When I first tried Chicken Changezi Recipe, I have to admit I was blown away by how luxurious and flavorful it turned out. It reminded me of those traditional Indian feasts with rich aromas and spices that make your taste buds dance.
The velvety tomato-based gravy, the tender chicken, and the burst of spices create a dish that feels like a special occasion, even on a weekday night. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe. It’s not just a meal–it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy to every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe will make you look like a pro in the kitchen. Plus, I’ve simplified the steps, so you don’t have to stress about it being overly complicated. Get ready to indulge in a dish that truly feels like royalty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Chicken Changezi isn’t just any chicken dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. Here are some reasons why this recipe will become your new go-to:
1. Rich, Indulgent Flavor
The creamy tomato gravy infused with garam masala, cumin, and paprika takes this dish to the next level. Every bite is bold, full of spices, and incredibly satisfying. You can also adjust the spice level to match your taste, making it a versatile choice for anyone.
2. Easy to Make
Despite its restaurant-quality taste, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. There are only a few simple steps, and the ingredients are pantry staples in most homes. Even if it’s your first time cooking North Indian cuisine, you’ll find it a breeze!
3. Perfect for Meal Prep
This dish tastes even better the next day! Chicken Changezi absorbs the spices overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Plus, it freezes well for those days you don’t feel like cooking but still want a delicious meal.
4. Customizable for Dietary Preferences
Whether you want to make it dairy-free by swapping the cream for coconut milk or lower in fat by reducing the ghee, this recipe is easily adaptable to suit your dietary needs.
5. Pairs with Everything
Chicken Changezi is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Pair it with naan, basmati rice, or roti for a complete meal. Add a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad to balance the richness, and you’ve got the perfect spread.
Cooking Time
Here’s how much time you’ll need to prepare this royal dish:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple everyday ingredients to create this magical dish:
- 500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup thick yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- 2 onions, finely sliced
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh cream
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
Variations
Want to mix things up or adapt the recipe to your needs? Here are some options:
- Dairy-Free: Replace fresh cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version.
- More Heat: Add green chilies or extra red chili powder for a spicier kick.
- Healthier Option: Use olive oil instead of ghee and skip the cream to lighten the dish while retaining flavor.
- Herbal Twist: Toss in some fresh mint or fenugreek leaves for an aromatic lift.
Equipment You’ll Need
To get started, ensure you have the following items ready:
- Mixing Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
- Large Pan or Skillet: To cook the chicken and gravy.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing onions and chopping tomatoes.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and cooking.
How to Make Chicken Changezi?
If you’re craving a rich, flavorful North Indian dish with a royal history, Chicken Changezi is a must-try! This Mughlai-inspired recipe features tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced gravy that bursts with aroma and depth. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Step 1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing 1 cup of thick yogurt with 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the 500 grams of chicken pieces and coat them well. 🥣 For the best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes–or refrigerate overnight if you have the time.
Step 2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden and fully cooked through. 🍗 Once done, set them aside while you prepare the rich gravy that will tie the dish together.
Step 3. Prepare the Gravy
In the same pan, heat a bit more ghee if needed and toss in 1 tsp cumin seeds. When they begin to splutter, add 2 finely sliced onions. Sauté until the onions become golden brown and caramelized. This step adds a deep, sweet flavor to the gravy. 🧅
Next, add 2 finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Stir in 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp paprika, and salt. Cook until the oil starts to separate, which means the spices have cooked thoroughly. 🍅
Step 4. Combine Chicken and Gravy
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and mix it well with the tomato and spice base. Lower the heat and pour in 1/4 cup of fresh cream. Stir gently, and allow the dish to simmer for 5–7 minutes to fully blend the flavors. 🫕
Step 5. Garnish and Serve
Your royal Chicken Changezi is ready! Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve it hot. Trust me, this dish is truly mesmerizing. 🌿
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Marinate Longer: If you want ultra-flavorful chicken, marinate it overnight. The yogurt and spices tenderize the meat beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Cream: For that signature rich texture, cream or its alternative is a must. It gives the gravy its velvety feel.
- Use Fresh Spices: If possible, grind your spices fresh before cooking. It makes a world of difference in flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Changezi?
This dish pairs beautifully with Indian flatbreads like naan, roti, or parathas. For a lighter option, serve it over jeera rice or plain steamed rice. You can also add a side of cucumber raita to cool down the spice and round out the meal. Garnish with extra coriander leaves or a squeeze of lime for a fresh touch.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional details per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
Chicken Changezi is a fantastic make-ahead recipe that stores well. The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers often taste even better!
Refrigeration
Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the cream.
Freezing
You can freeze Chicken Changezi for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Indulge in this royal dish and bring a little North Indian magic to your kitchen! Enjoy it yourself or share it with loved ones–this recipe is sure to make memories you’ll savor forever.
For a step-by-step guide, check out this YouTube video:
Chicken Changezi Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 grams boneless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup thick yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- 2 onions finely sliced
- 2 tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh cream
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by mixing 1 cup of thick yogurt with 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the 500 grams of chicken pieces and coat them well. 🥣 For the best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes–or refrigerate overnight if you have the time.
- Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden and fully cooked through. 🍗 Once done, set them aside while you prepare the rich gravy that will tie the dish together.
- In the same pan, heat a bit more ghee if needed and toss in 1 tsp cumin seeds. When they begin to splutter, add 2 finely sliced onions. Sauté until the onions become golden brown and caramelized. This step adds a deep, sweet flavor to the gravy. 🧅
- Next, add 2 finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Stir in 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp paprika, and salt. Cook until the oil starts to separate, which means the spices have cooked thoroughly. 🍅
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and mix it well with the tomato and spice base. Lower the heat and pour in 1/4 cup of fresh cream. Stir gently, and allow the dish to simmer for 5–7 minutes to fully blend the flavors. 🫕
- Your royal Chicken Changezi is ready! Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve it hot. Trust me, this dish is truly mesmerizing. 🌿
Notes
- Marinate Longer: If you want ultra-flavorful chicken, marinate it overnight. The yogurt and spices tenderize the meat beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Cream: For that signature rich texture, cream or its alternative is a must. It gives the gravy its velvety feel.
- Use Fresh Spices: If possible, grind your spices fresh before cooking. It makes a world of difference in flavor.
