Indulge in Our Silky Chicken Pasanda Recipe Tonight

Tender chicken pieces bathed in a velvety, aromatic chicken pasanda sauce promise a culinary journey that transports you straight to the heart of Indian cuisine.

Luxurious spices dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that melt in your mouth with each delectable bite.

The rich, creamy blend of yogurt, nuts, and delicate seasonings elevates this dish beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Restaurants can’t compete with the homemade magic you’ll create in your own kitchen.

Fragrant cardamom and smooth cream intertwine to produce a restaurant-quality experience that feels like a celebration on a plate.

Every forkful tells a story of tradition and comfort.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress with this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Creamy Chicken Pasanda

• Ghee: Adds rich, buttery flavor and authentic Indian cooking foundation.
• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic base for the curry's depth of flavor.
• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs spices beautifully and creates tender texture.

• Cardamom Pods: Adds exotic, slightly sweet warmth with complex aromatic notes.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent undertone to enhance overall dish complexity.
• Ginger: Brings zesty, sharp heat and traditional Indian cooking essence.
• Cumin: Contributes earthy, warm undertones characteristic of subcontinental cuisine.
• Coriander: Offers gentle, citrusy brightness to balance spice intensity.
• Garam Masala: Provides complex, warming spice blend quintessential to Indian cooking.
• Chilli Powder: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant color to the sauce.
• Turmeric: Adds golden hue and subtle earthy flavor with health-boosting properties.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasoning to elevate and balance all other ingredients.

• Yogurt, Cream: Create luscious, silky sauce with tangy undertones.
• Ground Almonds: Thickens sauce and adds subtle nutty richness.
• Fresh Coriander: Provides bright, fresh finish with herbaceous complexity.
• Toasted Almond Flakes: Delivers delightful crunch and nutty accent as garnish.

Must-Have Tools for Chicken Pasanda Cooking

• Large frying pan: Essential for sautéing onions and cooking chicken with perfect heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking without scratching pan surface.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions, chicken, and fresh coriander safely.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise chopping of ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices like cumin, coriander, and chilli powder.
• Measuring cup: Useful for measuring yogurt and cream precisely.
• Serving dish: Perfect for presenting the creamy chicken pasanda with garnishes.

Cook Creamy Chicken Pasanda with Ease

• Onion Base

Warm golden ghee in a spacious skillet, allowing the pan to become fragrant and invite the onions to dance and soften into translucent deliciousness.

• Chicken Preparation

Introduce tender chicken pieces alongside aromatic cardamom pods, letting them mingle and seal in rich flavors while gently moving around the pan.

• Spice Symphony

Shower the chicken with an enchanting blend of warming spices – garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala, chilli powder, and turmeric – creating a magical coating that transforms the meat.

• Creamy Transformation

Pour in silky yogurt, luxurious cream, and crushed almonds, allowing the mixture to bubble gently and embrace the chicken in a velvety sauce.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh green coriander across the top, garnishing with toasted almond flakes that add a delightful crunch and nutty whisper.

• Serving Suggestion

Present this aromatic masterpiece alongside fluffy rice or soft chapati, inviting friends and family to savor each spectacular bite.

Pro Tips to Upgrade Chicken Pasanda Flavor

• Personalize the classic chicken dish with these creative tips and variations.
• Replace chicken with tender lamb, succulent prawns, or firm tofu for a delightful twist on the traditional recipe.
• Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing chilli powder, or experiment with different chilli varieties like scotch bonnet or kashmiri for unique flavor profiles.
• Try alternative nut bases like cashews or pistachios instead of almonds to create a different texture and subtle flavor variation in the creamy sauce.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat yogurt, Greek yogurt, or coconut milk, and opt for less ghee or replace with olive oil for a lighter version of this rich curry.

Elegant Ways to Serve Chicken Pasanda

• Pair with Fragrant Basmati Rice: Spoon the creamy chicken pasanda over fluffy basmati rice, letting the sauce seep into each grain for a mouthwatering experience.
• Garnish with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle extra toasted almond flakes on top to add a delightful texture and enhance the nuttiness of the dish.
• Create a Complete Meal: Serve alongside warm, soft chapatis or naan bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and complete the Indian-inspired feast.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Scatter additional fresh coriander leaves just before serving to bring a bright, zesty freshness that cuts through the creamy richness.

Storing Chicken Pasanda for Another Day

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover chicken pasanda in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the dish covered to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled pasanda to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring best taste and texture when reheated gently.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the dish slowly in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or yogurt to restore its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop ingredients and mix spices in advance to cut down cooking time. Store prepared components separately in the refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights.

Silky Chicken Pasanda Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Richly spiced chicken pasanda delivers complex Pakistani flavors through tender meat slow-cooked in a luxurious almond-yogurt sauce. Warm spices and silky cream invite home cooks to savor this comforting regional classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 chicken breasts (525 g/1.1 lbs), chopped into bite-size chunks
• 2 tbsps ghee (or sunflower oil)
• 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 240 ml (1 cup) full-fat plain yogurt
• 60 ml (¼ cup) double (heavy) cream
• 3 tbsps ground almonds (almond meal)
• 2 tbsps toasted almond flakes
• 4 tbsps freshly chopped coriander (cilantro)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 tsps minced ginger
• 1.5 tsps garam masala
• 1.5 tsps ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp mild chilli powder (optional)
• 0.5 tsp turmeric
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 3 cardamom pods
• Boiled rice and/or chapati (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Sautéing Foundation: Heat ghee in a large skillet over medium flame, introducing finely chopped onions and cooking until translucent and softened.
2. Protein Preparation: Add chicken breast chunks and whole cardamom pods, searing the meat until golden exterior develops, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
3. Spice Integration: Incorporate minced garlic, grated ginger, and comprehensive spice blend including cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper, thoroughly coating chicken to maximize flavor profile.
4. Sauce Development: Pour yogurt, heavy cream, and ground almonds into the skillet, transforming the mixture into a luxurious, velvety sauce that gently embraces the chicken.
5. Simmering and Completion: Reduce heat, allowing the pasanda to simmer slowly, ensuring chicken reaches precise internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) while developing deep, complex flavors.
6. Finishing Touch: Elevate the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and toasted almond flakes, creating visual appeal and textural contrast.
7. Serving Suggestion: Present the creamy chicken pasanda immediately alongside steamed basmati rice or warm whole wheat chapati, inviting diners to experience the rich, aromatic culinary journey.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Ensure all ingredients are measured and chopped before starting to create a smooth cooking flow.
• Spice Sensitivity: Adjust chili powder quantity based on personal heat tolerance for a customized flavor experience.
• Cream Control: Use full-fat yogurt and cream for the richest, most authentic pasanda texture and taste.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg