Chicken Mandi
Discover this authentic Indian Chicken Mandi recipe — a satisfying weeknight dish that's a culinary masterpiece for the ambitious cook. Made with chicken, basmati rice, water and 12 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 9 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this indian classic is sure to impress.
20
Prep Time (min)
30
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
430
Calories/serving
Expert
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 1 Chicken
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 4 cups Water
- 1 large Onion
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 2 Green Chilli
- 1 ½ tsp Salt
- 3 tablespoons Oil
- 1 tablespoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- ½ tbsp Cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon Cloves
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 2 Bay Leaf
Instructions
9 steps · ~94 minutes total
Step 1
Clean and cut the chicken; marinate briefly with salt, turmeric and a little oil.
30 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 2
Rinse and soak basmati rice 20–30 minutes.
3 minutesStep 3
In a large pot, heat ghee/oil. Fry chopped onion until golden. Add minced garlic and green chillies and fry 1–2 min.
8 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 4
Add whole spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves) and ground spices (coriander, cumin). Stir until fragrant.
8 minutesStep 5
Add chicken pieces, brown lightly and add enough water/chicken stock to cover. Simmer until chicken is nearly cooked.
15 minutesKeep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.Step 6
Remove chicken; measure remaining liquid and add soaked rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and cook rice until almost done.
10 minutesUse a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.Step 7
Return the chicken to the rice pot on top, cover tightly and steam on low for 10–15 min so flavors meld.
5 minutesStep 8
(Optional) For authentic smoky aroma: heat a small charcoal until red hot, place it on a small foil cup in the centre of the pot, add a tsp of butter/oil on the coal then cover immediately to trap smoke for 5–10 minutes. Remove coal.
10 minutesStep 9
Garnish with fried onions, chopped coriander and serve with chutney or raita.
5 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your indian meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Chicken Mandi is a beloved dish from Indian cuisine, originating in India. With a total preparation time of about 50 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Indian cuisine reflects the country's incredible diversity, with flavors and techniques varying dramatically from north to south, east to west. The masterful use of spices is the hallmark of Indian cooking.
This recipe is rated expert difficulty and uses 15 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basmati rice is the best choice for Chicken Mandi as it complements the spices and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
