Chicken changezi is one of the most popular old Delhi recipe that has been served since Mughal times. Think of a rich, creamy complex, slightly spicy and totally over the top that is chicken changezi. Chicken Changizi is one of the favorite in the northern regions of India. It is famous for its delicious and unique taste that comes from the specific spices that are used to make the recipe. The name changezi is due to the fact that the dish originated during the time of fearsome Mangolian warrior Changez khan. This restaurant style chicken changezi is a rich creamy and quite delicious everyday chicken curry served with flatbread, naan or tandoori roti. It is not spicy due to the addition of kaju (cashew powder) and cream.
In a mixing bowl take chicken, add salt, red chili powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, turmeric, garam masala powder, crushed peppers, ginger garlic paste and yogurt.
Combine everything well so that chicken could be well coated with marination. You may cook the chicken at same time but I will let it marinate for 30 minutes.
In a frying pan add cooking oil and place the marinated chicken pieces in it with some distance so they could be cooked from bottom easily. We do not want liquid consistency in chicken at this moment.
Flip the side of the chicken when it turns golden brown from bottom and cook from other side as well.
When it is cooked from both sides place an aluminum foil in the center of pan, put a burning charcoal on it, add a drop of oil over it, cover the pan and let the smoky flavor absorb in the chicken.
After 2-3 minutes uncover the pan, remove the charcoal and place the chicken aside.
In another pot add cooking oil and add chopped onions in it. fry till it turn golden brown.
Now add Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, chaat masala, cumin powder, garam masala powder, red chili powder and salt in it. Fry for few seconds.
Add tomato puree in it mix well.
Add 1 tablespoon of water in the gravy and cook the masala.
Add cashew powder and mix well. Cook the masala by adding 1 tablespoon of water so that it may not burn. The key for making delicious chicken changezi is to fry the masala very well. Cook the masala for 2-3 minutes over medium low flame.
When the masala is well cooked add 1 cup of water and milk in it, turn the flame to medium high and give a stir to the chicken.
Add fried chicken in the gravy and combine well.
Add fresh cream in it along with qasoori methi, mix well.
Break the green chilies from center and add in the chicken, mix well.
Turn the flame to medium low, cover the pot and let the chicken cook in the curry for 15-18 minutes.
Uncover the pot and delicious chicken changezi is ready to enjoy.
_____________ Note; You may marinate the chicken ahead of time 1 night before cooking or even marinate and freeze it for later cooking.
You may reduce or increase the quantity of gracy as per your choice.
