Chicken Khichuri

Chicken Khichuri is a hearty and comforting Bengali one-pot meal that brings together tender chicken, fragrant rice, and roasted moong dal. Rich in flavor yet wonderfully homestyle, this wholesome dish is a perfect choice for a cozy family meal.

The aroma of roasted lentils, fragrant rice, and gently spiced chicken makes this khichuri especially enjoyable on rainy days. Whether served at a family gathering, a relaxed weekend lunch, or a special occasion, Chicken Khichuri is a satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to the table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Gobindobhog or basmati rice

• ¾ cup moong dal

• 500 g chicken, cut into medium-sized pieces

• 2 potatoes, cut into cubes

• 2 onions, finely chopped

• 1 tomato, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp ginger paste

• 1 tbsp garlic paste

• 2 tbsp yogurt

• 4 green chillies

• 2 bay leaves

• 1-inch cinnamon stick

• 3 green cardamoms

• 4 cloves

• 1 tsp Shalimar's Chef Spices Turmeric Powder

• 1 tsp Shalimar's Chef Spices Red Chilli Powder

• 1 tsp Shalimar's Chef Spices Coriander Powder

• 1 tsp Shalimar's Chef Spices Cumin Powder

• ½ tsp Shalimar's Chef Spices Garam Masala Powder

• 3 tbsp Shalimar's Mustard Oil

• 1 tbsp ghee

• Salt, to taste

• 5–6 cups hot water

  
  

Method

Marinate the chicken with yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, and salt. Set aside for 20 minutes.

Dry roast the moong dal until lightly golden and aromatic. Wash and drain.

Heat Shalimar's Mustard Oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Let them release their aroma, then add the chopped onions and sauté until lightly golden.

Add the marinated chicken and cook well until the chicken is lightly browned and the oil begins to separate. Add the chopped tomato, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the spices are well combined.

Add the cubed potatoes, rice, and roasted moong dal. Stir gently for a few minutes so everything is well coated with the spices.

Pour in the hot water and add salt. Cover and cook until the chicken, rice, dal, and potatoes are completely tender and the khichuri reaches a soft, comforting consistency.

Finally, add the ghee, garam masala powder, and green chillies. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.

Serve the fragrant Chicken Khichuri hot, ideally with papad, fries, pickle, or a simple salad.