Creamy Chicken/ Reshmi Chicken is a famous chicken curry in Pakistan and India. It is prepared with boneless chicken, cream, and various spices such as fenugreek powder, all spice powder, turmeric, garlic, etc.
PROCESS:
- Start by heating a mix of butter and vegetable oil in a pan, then cook the chicken pieces until golden, adding salt, ginger, and garlic paste.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in whisked yogurt and let it simmer until smooth. Add ground spices and green chilies, mixing well.
- Pour in thickened cream and cheese, adjusting the consistency with water if needed.
Here’s what you are going to need to make it:
Chicken Thighs: They’re juicy and soak up all the flavors.
Butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Helps sear the chicken nicely without burning the butter.
Salt: For seasoning the dish.
Garlic Paste: Gives a delicious aroma and a nice savory kick.
Ginger Paste: Adds warmth.
Greek or Plain Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang.
Double Cream: Makes the sauce rich.
Cheese: Melts into the sauce making the sauce creamy.
Green Chilies: They add a fresh kick.
Coriander: Essential ingredient for the dish.
White Pepper: Adds mild heat without being too strong.
Cardamom Powder: Gives a sweet, aromatic touch.
Garam Masala: Adds a warm, complex flavor.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: A nice fresh touch and adds some color.
INGREDIENTS:
- 800g chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp veg oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 tbsp Greek or plain yoghurt
- 60ml double cream
- 100g cheese (cheddar + mozzarella
- 4-8 green chilies
GROUND SPICES:
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- A pinch of garam masala (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready
- Start by heating a pan on medium-high. Add a good mix of butter and vegetable oil this will help give your chicken a nice flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Once the pan is hot, toss in your chicken pieces. Let them cook for about a minute, just until they start turning golden. Sprinkle some salt over them, then add in the ginger and garlic paste. Stir everything around and keep cooking until the chicken is no longer pink.
Step 3: Add the Yoghurt
- When your chicken is cooked, lower the heat a bit and stir in the whisked yogurt. Mix it well until it’s nice and smooth. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes; this helps all the flavors come together.
Step 4: Mix in the Spices
- Now, it’s time to add your ground spices. Let them cook for a minute to really bring out their flavor, then toss in the sliced green chilies for a bit of heat. Stir it all together!
Step 5: Incorporate the Cream
- Next, pour in the thickened cream and give everything a good mix. Let it warm through for several minutes. You’ll love the rich color and the amazing smell that fills your kitchen!
Step 6: Add the Cheese
- Grate some cheese into the sauce and stir until it melts in. If the sauce gets a bit thick, just splash in some water and mix it through.
Step 7: Finish It Off
- To add a little richness, throw in a small knob of butter and stir until it’s melted. Top it all off with fresh coriander for a burst of flavor.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your creamy chicken over rice or with naan. Enjoy every bite!
Tips and Notes
- You can use any cut of chicken you prefer breasts, thighs, or even drumsticks. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Full-fat yogurt works best for a creamy texture, but you can use low-fat if you prefer. Just be careful not to overheat it to avoid curdling.
- If you like it spicy, add more green chilies or even a pinch of chili powder. For a milder flavor, use less.
- Experiment with different cheeses! Paneer, cheddar, or even mozzarella can work well. Grate it finely for easier melting.
- Don’t skimp on the coriander! It adds a fresh flavor that really brightens the dish. You can also use mint if you have it on hand.
- This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat gently to avoid separating the sauce.
- This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan, or even a simple salad for a lighter meal.
- Feel free to toss in some veggies like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- If the sauce is too tangy from the yogurt, a pinch of sugar can help balance it out.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and let the flavors develop even more overnight.
- If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should last for about a month.