Chicken Handi
A rich and creamy chicken curry simmered to perfection in a luscious gravy of yogurt, cream, and aromatic spices. This North Indian classic is a restaurant favorite you can easily make at home.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Cashew Paste: Soak 12 cashew nuts in 1/4 cup of warm water for 15-20 minutes. Drain and grind them with a splash of fresh water into a very smooth paste. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics: Heat 3 tbsp of ghee in a handi or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamom pods. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until they become fragrant.
- 3
Brown Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the pot
- a.Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft, translucent, and have turned a deep golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor of the gravy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Masala Base: Add 1.5 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir for 30 seconds, then immediately add the 1 cup of tomato puree. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the masala thickens and you see ghee separating at the edges.
- 5
Incorporate Creamy Elements: Reduce the heat to low
- a.Add the 1/2 cup of whisked, room-temperature yogurt, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to prevent curdling. Once fully incorporated, stir in the prepared cashew paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
- 6
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and 1.25 tsp of salt
- a.Increase the heat to medium and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is sealed on all sides. Pour in 1 cup of water, stir well, and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Simmer the Curry: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir once or twice in between to prevent sticking.
- 8
Finish and Garnish: Turn off the heat
- a.Stir in the 1/4 cup of heavy cream, 1 tsp of garam masala, and 1 tbsp of kasuri methi (crushed between your palms). Let the curry rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld. Garnish with 2 tbsp of fresh coriander leaves before serving hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs or a mix of bone-in pieces.
- 2Ensure your yogurt is at room temperature and whisked well. Add it on the lowest heat while stirring constantly to prevent it from splitting.
- 3Properly browning the onions is key to developing the deep, sweet base flavor of the curry. Don't rush this step.
- 4For a smoky, restaurant-style flavor (dhungar), place a small steel bowl in the center of the finished curry, add a piece of red-hot charcoal, pour a few drops of ghee over it, and immediately cover the pot for 2-3 minutes.
- 5If you don't have a handi, a Dutch oven or any heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid will work perfectly.
- 6For an even more tender chicken, marinate it for 30 minutes in a little yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and salt before cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 400g of paneer cubes (add in the last 5 minutes of cooking) or a mix of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and green beans.
SpicierSpicier
Add 2-3 slit green chilies along with the ginger-garlic paste for an extra kick of heat.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Substitute the cashew paste with a paste made from 2 tablespoons of melon seeds (magaz) or poppy seeds (khus khus), soaked and ground in the same way.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
For a lower-fat version, use low-fat yogurt, replace heavy cream with milk or evaporated milk, and reduce the amount of ghee.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Energy Boosting
The combination of healthy fats from ghee and cashews, along with protein and carbohydrates, provides a sustained release of energy.
Rich in Aromatic Spices
Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can contribute to overall wellness.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Chicken Handi contains approximately 480-550 calories, depending on the cut of chicken and the exact amount of ghee and cream used. It's a rich dish best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.