Chicken handi is one of the major Pakistani recipes, and it bears importance as it can be described by its rich and creamy texture. The word “handi” itself refers to the clay pot in which this traditional Pakistani dish is cooked and served with that earthy flavour.
Here we share the Chicken Handi recipe.
Main Characteristics of Chicken Handi :
Rich and Creamy: The gravy is typically made with a blend of yoghurt, tomatoes, onions, and spices, which gives it a thick, creamy consistency.
Aromatic: Chicken Handi is full of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. It is incredibly flavourful and filling.
Fall-off-the-bone Chicken: Normally Chicken Handi would be cooked so that it becomes tender and falls off from the bone.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs: The dish usually ends with fresh cilantro or mint leaves, thereby adding more freshness to the dish.
This dish happens to be a preference of any special occasion and family gathering in Pakistan and also one of the most loved dishes relished by many. So, if you are looking forward to trying out something really hearty and satisfyingly delicious, try chicken handi.
Looking for the recipe to make your own? Head over to Pure Healthy Bites for a delicious twist on this timeless dish:
https://purehealthybites.com/category/recipe/
Ingredients for the Chicken Handi Recipe:
500 grams of boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Spice Powders for Chicken Handi:
- Half a teaspoon of powdered turmeric
- One teaspoon of red chilli powder
- One-half teaspoon of Kashmiri chilli powder
- Half a teaspoon of Jeera powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of powdered black pepper
- Half a teaspoon of garam masala powder
- One teaspoon of dry-roasted and crushed Kasuri Methi
Other Ingredients for Chicken Handi:
- 100 grams of chopped onion (2 small)
- Half a teaspoon of ginger garlic paste
- 5 tablespoons tomato purée
- 120 ml of whisked curd (5–6 tbsp)
- Five tablespoons of fresh cream
- 4 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves
- One teaspoon of salt
- 4 tablespoons of oil
Best cooking oil for cooking : 5 Best Oil For Cooking Steak
I recommend olive oil and avocado oil for the best cooking results:
Instructions for the Chicken Handi:
- Heat oil and add the chopped onions.
- Cook over medium heat until it is limp, about 5 minutes. Then, add the cubed chicken pieces.
- Fry it on high heat for around 2 minutes and then add the ginger garlic paste.
- Mix and fry on medium heat for around 3 to 4 minutes till browned.
- Now add all the spice powders and mix and fry on medium heat for around 3 to 4 minutes till browned.
- After adding the tomato puree, cook for three to four minutes over medium heat.
- After turning off the heat, pour in the fresh cream and whisked curd.
- Mix thoroughly and turn on the heat.
- Cook on low heat for 4 to5 minutes till oil separates.
- Add 150 ml water, give a mix and cover & cook covered for 5 minutes.
- Add crushed kasuri methi and give a mix. Cook for 2 minutes on low heat.
- Lastly garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve.
How to Serve Chicken Handi
Chicken handi and Raita are a traditional Pakistani Indian food combination that go well together. Here’s how to present them for a tasty meal:
Serving Method:
Serving Bowls: Set individual serving bowls on the table.
Chicken handi: Spoon the Chicken handi into the bowls, making sure it is evenly spread.
Raita: Provide a small portion of raita in a different bowl or ramekin.
Accompaniments: If you are offering extra sides such as salad, papad, or chutney, set them in small bowls or ramekins as well.