Chicken Maharani(চিকেন মহারানি)

 Chicken Maharani Recipe

Ingredients:

Chicken (bone-in or boneless) – 500 grams

Onion paste – 2 medium-sized onions

Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon

Tomato puree – 2 medium-sized tomatoes

Cashew paste – 3 tablespoons (soak cashews in warm water and grind into a paste)

Yogurt – 4 tablespoons

Cream – 2 tablespoons

Green chilies – 2-3 (slit)

Bay leaves – 2

Cloves – 4-5

Cardamom – 3-4

Cinnamon stick – 1 inch

Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon

Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon

Garam masala powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – 1 teaspoon

Butter – 2 tablespoons

Oil – 2 tablespoons

Salt – as per taste

Fresh coriander leaves – for garnishing

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Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

Clean the chicken and marinate with yogurt, turmeric, and a little salt. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Base:

Heat oil and butter in a pan. Add bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. Sauté until aromatic.

Add onion paste and cook until golden brown.

Mix in ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

3. Add Spices:

Add tomato puree and cook until oil starts to separate.

Stir in turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.

4. Add Cashew Paste:

Add the cashew paste and cook for a few minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.

Add a splash of water if the mixture becomes too thick.

5. Cook the Chicken:

Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Mix well to coat the chicken in the masala.

Cover and cook on medium heat until the chicken is tender. Stir occasionally.

6. Finish with Cream:

Add cream, garam masala, and kasuri methi. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Enjoy your rich and flavorful Chicken Maharani!