnish)

• Optional: pinch of saffron soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk (for aroma)

 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir all ingredients together, then allow them to rest for about thirty minutes. Refrigeration time should be between 2 and 3 hours to achieve the desired results. The marinade process both softens the chicken flesh and adds flavorful elements to the chicken.

The best practice for marinating includes using a covered container and selecting either glass or steel bowls instead of plastic.

Step 2: Fry the Onions

Use a deep pan or handi to heat 3 tablespoons of oil or ghee before adding cumin seeds. Add cumin seeds. Add the sliced onions to the pan after the cumin seeds splutter, then sauté them on medium heat until they become golden brown. This may take 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

 

Tip. The key to perfect flavor starts with avoiding haste during the caramelization process for onions.

Step 3: Cook the Tomato Masala

You need to mix the ginger-garlic paste along with slit green chilies. The mixture should be sautéed at medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the raw scent dissipates. Pour the pureed or chopped tomatoes into the mixture. After medium heat cooking, the masala needs 10 minutes for the oil to separate from the sides.

Stir in coriander powder, followed by red chili powder. Mix well.

Step 4: Add Marinated Chicken

Put the marinated chicken into the pan together with the marinade. Mix it well with the masala. Place the covered pot on a low to medium heat setting to cook for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

When your chicken reaches near completion you will spot oil developing on top of the mixture. When you see oil floating on top you can proceed to the following step.

Step 5: Creamy Handi Finish

Mix fresh cream with kasuri methi into the Handi. Stir the mixture while heating it for 5–7 more minutes. The cream both adds richness through its velvety texture and controls the spicy flavors.

Crush kasuri methi with your hands before adding it to get a stronger flavor.

Optional: Add saffron milk at this stage for a royal touch.

Step 6: Final Touch & Garnish

When the chicken becomes completely cooked alongside the desired gravy consistency, you can turn off the heat. Add a touch of freshly sliced coriander leaves alongside a small bit of cream or butter as garnishes.

 

How to Serve Chicken Handi

     Chicken Handi goes best with:

• Butter naan or garlic naan

• Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice

• Lachha paratha or tandoori roti     

 Serve it hot straight from the pan with a side of sliced onions and lemon wedges.

 Substitutions & Variations

• No cream? Malai (milk cream) or full-fat milk serves as a more delicate replacement option.

• Want it spicier? The dish can be spiced up by adding chopped green chilies or extra red chili powder.

• Want it richer? Add 1 tbsp of cashew paste along with cream.

Important Tips to Remember

1. Marination is essential because it produces tender and juicy chicken.

2. Proper cooking of onions together with tomatoes eliminates their rawness.

3. The use of fresh cream or full-fat yogurt creates better richness in your dishes.

4. The slow cooking method intensifies flavors so you should never hurry through this step.

5. Handi-style recipes need their gravy to remain thick and creamy rather than watery.

 Final Thoughts

Chicken Handi remains a delightful dish that always brings satisfaction to everyone. Whichever occasion you choose to prepare Chicken Handi for it will always create a delicious impression on your guests. This comforting meal consists of tender chicken which combines with creamy gravy and burst-of-spice flavors to deliver a dish that you will repeatedly enjoy.

So what are you waiting for? You can prepare the delightful Chicken Handi with your ingredients right now. Share your Chicken Handi cooking experience through comments after preparation.