Kadai Chicken Recipe
Kadai Chicken Recipe: As a food critic and a housewife, I am always on the lookout for dishes that are not only delectable but also a treat for the senses. Kadai Chicken is one such dish that never fails to impress me with its intense flavor, mouth-watering aroma, and textural contrasts. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this dish is a popular delicacy in many Indian households, and for good reason. The combination of tender chicken, freshly ground spices, and a rich, tomato-based gravy is nothing short of a taste explosion. The dish is typically served with hot, fluffy naan or steamed rice, making it a complete meal that is both satisfying and soulful.
What is Kadai Chicken
Kadai Chicken is a classic Indian dish that consists of boneless or bone-in chicken pieces cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy. The dish gets its name from the cooking vessel known as the “kadai,” which is a deep, circular pan with high sides, commonly used in Indian cooking. The kadai chicken recipe typically starts with a marinade of yogurt and spices, followed by pan-frying the chicken until golden brown. The gravy is made with a combination of tomatoes, onion, ginger, garlic, and a host of freshly ground spices that are simmered together until thick and luscious. The chicken is then simmered in the gravy until cooked through, resulting in a dish that is bursting with flavor and aroma.
Variations of Kadai Chicken Recipe
Punjabi Kadai Chicken – This variation of the classic dish is made with a thicker and creamier gravy, often incorporating cream or cashews to add richness.
Hyderabadi Kadai Chicken – This variation is made with a spicy and tangy gravy, incorporating the use of mint and coriander leaves to balance out the heat.
Mumbai Kadai Chicken – This version of the dish is made with a lighter and tomato-based gravy, and often includes the use of bell peppers and capsicum to add a subtle sweetness and crunch.
Kolkata Kadai Chicken – This variation is made with a more subtle and aromatic gravy, using a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves to infuse the dish with a warm and comforting flavor.
Nutrition
A serving of Kadai Chicken is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken provides essential amino acids that are necessary for muscle growth and repair, while the spices used in the dish contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that are beneficial for overall health. The use of fresh tomato and spices in the gravy helps to balance out the dish’s richness, providing a moderate amount of fiber and vitamins. However, it is important to note that the dish is high in fat and calories, and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Step by Step Kadai Chicken Recipe
Kadai Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For Marination
- 750 grams Chicken Breast / boneless chicken
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp greek yogurt
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- ¼ tsp Red Chilli Powder
For Gravy
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 3 onions
- 1 capsicum / bell peppers
- 3 to Tomato
- 2 green chillies
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- 10 black pepper
- 5 dried red chilli
- 8 cashew
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Wash 2 chicken breasts and chop into small pieces.
- Add 1 tbsp chicken masala (check post for homemade chicken masala recipe), 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, ½ tsp red chili powder and ¼ tsp garam masala (check post for homemade garam masala recipe)
- Mix well all the ingredients with the chicken pieces and keep in fridge for 1-2 hours.
- Finely chop 1 onion and 1 green chili and ½ onion and 1 green capsicum in cubes.
Cooking
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over high flame and add onion cubes and capsicum cubes.
- Stir fry for 1-2 mins. Do not lose the crunch of veggies. Remove from the pan.
- Then, add 1 chopped onion in the same pan. Add ½ -1 tbsp oil, only if required. I didn’t add!
- Stir fry until onions turn soft and light pink.
- Now, add 2 tsp ginger garlic paste and mix with the onions.
- After a minute, add marinated chicken pieces and ¼ cup tomato puree with 1 chopped green chili. Mix with the onions.
- Then, add 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp red chili powder, ¼ tsp coriander powder and 2-3 tbsp water, just to make the steam and quicken the cooking process. Mix spices with the chicken very well for few seconds.
- Cover the pan with the lid and cook for 10-12 minutes until chicken cooked properly. Please note, chicken with bones would take longer time to cook.
- Stir occasionally while cooking the chicken.
- After chicken cooked thoroughly, add fried onion & capsicum cubes. Mix with the chicken.
- Kadai Chicken is ready to serve. Garnish with fresh coriander or cilantro.
Notes & Tips
- Spices & Salt: Adjust quantities as per your taste preferences.
- Oil: Use any neutral tasting oil for the recipe.
- Cashews: This is optional, however gives richness and creamy texture to the gravy.
- Ginger Garlic Paste: You could use fresh ginger and garlic as well. Add 1 inch chopped ginger and 4 chopped cloves garlic.
- Whole spices: I have used whole spices here than store bought powdered spices, as they give better aroma and flavor to the gravy.
- Chicken: Choose any chicken as per your choice- bone or boneless.
- Ingredients & Equipment: Find these Ingredients & Equipment at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Kadai Chicken Recipe
What is Kadai Chicken Recipe?
Kadai Chicken is a popular North Indian dish, where juicy chicken pieces are simmered in a spicy, tangy tomato-based sauce. The dish is traditionally prepared in a kadhai (a circular, shallow and heavy-bottomed cooking pot), which gives the dish its name. The main ingredients of this dish include chicken, spices, capsicum, tomato, ginger, and garlic.
What are the key ingredients in Kadai Chicken Recipe?
The key ingredients in Kadai Chicken recipe include chicken, capsicum, tomato, ginger, garlic, spices like coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and fresh coriander leaves for garnishing.
Is Kadai Chicken Recipe spicy?
This dish has a spicy flavor profile due to the addition of red chili powder and garam masala. However, you can adjust the level of spiciness by reducing or increasing the quantity of red chili powder to your taste preference.
Can I make Kadai Chicken Recipe with other proteins?
Yes, you can make Kadai Chicken with other proteins like lamb, mutton, or even with paneer for a vegetarian option. The cooking time for different proteins may vary slightly.
What is the cooking time for Kadai Chicken Recipe?
The cooking time for Kadai Chicken Recipe is approximately 30 minutes. The chicken needs to be cooked until tender, and the sauce should be thickened to your desired consistency.
Can I make Kadai Chicken Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Kadai Chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat the dish in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
What can I serve with Kadai Chicken Recipe?
Kadai Chicken can be served with rice, roti, naan, or any other type of Indian bread. It can also be paired with a cooling raita, to balance the spiciness of the dish.
See Also:
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