Shahi Chicken Recipe

The Chicken Shahi recipe is a regal dish that originated in the Mughal courts, where it was cooked with imperial flair. The dish is a masterclass in balancing bold spices with tender chicken, resulting in a majestic and indulgent flavour profile. The name "Shahi" comes from the Persian word "Shah", meaning "king", reflecting the dish's royal origins and status as a crown jewel of Indian cuisine. The dish is a celebration of the senses, with every bite a symphony of flavours and textures that will leave you feeling like royalty.

Serves 4   Preparation time 15 minutes, cooking time around 35 minutes

Recipe Difficulty level - Easy to Moderate cook

Special equipment - Blender

Heat level - Mild - Medium

Nutritional values for Shahi Chicken

Combined Nutrition Information:

Per serving (assuming chicken breast and sauce):

+ Calories: approximately 360-410

+ Fat: approximately 21-26g

+ Protein: approximately 27-33g

+ Carbohydrates: approximately 20-26g

Please note that these estimates are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements. Additionally, this dish is likely to be quite rich and calorie-dense due to the presence of coconut oil/ghee, almonds, cashews, and butter.

Chicken Shahi

With its intricate blend of spices, aromatic herbs, and velvety sauce, Chicken Shahi is a true masterpiece of Indian cuisine. It's a dish that demands attention, with each element carefully crafted to create a harmonious balance of flavours and textures. Whether you're serving it at a grand dinner party or simply indulging in a quiet evening meal, Chicken Shahi is sure to impress and delight. So join us on this culinary journey as we explore the majestic world of Chicken Shahi, and discover why this dish remains a beloved classic in Indian cuisine.

Chicken Shahi Recipe

Ingredients:

For the chicken marinade

• 1 chicken breast per person cut into cubes

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon of Salt,

• 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt

• 1" piece of ginger grated

• 3 cloves of garlic crushed

• a handful of coriander leaves

marinade ground spices

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the sauce:

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil or ghee

• 1 large onion thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander

• ½ teaspoon of ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon of chilli powder

• 6 green cardamon pods, bruised

• 2 sticks of cinnamon, broken

• 10 black peppercorns

• 1 tablespoon of ground almonds

• 1 tablespoon of split cashew nuts

• ½ cup of coconut milk

• 1 tablespoon of tomato puree

• a good squirt of double cream

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• Salt, to taste

• a large knob of butter
  

How to make Chicken Shahi

Click here for Kitchen Timer

Prep all your ingredients,

1. In a bowl combine the chicken with the lemon juice and salt and leave for 10 minutes.

2. In a food processor blend the yogurt with the garlic and ginger along with the coriander leaves and the marinade ground spices and blend until smooth. Then add this to the chicken, fully combine and marinade for at least one hour, longer if possible.

To make the sauce

1. In a heavy based pan melt the ghee or coconut oil and gently sauté the sliced onions until golden brown.

2. Now add the ground and whole spices and briefly fry then add the chicken in the marinade, fully combine and cook until the chicken changes colour this will take around 6 minutes.

3. Add the coconut milk and tomato puree stir in and cover, then simmer on a low heat for 15 minutes.

4. Now add the salt , ground almonds and cashew nuts along with the double cream and simmer for a few minutes longer until everything is fully combined

5. Add the lemon juice, garam masala and remove from the heat then gently melt the butter into the dish. garnish with cilantro leaves and perhaps chilli peppers then serve.
   

Goes well with:

Peshwari Naan

Spicy Potato Bites

Carrot rice

I hope you have thoroughly relished the culinary journey of preparing the exquisite chicken Shahi recipe. The blend of aromatic spices, tender chicken pieces, and creamy sauce must have tantalized your taste buds, leaving you craving for more delightful flavours. As you savour each bite of this royal dish, let the rich essence of Shahi cuisine transport you to a realm of gastronomic bliss.

Should you feel inspired to explore further culinary adventures, I invite you to delve into the treasure trove of recipes awaiting you on this food blog. From traditional classics to innovative creations, each recipe is crafted with care and expertise to elevate your dining experience. Embark on a culinary exploration, discovering new flavours, techniques, and culinary inspirations that will surely delight your palate and ignite your passion for cooking.

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Please leave a comment below to share your own experience in preparing this recipe.

Cheers Steve.

Kindly note that this recipe might include affiliate links through which I could earn a commission.