Easy Chicken Handi Recipe

5 from 2 votes

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

Prep Time30

Cook Time15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: people

Calories: 625kcal

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

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 garlic ginger paste and ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds, and sauté gently for a minute.
Add ½ teaspoon of cumin powder, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of coriander, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt along with 1 tablespoon of 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 dried fenugreek. 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, stirring gently to incorporate it into the curry.
Finally, add 1 chopped green chili 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.

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.