The world of culinary delights offers a kaleidoscope of flavours when it comes to chicken dishes. From the tangy spices of Thailand to the aromatic herbs of Italy, chicken takes on diverse forms in cuisines around the globe.
India, a land of rich culinary traditions, offers a plethora of chicken dishes that cater to every palate. Nowhere is the versatility of chicken more evident than in the vast and varied landscape of Indian cuisine. Each region boasts its own unique blend of spices and techniques, resulting in an array of mouthwatering chicken delicacies that tantalize the taste buds and leave a lasting impression.
From the fiery curries of the South to the creamy gravies of the North, each region has its signature style of preparing chicken. One such delectable dish that has gained popularity across the country is Chicken Changezi.
Chicken Changezi
Chicken Changezi, with its rich and aromatic flavours, carries with it a history as captivating as its taste. Originating from the Mughal kitchens during the medieval period in India, this dish is steeped in tradition and lore, making it a beloved part of North Indian cuisine.
The story of Chicken Changezi traces back to the era of the mighty Mughal Empire, which spanned the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. This period was characterized by opulence, grandeur, and a rich culinary heritage influenced by Central Asian, Persian, and Indian traditions.
Legend has it that Chicken Changezi is named after the fearsome Mongol ruler Genghis Khan, known in Persian as Changez Khan. Renowned for his military conquests and his love for lavish feasts, Changez Khan left an indelible mark on history, including the culinary landscape of India.
During the Mughal era, the royal kitchens were bustling hubs of culinary innovation, where skilled chefs experimented with a myriad of ingredients and spices to create dishes fit for emperors and nobles. It is within this gastronomic milieu that the Chicken Changezi recipe was born.
The dish is believed to have been a favourite of the Mughal emperors, who savoured its rich flavours and indulgent preparation. While the exact origins of the Chicken Changezi recipe remain shrouded in mystery, it is widely accepted that it emerged as a fusion of Central Asian and Indian culinary techniques, reflecting the diverse influences of the Mughal court.
The key to achieving the Chicken Changezi masala recipe lies in its exquisite blend of spices and aromatics, which lend it its distinctive flavour profile. Traditional recipes call for a combination of aromatic spices such as cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, along with ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and a generous amount of cream and cashew nuts to create a luscious gravy.
Over the centuries, the Chicken Changezi masala recipe has evolved and adapted to suit changing tastes and preferences. While it was once a dish reserved for the royal banquet tables, it has now become a popular staple in North Indian cuisine, enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Chicken Changezi pairs well with various Indian breads such as naan, roti, or paratha. It also goes well with steamed rice or flavoured rice dishes like biryani or pulao.
Ingredients for Chicken Changezi
- Chicken pieces
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Yoghurt
- Cream
- Cashew nuts
- Green chillies
- Coriander leaves
- Oil
- Spices: cumin seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chicken Changezi
- Marinate the chicken pieces with yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of salt. Let the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Sauté until fragrant.
- To the spice mix, add the finely chopped onions and keep cooking till the onions turn golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are half done.
- Meanwhile, grind cashew nuts and green chillies into a fine paste.
- Add the cashew-chilli paste to the chicken along with red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Cook until the chicken is tender.
- Finish by adding cream and garam masala. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
PS: You can also use boneless chicken pieces for creating a Chicken Changezi recipe. However, using bone-in chicken adds an extra depth of flavour to the dish.