Chicken Handi

Discover this authentic Indian Chicken Handi recipe — a satisfying weeknight dish that's a culinary masterpiece for the ambitious cook. Made with chicken, onion, tomatoes and 13 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 9 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this indian classic is sure to impress.

Expert
Updated March 14, 2026
1 views

20

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

430

Calories/serving

Expert

Difficulty

Chicken Handi

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1.2 kg Chicken
  • 5 thinly sliced Onion
  • 2 finely chopped Tomatoes
  • 8 cloves chopped Garlic
  • 1 tbsp Ginger paste
  • ¼ cup Vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 3 tsp Coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Chilli powder
  • 2 Green chilli
  • 1 cup Yogurt
  • ¾ cup Cream
  • 3 tsp Dried fenugreek
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • To taste Salt

Instructions

9 steps · ~56 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Take a large pot or wok, big enough to cook all the chicken, and heat the oil in it. Once the oil is hot, add sliced onion and fry them until deep golden brown. Then take them out on a plate and set aside.

    8 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  2. Step 2

    To the same pot, add the chopped garlic and sauté for a minute. Then add the chopped tomatoes and cook until tomatoes turn soft. This would take about 5 minutes.

    8 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  3. Step 3

    Then return the fried onion to the pot and stir. Add ginger paste and sauté well.

    8 minutes
    Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking.
  4. Step 4

    Now add the cumin seeds, half of the coriander seeds and chopped green chillies. Give them a quick stir.

    8 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  5. Step 5

    Next goes in the spices – turmeric powder and red chilli powder. Sauté the spices well for couple of minutes.

    8 minutes
    Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking.
  6. Step 6

    Add the chicken pieces to the wok, season it with salt to taste and cook the chicken covered on medium-low heat until the chicken is almost cooked through. This would take about 15 minutes. Slowly sautéing the chicken will enhance the flavor, so do not expedite this step by putting it on high heat.

    8 minutes
    Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking.
  7. Step 7

    When the oil separates from the spices, add the beaten yogurt keeping the heat on lowest so that the yogurt doesn’t split. Sprinkle the remaining coriander seeds and add half of the dried fenugreek leaves. Mix well.

    3 minutes
    Use room-temperature ingredients for better volume when whisking.
  8. Step 8

    Finally add the cream and give a final mix to combine everything well.

    3 minutes
  9. Step 9

    Sprinkle the remaining kasuri methi and garam masala and serve the chicken handi hot with naan or rotis. Enjoy!

    2 minutes
    Warm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Indian recipe for Chicken Handi is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Indian cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your indian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Naan bread or basmati rice
🍽️Raita
🍽️Mango chutney

About This Dish

Chicken Handi is a beloved dish from Indian cuisine, originating in India. With a total preparation time of about 50 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Indian cuisine reflects the country's incredible diversity, with flavors and techniques varying dramatically from north to south, east to west. The masterful use of spices is the hallmark of Indian cooking.

This recipe is rated expert difficulty and uses 16 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken Handi is a traditional Indian dish made with chicken cooked in a rich and creamy gravy, typically prepared in a handi (a clay pot) which enhances the flavors.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories430kcal
Total Fat19g
Sodium514mg
Total Carbohydrates47g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein52g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineIndian
CategoryDinner
CountryIndia