Tandoori Chicken Handi is a flavorful and aromatic Indian dish that combines marinated tandoori chicken with a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s a popular North Indian and Pakistani dish known for its bold flavors and tender chicken. Here’s a description of Tandoori Chicken Handi:
Ingredients:
To prepare Tandoori Chicken Handi, you’ll typically need the following key ingredients:
For the Tandoori Chicken:
Chicken: Bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks, are commonly used.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt serves as the base of the marinade, tenderizing the chicken and adding creaminess.
Tandoori Masala: A blend of tandoori spices, which can include cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and more, adds rich flavor and a vibrant red color.
Ginger and Garlic: Freshly minced ginger and garlic bring depth and aroma to the marinade.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds acidity and a touch of tanginess.
Salt: Salt is used to season the chicken and enhance its flavor.
For the Tomato-Based Sauce:
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are typically used to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
Onion: Sliced onions add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Cream: Heavy cream or yogurt may be used to create a creamy texture.
Butter or Ghee: Butter or ghee is used for sautéing the onions and enhancing the sauce’s richness.
Ginger-Garlic Paste: A paste made from ginger and garlic is often used for flavor.
Spices: A variety of spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder are used to season the sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) are added for garnish and freshness.
Preparation:
Here’s how Tandoori Chicken Handi is typically prepared:
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, tandoori masala, minced ginger, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt to create the marinade. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for a few hours or overnight to infuse them with flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Grill, roast, or cook the marinated chicken until it’s fully cooked and has a slightly charred exterior. Set the chicken aside.
Prepare the Tomato-Based Sauce: In a separate pan, melt butter or ghee and sauté sliced onions until they become soft and translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant. Then add tomatoes, cream or yogurt, and a blend of spices. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the tomato-based sauce and simmer until the flavors meld together, and the sauce coats the chicken.
Serve: Garnish the Tandoori Chicken Handi with fresh coriander leaves and serve it hot, typically with naan bread, roti, or rice.
Flavor Profile:
Tandoori Chicken Handi offers a rich and complex flavor profile. The tandoori chicken contributes smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy notes, while the tomato-based sauce offers a creamy, savory, and mildly spiced taste. The combination of these elements creates a harmonious and delicious dish.
Serving Suggestions:
Tandoori Chicken Handi is typically served as a main course dish and is enjoyed with naan, roti, or steamed rice. It’s a favorite in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, known for its creamy and spicy flavors.
