In one of my recent trips to Pakistan, I had the joy of having Reshmi Paneer Chicken at Tandoori Hut in Karachi. Tandoori Hut prepares a Reshmi Handi that is rich, creamy and buttery. I recreated those flavors in this recipe and I think they are bang on! If you have tried my Instagram viral Makhni Chicken, know that this recipe is the second best on the blog!
What is a Reshmi Chicken Karahi
Reshmi Chicken Karahi is a flavorful and creamy variation of the traditional Chicken Karahi, a popular Pakistani curry cooked in a wok-like pan called a "karahi." The term "reshmi," means "silky" in Urdu and refers to the rich, smooth texture of the dish, which is achieved primarily through the use of yogurt, cream, and a subtle blend of aromatic spices. A big distinction is that Reshmi Chicken will not have tomatoes.
Tips for Making Reshmi Chicken
- Use chicken thighs. The images in this post are slightly outdated. Where previously I used to cook with chicken breast, now I ONLY use chicken thighs. It's juicy and the most forgiving cut of chicken to cook curries with.
- Avoid adding any red chili. The color of this dish is creamy, therefore you MUST avoid adding any red chili or spice that darkens the dish. Instead of black pepper, we will opt for white pepper for heat.
- Whisk Yogurt. As a rule of thumb, when adding yogurt to any curries during the cooking process, always whisk it thoroughly with a fork to avoid curdling it in the hot pan. Another method that is widely used is to temper the yogurt with the hot curry by pouring in a couple teaspoons to bring the yogurt to room temperature.
- 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.
- Add dairy on Low Heat: Cream and especially cheese 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 heat needs to remain low.
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.
Ifrah
Served this over dinner last night and my god! The guests couldn’t stop raving about it - the leftovers were also packed and taken much to my husbands dismay who wanted to have them today! Needless to say I will be making this again very soon!
Rookie With A Cookie
Make me the happiest reading this! Thank you for the review Ifrah!
Eamon
This recipe competes with the chicken Makni recipe. It is so easy, so flavorful, and everyone devours it.
Rookie With A Cookie
My top two consistently remain Makhni and Reshmi Chicken. Thanks Eamon. Appreciate you and the review 🙂
Z
Great recipe
Saman
I've made this recipe soo many times in small and big quantities, shared it with so many of my friends and family who love it.
Rookie With A Cookie
So happy to hear this Saman!
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!