Chicken Malai Handi is a rich, creamy, and flavorful Pakistani/Indian dish, traditionally cooked in a handi (clay pot). Here's a recipe you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- Chicken: 1 kg, cut into small pieces
- Fresh Cream: 1 cup
- Yogurt: ½ cup (well beaten)
- Onion: 2 medium-sized, finely chopped
- Green Chilies: 4-6, slit
- Ginger Garlic Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Butter or Ghee: 4-5 tablespoons
- Oil: 2-3 tablespoons
- Cashews: 10-12, soaked and blended into a paste
- Green Cardamom: 3-4
- Black Peppercorns: 6-8
- Cloves: 3-4
- Cinnamon Stick: 1 small piece
- White Pepper Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon
- Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves): 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh Coriander: for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, add chicken, yogurt, ginger garlic paste, white pepper powder, and salt.
- Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Handi Base:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan or handi, heat butter/ghee along with oil.
- Add cumin seeds, green cardamom, black peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a minute until aromatic.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

3. Cook the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken to the pot and cook on medium-high heat until the chicken changes color and is partially cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
- Lower the heat and add the cashew paste. Stir well to mix.

4. Add the Creaminess:
- Now, add the fresh cream and mix it into the chicken.
- Add coriander powder, garam masala, and kasuri methi.
- Cover and cook on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender (15-20 minutes). Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

5. Finish:
- Once the chicken is done, add slit green chilies and give it a final stir.
- Check the seasoning and adjust salt if needed.

6. Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Tips:
- You can add more cream or yogurt for extra creaminess.
- For added richness, a few tablespoons of milk or almond paste can be added.
- Using ghee enhances the flavor, but you can use butter if preferred.

Enjoy your delicious **Chicken Malai Handi**!