In one of my recent trips to Pakistan, I had the joy of having Reshmi Paneer Chicken at Tandoori Hut in Karachi. Unlike the more popular Indian Reshmi Paneer, Tandoori Hut prepares a Reshmi Handi that is rich, creamy and buttery. Although their choice of paneer is one of those wedged Happy Cow cheeses that melts in the sauce (and not the actual Indian Paneer), it's absolutely divine! I recreated those flavors in this recipe and I think they are bang on!
This Reshmi Chicken comes together in just 20 mins! Because I prefer using chicken breast for this recipe (as an ode to my inspiration), the goal is to fry everything on high heat rather than slow cook as in the case of chicken thighs.
The recipe starts out by frying chicken breast cubes until the color changes slightly, then adding beaten yogurt along with the spices and letting it cook for 6-7 minutes till the oil separates. The cream and cheese are then added on low heat so as not to curdle the dish. And that is it! The authentic flavors will bowl you over! If you have tried my Instagram viral Makhni Chicken, you have to put this Reshmi Paneer Chicken to the test and let the flavors speak for themselves.
TIPS
- I NOW opt for chicken thighs for this recipe. i find that the chicken remains so juicy! But like my original recipe, you can definitely use chicken breast.
- High heat is IMPORTANT. Frying the chicken on high heat (uncovered) will ensure that the chicken traps in the juices; you achieve this by not letting the chicken create any steam. So I would highly recommend adding at least ¼ cup oil. You can always discard some of the oil right before adding the beaten yogurt.
- Yogurt should always be lightly beaten before adding to any dish you are cooking, otherwise it is likely going to curdle. Once you've added the yogurt on low heat (which allows the yogurt to be tempered), you can then turn up the flame to medium high.
- Keeping on the topic of dairy, cream and especially cheese also must be added on low heat. Because this recipe only calls for a ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, there is less chances of it curdling to begin with. But DO remember that once your cream and cheese have been added, your flame needs to remain on low heat.
- The type of cheese you use can significantly alter the taste and texture of the Reshmi Paneer Chicken. I prefer mozzarella because it melts easily. If you are able to find the cheese wedges (Happy Cow or Laughing Cow brands), those are even better because that is exactly what Tandoori Hut tops off their handis with.
Reshmi Paneer Chicken Handi
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup canola or any neutral cooking oil
- 2 tsp ginger and garlic paste
- 1 lb chicken breast cubes medium sized cubes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup yogurt lightly beaten to prevent curdling
- ¾ teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander coarse ground
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder use ¼ teaspoon if you don't like any heat
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon nutmeg powder
- ½ green bell pepper strips
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon butter
- pinch black pepper for garnish
Instructions
- On medium high heat, fry chicken in oil and add ginger garlic paste and salt for 3 minutes.
- Turn the heat to low and add beaten yogurt. Then turn up the flame to medium high and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add spices and continue to fry the chicken (uncovered) on medium high heat for 6-7 minutes or until the oil separates.
- Once oil has separated, lower the flame and add green bell peppers followed by heavy cream. Let the cream bubble a bit and then add mozzarella cheese keeping the flame low.
- Adjust the salt and let the chicken simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
- Garnish with a little sprinkling of black pepper and red chili flakes and enjoy hot with fresh naan or pita bread.
Meghna
This recipe is so delicious. It’s lightly spiced and still rich in flavour. Izza’s recipes are unique and incredibly simple with minimal ingredients. I love that this recipe skips using onions/tomatoes, making it quick and easy to prepare. Highly recommend trying this one.
Rookie With A Cookie
Thank you for sharing Meghna! So happy you tried it.
Nafisa Aly
Absolutely delish! My 5 year old couldn't stop eating and he's an extreme picky eater!
Rookie With A Cookie
Thank you for leaving this review, Nafisa. I'm so happy that kids and adults are both enjoying my Reshmi Handi!
Nita
Too much ad on your website, can’t even see the recipe. Sex ad too!!
Sahar
If I increase the quantity to 1kg, how much cheese do I add? As too much mozerella might make it bitter
Rookie With A Cookie
Mozzarella shouldn't make it bitter but ensure you are adding cheese on very low heat. For 1 kg, you can double the recipe.
Madiha
I haven't tried the original dish but I can imagine this recipe gives it stiff competition! Izzah ain't no rookie in the kitchen, that's for sure! Best part is how quick it is to make- and it's gone even faster!
Rookie With A Cookie
Thank you leaving a review! I'm so glad it turned out for you just the way I hoped it would while creating this recipe.
Henna
This is so sooo delicious! It’s delicately spiced and so creamy! We’re enjoying this tonight with some parathas ❤️
Rookie With A Cookie
Thank you for leaving a review Henna! Getting an upvote from a great chef like yourself makes me immensely happy.
Areeba Nehal
Loveee it!!!!!! thank you izza once again for savinggg the kitchen❤️👏🏻👏🏻
Chermaine
How many of the cheese wedges do I need? The brand ‘La vache qui rit’ is easy to get here in The Netherlands :€
Tanees
Such an easy and cofmy handi to make! Really enjoyed it. Used the left overs to make paratha roll - was a treat!! Thanks for sharing 😃
Nikita
Just made this today and it tastes AMAZING! Thanks for such a quick and delicious recipe!
Rookie With A Cookie
thank you for sharing your feedback Nikita!
Chithira
The best and super easy Reshmi chicken recipe I have tried so far😍. I will blindly trust your recipe for an event 😊
Ash Sandha
Absolutely gobsmacking and heartwarming. It comes together so quickly and goes away equally soon. There will never be any leftovers and I promise you, you’ll make this again and again. Thank you for the recipe, Izza.
Rookie With A Cookie
Thank you so much for reviewing my recipe. So happy you loved it!
Jill Dsilva
Absolutely delicious and so so easy ..this recipe is a keeper.
Rookie With A Cookie
Ahh thank you so much for the review!