Chicken Bharta is a popular Indian dish known for its rich and creamy texture. It is a flavorful blend of shredded chicken in a spiced tomato and cream base, often enjoyed with naan or paratha.
Chicken Bharta Recipe
Chicken Bharta is a delicious and aromatic Indian chicken dish known for its rich and creamy tomato-based gravy. This dish hails from the culinary traditions of North India and is appreciated for its luscious texture and enticing flavors. Chicken Bharta is often enjoyed as a main course and pairs perfectly with Indian bread like roti, naan, or rice.
Ingredients
- 500 g Boneless chicken breasts boiled and shredded
- 2 medium Onions finely chopped
- 2 medium Tomatoes pureed
- 1 teaspoon Garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Ginger paste
- 2 Green chilies finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Fresh cream
- 1/4 cup Yogurt whisked
- 1 teaspoon Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoons Oil or butter
- to taste Salt
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- 2 Boiled eggs sliced (optional for garnishing)
Instructions
Preparation:
- Boil the chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let them cool and then shred them using a fork or your fingers. Set aside.
- Puree the tomatoes and set aside. Finely chop the onions and green chilies.
Cook the Base:
- Heat oil or butter in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in garlic and ginger paste, and cook until the raw smell goes away.
Add Spices and Tomato:
- Mix in turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cook for a minute.
- Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the masala.
Combine Chicken:
- Add the shredded chicken to the masala and mix well to ensure the chicken is coated with the spices.
- Cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Cream and Yogurt:
- Lower the heat and add whisked yogurt gradually to avoid curdling. Stir continuously.
- Once the yogurt is well incorporated, add fresh cream and crushed Kasuri methi. Mix well.
Final Seasoning:
- Season with garam masala and salt. Let the bharta simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the gravy is creamy and the chicken is flavorful.
- If the gravy is too thick, add a little water to reach the desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and sliced boiled eggs if using.
- Serve hot with naan, paratha, or steamed rice.
Tips and Information
Conclusion:
Chicken Bharta is a delightful and aromatic Indian chicken dish that showcases the richness of North Indian cuisine. Its creamy tomato-based gravy and tender chicken pieces create a flavorful and indulgent culinary experience. Whether enjoyed with bread or rice, Chicken Bharta is a testament to the diverse and delectable flavors of Indian cuisine.Tips and Overview
- Chicken: Shredding the chicken allows it to absorb more flavor from the spices.
- Creaminess: For a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of cream and substitute with milk.
- Spices: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
- Kasuri Methi: This gives a distinct flavor to the dish, do not skip it.
- Serving Temperature: Chicken Bharta is best served hot, as the flavors are more pronounced.