Restaurant Style Chicken Handi

This is a Restaurant Style Chicken Handi recipe which is flavorful, easy and quick. It consists of a smooth creamy gravy, as any handi recipe should have, and it tastes amazing! Impress your family (or just your taste buds!) with this truly mouthwatering Chicken Handi.

My family loves to order chicken handi at restaurants, and even though each restaurant offers a very different type of handi, they can all be quite tasty.

I have tried quite a few recipes myself, but not many fall under what I would call the perfect handi. This one has been by far my best recipe (Not counting the one I winged and never thought to note down!).

What is chicken handi?

Originally, ‘handi’ was the earthenware (clay) or metal pot (copper) used in Indian subcontinent. But now, it has become the name of a chicken gravy dish, most often made with boneless chicken. However, it can be cooked with whole chicken pieces as well. These traditional claypot handis are mostly used in Pakistani, North Indian and Bangladeshi cousines. Restaurants and dhabas may just serve them in this claypot even if they do not actually cook in it.

Types of Handi

Well, handi has evolved. From varieties of chicken handis, you can even switch around the protein source. Meaning mutton and paneer handis are all the rage now.

Chicken Handi

Paneer handi

Mutton handi

Mughlai chicken handi

Makhni Chicken Handi

Paneer reshmi handi (You must have heard of the oh-so-famous Kolachi handi in Karachi!)

Handi Cookware

You can make this restaurant style chicken handi in the actual handi pot but I use a nonstick pot or pan. While the traditional handi claypot gives a wonderful aroma, food tends to stick to the pot so you have to be a lot more careful. Among the pros is that chicken handi stays piping hot in it.

Preparation of Restaurant Style Chicken Handi

There’s a whole variety of chicken handi recipes now and you can’t really pinpoint a type as ‘traditional and original’. Some use onions only, some tomatoes, some yogurt and some a mix of any of the above mentioned.

This recipe of chicken handi uses a mix of onion, tomatoes and yogurt. Boneless chicken handis are usually made at high flame, and tend to be rich and creamy.

Which is better-Chicken boneless or chicken thighs?

While chicken handi is often made with boneless chicken, chicken boneless thighs are much tender and delicious compared to boneless chicken.

However, I almost always use chicken boneless but the tenderized boneless chicken breasts. They work pretty well, and are cheaper than boneless thighs.

You can even make this with bone-in chicken!

Ingredients of Restaurant Style Chicken Handi

Oil, Butter or Ghee – While I used oil in this recipe of chicken handi, you can use butter or ghee instead for added richness and flavor.

Chicken Boneless – I used tender chicken breasts for this recipe, which I find works best. But you may use chicken thighs for an even tender, juicy version.

Tomatoes– I wouldn’t really call it handi if it did not have tomatoes. I love the reddish color it provides to the dish, that seems signature to any handi recipe.

Onions– Onions provide extra gravy and who doesn’t love some extra gravy.

Ginger garlic Paste– Do I really have to say anything here? A must in all homemade desi recipes. Feel free to add freshly chopped ginger and garlic for an extra kick.

Spices – Add salt to taste. I prefer to use kashmiri red chili powder because I love the color it creates but you can definitely use regular red chili powder. Then the usuals: turmeric, all-spice powder, roasted and crushed cumin and coriander seeds. (Must be roasted for best flavor)

Dried Fenugreek leaves: This is my personal favorite and a must add to any handi recipe. Crush it between your hands before use!

Yogurt, thick cream and cream cheese spread- These add richness and each it’s own flavor but you don’t have to put all of these. For the cream cheese spread, the puck one is my favorite! You can use kraft or any other tried and tested brand. Some recipes use nut paste such as cashews to provide that rich creamy goodness.

Green chilies– I used the non-spicy green chilies here just for the aroma. If your family is a fan of spicy food, use a mix of both types of green chilies.

How to make Restaurant Style Chicken Handi

Here are the directions to make this easy and quick chicken handi.

• Start by frying the chicken on high flame and keep aside.
• Heat oil, cook sliced onions but do not brown them. Transfer to a blender and blend. Transfer the blended onions back in the pot and add ginger garlic paste and saute for 2 minutes.
• Now add the tomatoes, salt, kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, and crushed coriander and cumin seeds. Continue cooking on high flame till oil comes up.
• Then add chicken and yogurt and keep mixing for 3 minutes.
• Finally. mix in dried fenugreek leaves, green chilis, cream and cream cheese.
• Sprinkle all-spice powder.
• Garnish with sliced ginger and green chilies.
• Serve hot.

Can I double the Restaurant Style Chicken Handi?

Yes, this recipe of chicken handi can easily be doubled for a larger batch, or parties! You can even half the recipe for a smaller quantity (for 400-500g chicken). I often half the recipe when I’m making for my small family.

Can I make this Restaurant style chicken handi with lesser oil?

You could, but then it wouldn’t be very restaurant-like, would it? Some things in life are meant to be enjoyed as they are-unhealthily 😛

Is chicken handi healthy?

As a dietitian, I’ll give you honest advice. While pretty rich and delicious, such foods are not meant for daily or frequent consumption due to their high (saturated) fat content. Maybe I will share a healthier version with you guys someday, which is quite possible, with a teeny bit compromise on flavor.

How do I store chicken handi?

When placed in an airtight container and refrigerated, this chicken handi will keep well for 4-5 days.

Can I freeze chicken handi?

Yes, totally! if you would like to freeze leftovers, or as part of meal prepping. Just make sure freeze it in an airtight container.

What do I do if there are leftovers?

Leftover chicken handi can be eaten as is, or as mentioned above, you can freeze it for a rainy day. I, personally, love eating leftover chicken handi in breakfast with fried eggs! 🙂

How do I serve Restaurant Style Chicken Handi?

You can serve chicken handi with hot tandoori roti, naan, parathas or even steamed rice.

Even if you do not make it in a traditional handi pot, you can serve this restaurant style chicken handi in it. It looks amazing in it-gives it that restaurant-like presentation.

Okay so, now with all that said, what’s stopping you from making this hearty, delicious meal? Here goes my favorite recipe of restaurant style chicken handi.

Did you try this recipe?

I would love to know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and post a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #theovenist.

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