Restaurant Style Chicken Handi

Name: Restaurant Style Chicken Handi
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 500g (1.1 lbs) boneless chicken (cut in cubes); ⅓ cup cooking oil; 1 tsp ginger garlic paste; 2 medium tomatoes (halved); 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp crushed red pepper; ½ tsp red chili powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1/2 tsp white pepper; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup yogurt; 1 tsp coconut powder; 1/4 cup cooking cream; 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (also called kasuri methi)

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This restaurant style Chicken Handi is so creamy and luscious. It’s a flavor-rich Pakistani curry which comes together quickly in one pot and is a perfect family meal. Serve it alongside some fluffy naan or plain boiled rice.

A plate of garnished chicken handi with bits of naan on a wooden board surrounded by green chilies.

What Is Chicken Handi

Chicken Handi translates to "chicken in a clay pot" and is traditionally cooked in a terracotta pot, which gives it that unique flavor.

This mildly spiced yet rich curry features tender chicken simmered in a creamy yogurt, tomato and cream-based sauce (no onions required), making it smoother than many South Asian curries.

Chicken curry in a spoon with its serving plate at the back.

Most Pakistani restaurants use boneless chicken, but bone-in works just as well. While the traditional clay pot (handi) isn’t always available, I make mine in a standard pan or stainless steel pot without compromising on taste.

I assure you, this is the best Chicken Handi version you'll come across. It tastes just like the one you get in restaurants.

Love Pakistani chicken curries? Try my Achari Chicken (chicken with pickling spices) and Hariyali Chicken (green chicken curry).

How To Make Chicken Handi

This boneless chicken handi recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Let's make it!

Collage of step 1 to 4 of making chicken handi.

Fry the Chicken – Heat oil, add chicken and ginger-garlic paste, and fry on high heat until the chicken changes color.
Steam the Tomatoes – Add fresh tomatoes cut in half, cover, and cook on low heat until the skins can be easily removed. Peel and discard the skins.
Mix in Spices – Stir in red chili flakes, red chili powder, white pepper, black pepper, salt, cumin powder, and coriander powder.
Add Tomato Paste – Mix in tomato paste and cook on medium high heat until the oil separates, then stir in coconut powder.

Collage of step 5 to 8 of making chicken handi.

Blend in Yogurt – Stir in yogurt and cook on medium high heat until the oil rises to the surface again.
Pour in Cream – Mix in cooking cream, keeping the heat on medium.
Finish with Fenugreek – Stir in dried fenugreek and let the curry simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
Garnish & Serve – Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra cream, and garnish with sliced ginger, green chilies, and fresh coriander. Serve with naan, roti, or rice.

What To Serve With Chicken Handi

This handi chicken pairs perfectly with some hot naan, roti, or paratha for scooping up the rich curry, while steamed basmati rice or yellow rice will work great too.

For a hearty mealtime, you can serve it with a side of achari baingan, lahori fish fingers, or vegetable pakoras.

Close up of chicken handi garnished wth cream, cilantro, sliced ginger and green chilies.

FAQs

What is the difference between chicken handi and chicken karahi?

The authentic Chicken Karahi has only a tomato-based masala and is traditionally cooked in a karahi (means wok).
Whereas chicken handi includes tomatoes as well as cream and yogurt for a smooth, rich, creamy base. Chicken Karahi is also a tad spicier.

What is the difference between chicken handi and butter chicken?

Chicken Handi is a rich, creamy curry cooked in a traditional handi (clay pot). It features a thick gravy made with yogurt, cream, tomatoes, and aromatic spices.
Butter Chicken is a mildly spiced, creamy tomato-based curry with a buttery texture. It includes marinated, grilled chicken cooked in a buttery sweet sauce.
Both are creamy, but butter chicken is slightly sweeter.

Can I make Chicken Handi without cream?

You can replace the cooking cream with half and half. And if you want to skip it entirely increase the yogurt from ¼ cup to ½ cup. Keep in mind, the flavor won't be as authentic then.

How to store Chicken Handi?

You can store this chicken curry in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.

More Pakistani Chicken Recipes

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