Chicken Changezi - Mughlai Style 

Chicken Changezi - Mughlai Style - This Chicken Changezi recipe is a popular Mughlai dish that is  rich, delicious and aromatic with tender chicken pieces. It is delicately spiced and creamy and is a popular curry from Northern India, Delhi dating back to the 13th century. 

If you are a Chicken curry lover, why not try this Easy Pakistani Style White Chicken Karahi, Easy Boneless Chicken Curry or Chicken Hyderabadi?

Chicken Changezi - What is it?

Changez Khan was a Mongolian emperor aka Genghis Khan (Changez is the Hindi pronunciation of Ghenghis) and this curry hails from the Royal Kitchens of the time. 

Nowadays the curry is prepared in homes on special occasions but also on the streets of India in the Jame Masjid area (Delhi/North India) where people gather to watch curries such as this one and Butter Chicken being made. 

The mild creamy flavour comes from Cashew paste and Cream. 

The popular dish also includes the usual elements of a Chicken Curry such as Ghee or Oil, Onions, Tomatoes, Yoghurt and Spices.

Ingredients in Chicken Changezi

Chicken Marinade

Chicken

Bone in, Skin off Chicken Pieces. You can either use a chicken cut into 12 - 16 pieces or Chicken Thighs and Leg pieces only. 

Red Chilli Powder

Or Kashmiri Chilli Powder if you prefer a milder flavour. You can also use Cayenne Pepper.

Salt

A good pinch. Table Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt.

Ginger Garlic Paste

Use fresh, frozen or store brought pastes.

Lemon Juice

To add some tang.

Yoghurt

This combined with the Lemon, tenderises the Chicken.

Cashew Paste

Onions

Red or White. These are cooked till caramelised.

Cashews

A small handful to create a creamy curry. You can also use pre soaked Almonds.

Curry Recipe

Oil

Use any oil with a high smoke point such as Sunflower Oil, Vegetable Oil, Corn Oil, Rapeseed Oil. You can also use Ghee.

Ginger/Garlic Paste

Fresh, Frozen or pre brought pastes. You can also prepare a paste yourself by combining equal quantities of Ginger and Garlic.

Tomato

Pureed Tomatoes but Tomato Puree or Tomato Paste mixed with a little water also works.

Salt

Table Salt or Himalayan Salt.

Spices

Red Chili Powder, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder, Kashmiri Chilli Powder, (Optional - Chaat Masala or Black Salt).

Milk and Fresh Cream

For a creamy Curry.

Fenugreek Leaves

Also known as Kasoori Methi. This adds an earthy depth. 

Garam Masala Powder

Or a good Curry Powder such as Madras Curry Powder.

How to make this Chicken Recipe

The process for making Chicken Changezi is a little longer then a traditional Chicken Curry such as  but it is worth it! There are 3 key steps:

Marinade and par cook the Meat

Marinade Chicken in Salt, Red Chilli Powder, Lemon Juice, Ginger, Garlic and Yoghurt and a pinch of garam masala, then set aside for 30 minutes.

Add oil to pan and cook the Chicken on medium flame for around 10 minutes till lightly browned.

Set the Chicken aside.

Make the Cashew Paste

Heat Ghee or Oil and cook Onions till golden brown.

Add Cashews and saute for 1-2 minutes.

Then blend the fried onion with Cashews in a food processor to form a smooth paste.

Recipe of Chicken Changezi Curry

Heat Oil, then add Ginger-Garlic Paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

Then add Tomato. Cook covered on medium for 8-10 minutes or until the oil separates at the side.

Then add Cashew Onion Paste. Saute for 5-6 minutes.

Stir in Spices - Red Chilli Powder, Kashmiri Chilli Powder, Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder, Salt and Garam Masala. Cook on medium high for 4-5 minutes.

Stir in Milk and cook for 3 minutes on low heat.

Add the juicy Chicken pieces and add a cup of water. Cook for 20 minutes.

Stir in Cream and Fenugreek. Add a pinch of Chaat if using and cook for 3 minutes.

Garnish with Coriander Leaves before serving.

How to serve it

Serve this Changezi chicken with Basmati Rice, Jeera Rice,  Pulao, Paratha, hot Naan or Chapatti. 

For salads, serve with Kachumber or Raita.

Storage

How to store leftovers 

Store leftovers in an airtight container or bowl covered with lid for 4 days.

How to freeze Chicken Changezi

Chicken Changezi does not freeze well because of the Cream in it.

If you do want to freeze it, omit the Milk and the Cream. Allow to cool completely. Freeze leftovers in a freezer safe airtight container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, place in the microwave or in a saucepan on the hob and reheat till piping hot all the way through.

Tips/Variations for Chicken Changezi - Mughlai Style

Chicken 

Use skinless bone in chicken thighs/drumsticks for best results. It remains juicy! 

Chicken Breast 

If you want to use Chicken Breast, sear it very quickly first for 2 minutes, then remove (you don’t need to cook it all the way through).

Add breast back in towards the very end of cooking time to simmer in the sauce.

Seafood

This recipe can be made with Shrimp/Prawns or fish pieces using the same method as the Chicken Breast above.

Use Coconut milk instead of Cream 

Full fat Coconut Milk adds another flavour dimension to this curry. Although not traditional, it tastes delicious. Especially if you are making a Prawn version.

More Indian Chicken Recipes:

Tawa Chicken

Easy Homemade Tandoori Chicken - 3 Easy Methods

The BEST Karahi Chicken

Easy Boneless Chicken Curry

Best Indian Chicken Curry With Yoghurt

Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! If you loved this recipe, please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on instagram and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest recipes.