Amritsari Chicken

Amritsari Chicken

Amritsari chicken is a delicious and creamy dish from Punjab, India, known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. Here’s a simple recipe along with alternative ingredients and tips for making it at home.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • 500 g chicken (cut into pieces, boneless or with bones)
  • 1 cup plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tbsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tsp vinegar (optional)
  • Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

  • 2 tbsp oil (or ghee for richer flavor)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 medium tomatoes, pureed (or use canned tomato puree)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Fresh cream for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    • In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, chopped onion, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, lemon juice, vinegar, and salt.
    • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well. Cover and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare the Gravy:
    • Heat oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
    • Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
    • Stir in turmeric powder and garam masala. Cook for another minute.
  3. Cook the Chicken:
    • Add the marinated chicken to the gravy. Stir well to combine.
    • Cover and cook on medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally.
    • If needed, add a little water to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
  4. Finish and Serve:
    • Once cooked, check seasoning and adjust salt if necessary.
    • Garnish with fresh cream and coriander leaves before serving.
    • Serve hot with naan or rice.

Alternative Ingredients

  • Chicken: You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of boneless pieces for more flavor.
  • Yogurt: Substitute with buttermilk or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
  • Spices: If you don’t have certain spices on hand, you can use pre-made curry powder or garam masala as a substitute.
  • Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes can be used instead of fresh ones for convenience.

Tips

  • Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken (up to overnight), the more flavorful it will be.
  • Cooking Method: For a smoky flavor, consider grilling or baking the marinated chicken before adding it to the gravy.
  • Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red chili powder or omit green chilies from the recipe.
  • Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
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