Chicken Kanti
A classic Kashmiri stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces tossed with onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. This semi-dry dish gets its unique, smoky flavor from mustard oil and aromatic spices like fennel and ginger powder. Ready in under an hour!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, whisked curd, ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric powder, fennel powder, dry ginger powder, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly until each piece of chicken is evenly coated.
- d.Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Place a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium-high heat. Add the mustard oil and heat it until it just begins to smoke. This step is crucial to mellow its pungent flavor.
- c.Reduce the heat to medium, add the cumin seeds, and allow them to sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the sliced onions and sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Chicken
- b.Add the marinated chicken along with all the marinade to the pan.
- c.Increase the heat to high and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
- d.Cook until the chicken is seared, browned in spots, and most of the moisture from the curd has evaporated.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Vegetables
- b.Add the chopped tomatoes and the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt. Mix well and cook for 5-6 minutes, until the tomatoes break down and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
- c.Add the sliced capsicum. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for another 3-4 minutes. The capsicum should be tender yet retain a slight crunch.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Sprinkle the garam masala over the dish and drizzle with lemon juice. Give it a final stir to combine everything.
- c.Cook for one more minute, then turn off the heat.
- d.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or as a side with rice and dal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, do not skip the mustard oil. Heating it to its smoking point is essential to remove its raw pungency.
- 2Using chicken thigh meat will result in a more tender and juicy dish compared to chicken breast.
- 3Ensure the pan is hot when you add the marinated chicken to get a good sear, which locks in the juices.
- 4To make the dish spicier, you can add 1-2 slit green chillies along with the onions.
- 5This is a semi-dry dish. If you find there is too much liquid, increase the heat and cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until the excess moisture evaporates.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 400g of paneer cubes or 500g of mushrooms. If using paneer, add it in the last 5-6 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming chewy.
With MuttonWith Mutton
Use 500g of bone-in mutton pieces. After sautéing the onions, add the marinated mutton and pressure cook with a little water until tender (about 4-5 whistles) before proceeding with the rest of the steps.
Creamier VersionCreamier Version
For a richer, less traditional version, stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream or cashew paste at the very end, after turning off the heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality protein source, crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The use of spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger provides natural anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The onions, tomatoes, and capsicum in this dish provide essential vitamins like Vitamin C and A, as well as minerals and antioxidants that support immune health.
Boosts Metabolism
Spices such as Kashmiri red chilli powder and ginger contain compounds that can give a slight boost to your metabolism, aiding in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
Chicken Kanti can be a healthy dish as it is rich in protein from chicken and contains various vitamins from the vegetables. The use of spices like turmeric and ginger offers anti-inflammatory benefits. To make it healthier, you can use less oil and opt for lean chicken breast.