Chicken Shahi is a classic Indian dish that boasts of rich, creamy flavors and a tantalizing aroma that is sure to leave your taste buds begging for more.

This dish has a long and storied history, with roots dating back to the Mughal era in India. Known for its decadent blend of spices and luxurious ingredients, Chicken Shahi has become a favorite among food enthusiasts around the world.

The word “Shahi” itself means “royal” in Hindi, and it’s no wonder this dish has earned such a regal title. Originating in the royal kitchens of the Mughal emperors, Chicken Shahi was served as a delicacy fit for kings and queens.

The dish was created using the finest ingredients sourced from all corners of the empire, resulting in a meal that was both delicious and luxurious.

Preparing Chicken Shahi may seem daunting at first, but with a bit of practice and patience, you’ll soon discover that it’s not as difficult as it seems.

The key to mastering this dish lies in the careful balance of spices and the slow cooking process, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a harmonious symphony of taste.

With a little time and effort, you’ll be able to recreate this royal delicacy in the comfort of your own kitchen. So why not treat yourself like royalty and give Chicken Shahi a try? Your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is a lean cut of meat that is used in this dish for its tender texture and mild flavor. It is a versatile ingredient that absorbs the flavors of the spices and tomato sauce well.

Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for cooking the onions, garlic, and ginger. It helps to sauté the ingredients evenly and adds a rich flavor to the dish.

Onions: Onions are a staple ingredient in many Indian dishes, adding a sweet and savory flavor. They are sautéed until golden brown to enhance their natural sweetness.

Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish. It is minced and added to the onions for a fragrant base.

Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm and spicy flavor to the dish. It is grated and sautéed with the garlic and onions to create a flavorful base.

Ground Cumin: Ground cumin is a popular spice used in Indian cuisine. It adds a nutty and earthy flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.

Ground Coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy and floral flavor. It is used in combination with other spices to create a well-rounded seasoning for the chicken.

Turmeric: Turmeric adds a vibrant yellow color to the dish and a warm, peppery flavor. It is commonly used in Indian cooking for its earthy taste and health benefits.

Chilli Powder: Chilli powder adds a spicy kick to the dish. It can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance and preference.

Tomato Passata: Tomato passata is a smooth and thick tomato puree that adds a rich and tangy flavor to the sauce. It provides a sweet and acidic balance to the dish.

Double Cream: Double cream adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce, balancing out the spice from the chili powder. It helps to create a luxurious and velvety consistency.

Cashew Nuts: Cashew nuts are ground into a paste and added to the sauce for a creamy and nutty flavor. They help to thicken the sauce and add a subtle sweetness.

Garam Masala: Garam masala is a blend of ground spices that adds warmth and depth to the dish. It is often added towards the end of cooking to preserve its aromatic flavors.

Salt: Salt is used to enhance the flavors of the dish and balance out the sweetness of the onions and tomatoes. It is essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce to taste.

Fresh Coriander Leaves: Fresh coriander leaves are used as a garnish for added freshness and a pop of color. They have a citrusy and herbaceous flavor that complements the spices in the dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Try serving the Chicken Shahi over cooked basmati rice for a traditional and satisfying meal. The fragrant and creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice, making it a delicious combination. You can also serve the dish with warm naan bread on the side for dipping and scooping up the rich sauce.

For a refreshing twist, consider serving the Chicken Shahi with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette dressing. The crisp and fresh salad will help balance out the richness of the dish, creating a well-rounded meal.

If you’re looking to add some extra crunch and texture to the dish, sprinkle some toasted cashews or almonds on top of the Chicken Shahi before serving. The nuts add a nice contrast to the creamy sauce and bring a bit of crunchiness to each bite.

To spice things up a bit, you can also serve the Chicken Shahi with a side of mango chutney or pickled onions. The sweet and tangy flavors of the condiments complement the spices in the dish and add an extra layer of complexity to the meal.

• For a vegetarian twist on the recipe, you can replace the chicken breast with paneer or tofu. Both options work well in the creamy sauce and absorb the flavors beautifully.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add some chopped green chilies to the sauce for an extra kick.
• For a dairy-free version of the Chicken Shahi, you can substitute the double cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Both alternatives still provide a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
• If you’re looking to add more vegetables to the meal, you can stir in some cooked peas, carrots, or bell peppers towards the end of the cooking process. The added veggies bring color and nutrients to the dish.
• To make the dish nut-free, you can omit the cashew nuts from the recipe altogether. The sauce will still be flavorful and creamy without the nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Shahi?

Chicken Shahi is a rich and creamy Mughlai dish made with tender chicken cooked in a luscious gravy made with cream, yogurt, and various aromatic spices.

What ingredients are typically used in Chicken Shahi?

Common ingredients used in Chicken Shahi include chicken, cream, yogurt, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, cashews, almonds, and a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric.

Is Chicken Shahi spicy?

Chicken Shahi is typically not very spicy. It has a mild and creamy flavor profile with a hint of warmth from the spices used. Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.

What can be served with Chicken Shahi?

Chicken Shahi is often served with naan, rice, or pulao. It can also be paired with a side of raita or salad to complement the creamy flavors of the dish.

Can I make Chicken Shahi ahead of time?

Yes, Chicken Shahi can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. The flavors tend to develop even more when the dish is allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Malai Chicken Curry
• Coconut Chicken Curry
• Malabar Chicken Curry
• Amritsari Chicken Curry
• Chicken Yakhni Pulao

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Chicken Shahi

by Nabeela Kauser

Treat your taste buds to a rich and creamy chicken dish with bold spices and a hint of sweetness. This recipe offers a balance of flavors that will transport you to the streets of India with every bite. Don't miss out on this exquisite culinary experience.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 364 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 g Chicken Breast diced
• ▢ 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• ▢ 2 Onions finely chopped
• ▢ 3 cloves Garlic minced
• ▢ 1 tsp Ginger grated
• ▢ 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• ▢ 1 tsp Ground Coriander
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Turmeric
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 200 g Tomato Passata
• ▢ 100 ml Double Cream
• ▢ 50 g Cashew Nuts soaked in water
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
• ▢ Salt to taste
• ▢ Fresh Coriander Leaves for garnish

Instructions

• Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
• Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for another minute.
• Add diced chicken breast to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
• Sprinkle ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chilli powder over the chicken. Stir well to coat.
• Pour in the tomato passata and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
• In a blender, combine soaked cashew nuts with double cream until smooth.
• Pour the creamy cashew mixture into the pan with the chicken. Stir gently to combine.
• Sprinkle garam masala over the dish and season with salt to taste.
• Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Notes

Ensure to soak the cashew nuts in water for at least 30 minutes before blending.

Adjust the amount of chilli powder according to your desired level of spiciness.

Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread for a delicious meal.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 26gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 1320mgPotassium: 813mgFibre: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 717IUVitamin C: 6mgVitamin D: 1µgCalcium: 58mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Chicken, Chicken Curry, Chicken Shahi, Coconut Chicken Curry, Dinner, Indian, Indian Food

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