There are days when you want something indulgent and flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Malai Tikka Handi comes in — the perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and comforting. It’s part of my Realistic Dinner Series (Episode 4), where I share easy but delicious dinners you can make in real life, with real ingredients, and in under 30 minutes.

This dish is a twist on classic handi recipes — juicy chicken cubes marinated in a silky mix of yogurt, cream, and spices, then simmered in a rich gravy with cheese and kasuri methi for that restaurant-style flavor at home. And yes, we’re even finishing it off with the signature smoky coal dum for that irresistible aroma! Perfect with chapati, naan, or even plain basmati rice when you’re craving comfort food without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes: Weeknight-friendly but fancy enough for guests.

• Restaurant-style flavor: Cream, cheese, and kasuri methi create that iconic handi taste.

• Smoky touch: The coal dum adds irresistible aroma and depth.

• Versatile: Pair it with naan, roti, or rice for a complete meal.

• Crowd-pleaser: Rich, creamy, and mild enough that everyone at the table will love it.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• 500 g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 2 tbsp yogurt

• 1 tbsp heavy cream

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste

• 1 tsp white pepper

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 2 tsp salt (adjust later if needed)

• ¼ tsp cardamom powder

For the Gravy

• 4 tbsp oil

• 2 tbsp cream

• 2 green chillies, chopped

• 1 tbsp fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Garnish

• Lemon wedges

• Fresh coriander, chopped

• Green chillies, sliced

• Kasuri methi

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine chicken cubes with yogurt, cream, mayonnaise, ginger garlic paste, white pepper, cumin powder, garam masala, salt, and cardamom powder.

• Mix well until the chicken is fully coated.

• Let it marinate for 15 minutes while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Heat oil in a handi (or deep pan) over medium-high heat.

• Add marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts to brown.

• Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for another 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Gravy

• Remove the cover and stir in the cream, chopped green chillies, and kasuri methi.

• Cook on medium-high heat until the gravy thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.

• Adjust salt and spices if needed.

Step 4: Add Cheese & Finish

• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.

• Cover the pan for 1 minute so the cheese melts into the gravy.

• For a smoky finish, heat a piece of coal until red hot, place it in a small bowl, set the bowl inside the handi, drizzle with a little oil, and cover immediately to trap the smoky flavor for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

• Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh coriander, green chillies, and a sprinkle of kasuri methi.

• Serve hot with chapati, naan, or rice.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Can be frozen (without the cheese) for up to 1 month. Add cheese when reheating.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a covered pan with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the gravy.

Malai Tikka Handi - 30 min dinner

This Malai Tikka Handi is a creamy, smoky, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a rich blend of yogurt, cream, and spices, then cooked to perfection in a handi (pot) with a cheesy, aromatic gravy. Finished with a smoky coal dum, this dish is best served hot with chapati or naan.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Indian, Pakistan

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

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For the Marinade:

• 500 g boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 1 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp salt adjust later if needed
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

For the gravy:

• 4 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp cream
• 2 green chillies chopped
• 1 tbsp fenugreek leaves kasuri methi
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Garnish:

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh coriander chopped
• Green chillies sliced
• Kasuri methi fenugreek leaves

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with yogurt, heavy cream, mayonnaise, ginger garlic paste, white pepper, cumin powder, garam masala, salt, and cardamom powder.
• Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
• Let it marinate for 15 mins.
• Heat oil in a handi or deep pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes.
• Remove the cover and add more cream, chopped green chillies, and kasuri methi.
• Mix well and let it simmer on medium-high heat until the gravy thickens.
• Adjust salt and spices according to your taste.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.
• Cover the pan for 1 minute to let the cheese melt.
• Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh coriander, sliced green chillies, and a sprinkle of kasuri methi.
• Serve hot with chapati or naan.

Keyword Chicken recipes, dinner, malai tikka handi

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs will be juicier and even more flavorful.

Q. Can I use processed cheese instead of cheddar?
Yes, but cheddar adds a sharper flavor. Use what’s easily available.

Q. Is this dish spicy?
It’s creamy with mild heat. You can add extra green chillies or red chilli flakes if you like it spicier.