Mughlai Chicken Recipe: A Royal Treat

Welcome to your culinary journey into the heart of royal kitchens, where flavor and tradition dance together in harmony. Today, we're crafting a dish that epitomizes the grandeur and opulence of Mughal cuisine – the sumptuous Mughlai Chicken. With tender, marinated chicken in a rich, aromatic gravy, every bite tells a story of ancient palaces, lavish feasts, and intricate spices.

Mughlai cuisine is a rich and indulgent part of Indian culinary heritage, dating back to the Mughal era. Known for its use of creamy sauces, aromatic spices, and luxurious ingredients, Mughlai dishes are synonymous with royalty and celebration. One of the most popular recipes from this cuisine is Mughlai Chicken, a dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy, and nutty gravy.

This dish is perfect for festive occasions or when you want to impress your guests with an elegant meal. Let’s dive into this authentic Mughlai Chicken recipe, prepared in a way that captures the essence of royal kitchens.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1 kg chicken (bone-in, curry cut)

• 1/2 cup yogurt (curd)

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp salt

For the Gravy:

• 3 tbsp ghee (or oil)

• 2 medium onions, finely sliced

• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1/4 cup cashews

• 2 tbsp almonds (blanched and peeled)

• 2 tbsp poppy seeds (optional, for thickness)

• 1/2 cup fresh cream

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup fresh tomato puree

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder

• 1/4 tsp mace powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin powder

• 1-2 green chilies (slit)

• Salt, to taste

Whole Spices:

• 2 bay leaves

• 3-4 cloves

• 2-3 green cardamom pods

• 1 black cardamom

• 1 small cinnamon stick

For Garnish:

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

• Saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)

• Slivered almonds

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.

2. Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

2. Prepare the Nut Paste:

1. Soak cashews, almonds, and poppy seeds (if using) in warm water for 20 minutes.

2. Blend into a smooth paste with a little water and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.

2. Add the whole spices (bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon) and sauté until fragrant.

3. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. This step is essential for the rich flavor.

4. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.

4. Add the Chicken and Tomato Puree:

1. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned.

2. Add the fresh tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala.

5. Add the Nut Paste and Spices:

1. Stir in the cashew-almond paste and mix well.

2. Add coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix and cook for 2-3 minutes.

6. Simmer the Gravy:

1. Lower the heat and add milk and cream. Stir gently to combine.

2. Add nutmeg and mace powder for a royal aroma and flavor.

3. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

7. Finish and Garnish:

1. Stir in garam masala and green chilies. Simmer for another 2 minutes.

2. Garnish with saffron milk, slivered almonds, and fresh coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions

Mughlai Chicken pairs wonderfully with:

• Butter naan or tandoori roti

• Jeera rice or saffron pulao

• A side of onion salad and lemon wedges

Tips for Perfect Mughlai Chicken:

• Nut Paste: The cashew-almond paste is key to the dish’s creamy texture, so make sure it’s blended smoothly.

• Low and Slow Cooking: Allowing the chicken to simmer ensures it absorbs all the flavors.

• Saffron Touch: A hint of saffron adds a royal aroma and elevates the dish.

• Marination: Marinating the chicken enhances the depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step.
  

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of creamy nuts, aromatic spices, and tender chicken creates a luxurious dish.

• Perfect for Celebrations: A great option for festive occasions, family gatherings, or special dinners.

• Authentically Mughlai: Captures the true essence of Mughlai cuisine with its indulgent ingredients and preparation.

Bring the royal flavors of the Mughal era to your table with this authentic Mughlai Chicken recipe. It’s a dish that will transport your taste buds to a time of grandeur and opulence.

Let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below. Happy cooking! 🍛✨

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