Chicken Changezi Recipe: A Delicious Indian Delight
Are you craving a flavorful and aromatic Indian dish? Look no further than Chicken Changezi! This delectable recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy gravy that will tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of preparing this mouthwatering dish. So, let’s dive in!
Outline:
- Introduction
- Chicken Marinade
- Marinating the Chicken
- Cooking the Chicken
- Preparing the Gravy
- Bringing It All Together
- Serving and Garnishing
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction:
Chicken Changezi is a popular North Indian dish known for its robust flavours and creamy texture. It originated in Delhi and has since become a favourite among chicken lovers. The word is characterized by its succulent chicken pieces cooked in a luscious tomato-based gravy. Without further ado, let’s get started with the recipe!
Chicken Marinade:
To infuse the chicken with flavour, we need to prepare a marinade. Here are the ingredients for the marinade:
- Four chicken thighs, boned and skinned, cut into three pieces each
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- One cap of white vinegar or 1/2 lemon juice
- 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
- 1/2 cup curd
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
Mix all the ingredients well and let the chicken rest in the marinade for 3-4 hours. This will ensure the flavours penetrate the meat, making it juicy and tender.
Marinating the Chicken:
After the resting period, it’s time to cook the marinated chicken. Here’s how you can do it:
- Heat 3 tbsp oil in a pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the sizzling oil and fry it until golden brown.
Cooking the chicken will enhance its taste and give it a beautiful colour. Set aside the fried chicken for now as we prepare the gravy.
Preparing the Gravy:
The gravy is the heart of Chicken Changezi, giving the dish its rich and creamy texture. Let’s make the gravy using the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp garlic ginger paste
- Two pureed tomatoes
- 1 1/4 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
- Remaining marinade
- Onion-cashew paste
- 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
- 1 tsp roasted kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 3-4 tbsp fresh cream
Using the same pan in which we fried the chicken, follow these steps to make the gravy:
- Add 1 tbsp of garlic ginger paste to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the masala.
- Add coriander powder, garam masala, chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and marinade. Mix well.
- Stir in the onion-cashew paste and cook for a few minutes until it blends well with the masala.
- Add Kashmiri chilli powder and roasted kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to enhance the flavour of the gravy.
- Pour half a cup of milk and mix it gently with the masala.
- Now, it’s time to add the fried chicken to the sauce. Carefully place the chicken pieces into the pan.
- Add half a cup of water to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
- Finally, add 3-4 tablespoons of fresh cream to give the gravy a creamy and smooth texture. Stir well.
Bringing It All Together:
The chicken and the flavorful gravy are ready to be combined at this stage. Let’s bring them together to create a delightful Chicken Changezi:
- Gently place the chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring they are fully immersed.
- Cover the pan again and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavours of the gravy.
- Keep the flame on low to maintain the tenderness of the chicken.
Serving and Garnishing:
Chicken Changezi is best enjoyed with naan or rice. Here’s how you can serve and garnish this delicious dish:
- Transfer the Chicken Changezi to a serving plate.
- Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of fresh cream.
- For an added touch, sprinkle some roasted cumin powder on top.
Serve the Chicken Changezi hot and savour its aromatic flavours!
Conclusion:
Chicken Changezi is a culinary masterpiece that combines succulent chicken pieces with a rich and creamy gravy. This dish has won the hearts of many with its vibrant flavours and enticing aroma. By following the steps in this recipe, you can recreate this delectable North Indian delight in the comfort of your kitchen. So, gather the ingredients and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
- Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer white meat. However, remember that chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
- Can I make Chicken Changezi in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken and gravy and assemble them before serving. This can save you time when entertaining guests.
- Is Chicken Changezi a spicy dish?
- Chicken Changezi has a mild to medium level of spice. However, you can adjust the amount of chilli powder according to your preference.
- Can I freeze Chicken Changezi?
- Yes, you can freeze Chicken Changezi. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Thaw and reheat it before serving.
- What are some recommended side dishes to serve with Chicken Changezi?
- Naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice make excellent accompaniments to Chicken Changezi. You can also serve it with a raita (yoghurt dip) and a fresh salad.
Get ready to indulge in Chicken Changezi’s flavours and experience its culinary delight!
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Chicken Changezi is a delightful Indian dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich and creamy gravy. The marinade infuses the chicken with flavours, making it juicy and flavorful. The gravy, prepared with a blend of spices and aromatic ingredients, complements the chicken perfectly, creating a mouthwatering combination. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to try something new, Chicken Changezi will impress you.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps outlined in this recipe, and prepare to savour the deliciousness of Chicken Changezi. Whether you’re enjoying it with naan, roti, or rice, this dish is bound to be a hit at your table.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken breasts for thighs. However, remember that thighs are juicier and more flavorful, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make Chicken Changezi ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the gravy in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and combine them when ready to serve. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Is Chicken Changezi a spicy dish?
- Chicken Changezi has a mildly spicy flavour profile. You can alter the spice levels by adding more or less chilli powder according to your preference.
- Can I use Greek yoghurt instead of curd in the marinade?
- Yes, you can use Greek yoghurt as a substitute for curd. It will add a tangy flavour and help tenderize the chicken.
- What can I serve with Chicken Changezi?
- Chicken Changezi pairs well with naan bread, roti, or steamed rice. You can also serve it with a salad or raita to balance the flavours.
Enjoy the culinary adventure of preparing and savouring Chicken Changezi. Its aromatic spices, and creamy texture will transport your taste buds to a world of culinary delight.