Recipe

Chicken Nihari

Prep: 
Cook: 

Ingredients

For the Nihari Masala:

4 dry chillies

2 tsp. fennel seeds

2 tsp. cumin seeds

½ tsp. black cumin seeds

2 tsp. coriander seeds

2 cloves

3 green cardamom

2 black cardamom

1 cinnamon stick

1 star anise flower

1 bay leaf

½ piece nutmeg

½ piece mace

1 tsp ginger powder

1 tsp. red chilli powder

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. garam masala

½ tsp. turmeric powder

Salt as needed

For the Chicken Nihari curry:

1 whole chicken (legs and thighs)

1 cup oil

Nihari Masala miixture

1 medium onion

3 tbsp corn flour

4 to 6 cups water

Sliced ginger (julienne style) for garnishing

Lemon slices for garnishing

Cilantro for garnishing

Green chillies (chopped) for garnishing

For the tarka:

½ cup oil

½ tsp Paprika

½ tsp Nihari Masala

This classic spicy and aromatic Indo-Mughal main dish is an amazing addition to the dinner table. Follow our step-by-step video instructions for a tasty, aromatic, and delicious Chicken Nihari!

Instructions

1) In a grinder, add red dry chillies, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, black cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cloves, green cardamom, black cardamom, cinnamon stick, anise flower, bay leaf, nutmeg, mace, ginger powder, red chili powder, paprika, garam masala, turmeric powder and salt and grind together. Set aside.

2) In a heated oil, add chicken and cook until golden brown.

3) Add the nihari masala and saute for about 5 minutes.

4) Add the fried onions and saute for about 5 minutes.

5) Add water and bring it to a boil. Cook the chicken for about 20 to 25 minutes.

6) In a separate bowl, add water and corn flour and mix well.

7) Once the chicken is cooked, slowly add the corn flour mixture and mix well.

8) Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes.

9) In a heated oil frying pan, add paprika and nihari masala and temper for a couple minutes.

10) Add the tarka to the Chicken Nihari.

11) Garnish the Nihari with sliced ginger, green chilies, cilantro and lemon slices before serving.

This classic spicy and aromatic Indo-Mughal main dish is an amazing addition to the dinner table. Follow our step-by-step video instructions for a tasty, aromatic, and delicious Chicken Nihari!

Leave a review

We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.

Your Recipe rating*

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Recent Recipes

Indian Style Shakshuka - Rich Tomato Curry with Sunny Side Up Eggs - Easy Breakfast Recipe

Love shakshuka? Try this Indian Style Shakshouka that swaps traditional flavors for a warming mix of Indian spices and tomato curry, finished with sunny side up eggs and a drizzle of hot honey. The ultimate quick and easy breakfast recipe. Inspired by North African & Mediterranean shakshouka, this Indian fusion version is vegetarian-friendly and incredibly satisfying. Learn how to make shakshuka!

Prep: 
15 mins
25 mins

If you’re looking for an easy breakfast for brunch recipe, this Indian Style Shakshuka will definitely impress. Combining the soul of a classic shakshouka with the heart of Indian home cooking, it features eggs nestled in a rich, buttery makhani-style tomato curry. Topped with a drizzle of hot honey and served with crusty bread or warm naan, it's ideal for a festive breakfast or brunch recipe. This dish brings the boldness of Indian spices to the soft, savory goodness of eggs, making it a must-have for anyone who loves Indian fusion meals.

A perfect Easter recipe idea that's bursting with flavor from spiced tomato sauce, caramelized onions, and perfectly cooked sunny side up eggs. It’s a delightful Indian fusion take on the classic North African and Mediterranean shakshuka. This vegetarian breakfast recipe is quick and easy to make in under an hour!

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Shakshuka. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our shakshuka calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Meen Manga Curry – Tangy Raw Mango & Creamy Coconut Fish Curry

Discover the perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors with this Fish Mango Alleppey Curry recipe! Made with fresh tilapia, raw mango, and rich coconut milk, this South Indian delicacy is infused with aromatic spices, curry leaves, and a hint of heat from green chilies. Cooked to perfection in a clay pot for an authentic taste, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. Serve it with steamed rice for a comforting and flavorful meal. Try this easy and delicious recipe today!

Prep: 
20 mins
30 mins

Fish Mango Curry is a flavorful South Indian dish that combines the tanginess of raw mango with the richness of coconut milk, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This coastal favorite, especially popular in Kerala, features tilapia simmered in a fragrant gravy infused with garlic, ginger, shallots, curry leaves, and green chilies. The dish gets its vibrant color from Kashmiri chili powder and coriander powder, while raw mango slices add a refreshing tartness that complements the creamy coconut milk. 

Cooking Alleppey or Meen Manga curry in a clay pot enhances the depth of flavor, making the curry even more aromatic. As the fish gently cooks, it absorbs the spices, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish best enjoyed with steamed rice or appam. A final drizzle of coconut oil and fresh curry leaves adds an irresistible finishing touch, making this an ideal recipe for seafood lovers craving bold, tropical flavors.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Fish Mango Curry. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Fish Mango calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

How to Make Aloo Paratha – Easy Paratha Recipe with Potato Filling

Learn how to make Aloo Paratha at home with this easy step-by-step recipe. Soft wheat flour dough stuffed with a spiced potato filling and rolled out to perfection. Cooked on a tawa with ghee until golden and crisp, this classic Indian flatbread pairs great with yogurt, pickle, or chutney. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this comforting dish is simple to make and full of flavor.

Prep: 
10 mins
15 mins

Aloo Paratha is a popular Indian flatbread stuffed with a spiced potato filling and cooked on a tawa until golden and crispy. Made with whole wheat flour dough, this dish is a staple in North Indian households, often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. The dough is prepared with wheat flour, yogurt, salt, and a touch of oil or ghee to keep it soft and pliable. 

The vegetarian filling is made with mashed potatoes, onions, green chilies, and a blend of warm spices like cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. When combined, these ingredients create a flavorful and comforting dish that pairs well with yogurt, pickles, or chutney.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Aloo Paratha. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Aloo Paratha calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.