Mughlai Style Chicken Changezi Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a delicious, flavorful Mughlai dish that’s sure to impress your guests, Chicken Changezi is the way to go. With its rich marinated chicken, smoky aroma, and creamy gravy, this dish encapsulates the essence of Mughlai cuisine. The combination of marinated chicken, aromatic spices, and a delicious gravy makes this recipe a complete winner for dinner. Whether you’re serving it with Garlic Naan, Jeera Rice, or Pickled Onions, it’s sure to be the centerpiece of your meal. Follow the step-by-step guide to bring this hearty recipe into your kitchen!
Ingredients
For Marination:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken (cleaned) | 750 grams |
For Gravy:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sunflower Oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1 cup |
| Onions (chopped) | 2 medium |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red Chilli Powder | To taste |
| Fresh Cream | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
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Prepare the chicken: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the chicken. Pat it dry with a paper towel, ensuring there is no excess moisture. Use a fork to prick the chicken at multiple places. This helps the marinade penetrate deeper into the meat for maximum flavor.
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Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with curd (yogurt), ginger garlic paste, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, turmeric powder, kasuri methi, and kashmiri red chilli powder. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for 3-4 hours (you can also marinate it overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking tray and bake them for 30-40 minutes depending on the size of the chicken pieces. The chicken should be fully cooked and have a slight char.
Step 3: Infuse the Smoky Flavor
- Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven and place it in a dish. In the center of the dish, place a small bowl (katori). Burn a small piece of charcoal on the direct flame until it is glowing red.
- Place the burning charcoal inside the katori. Drizzle ghee over the charcoal and cover the dish immediately. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes to absorb the smoky flavor. This step is essential to giving the chicken its signature smoky taste.
Step 4: Prepare the Gravy
- Heat 4 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped ginger and garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until they release a fragrant aroma and the raw smell disappears.
- Add the tomato puree and cook it for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens and the oil begins to separate from the mixture. This step creates a rich, flavorful base for the gravy.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté them until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Season the gravy with salt and red chilli powder to taste.
Step 5: Combine Chicken with Gravy
- Add the baked chicken to the gravy and mix gently. Let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the gravy to fully absorb into the chicken.
- Stir in the fresh cream and cook for an additional minute to create a creamy, rich texture.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve your Chicken Changezi hot, paired with Garlic Naan, Jeera Rice, and Pickled Onions. For dessert, consider serving Malpua with Rose and Saffron Syrup for a traditional touch.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Changezi:
- Marination Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. If you can, marinate it overnight.
- Smoky Flavor: The key to the unique taste of Chicken Changezi is the smoky flavor imparted by burning the charcoal. Don’t skip this step for an authentic Mughlai experience.
- Gravy Consistency: If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it cook for a few more minutes after adding the chicken, or reduce the amount of water used in the tomato puree.
- Cream: For an extra creamy texture, you can add a bit more cream, depending on your preference.
Mughlai Style Chicken Changezi is a true feast for the senses, combining aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a rich, flavorful gravy. This dish brings the best of Mughlai cooking right to your table, perfect for a festive dinner or special occasion. Enjoy!
