Eastern Paneer Chicken

Eastern Paneer Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken thighs, creamy paneer, and a blend of traditional Eastern spices. This recipe brings together the richness of heavy whipping cream, the tanginess of crushed tomatoes, and the warmth of spices like ginger, garlic, coriander, and garam masala. The result is a satisfying and indulgent chicken curry that is sure to please your taste buds.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 pounds chicken thighs (with bone-in)
• 7 ounces paneer packet
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri Mirch
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 5 sprigs cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil and season them as desired.
3. Roast the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until they are cooked through.
4. In a pan over medium heat, lightly brown the butter and coconut oil.
5. Add the ginger and garlic paste to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes.
6. Incorporate the crushed tomatoes, coriander powder, garam masala, paprika, red chili powder, and salt to the ginger and garlic mixture.
7. Simmer the mixture until the oil becomes noticeable on the surface of the pot.
8. Gently mix in the cubed paneer and add water to create a sauce.
9. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes.
10. Reduce the heat and add the heavy whipping cream to the sauce. Stir well and simmer until it comes to a boil.
11. Remove the almost cooked chicken from the oven and separate the meat from the bones.
12. Mix the chicken into the sauce and simmer for at least 5 more minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
13. Garnish the dish with cilantro.

YIELD: This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.

IMPORTANT POINTS:

• Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the quantities to achieve your desired level of spiciness and flavor.
• Make sure to roast the chicken thighs until they are fully cooked. This will ensure that the meat is tender and juicy.
• Be careful when adding the heavy whipping cream to the sauce. Stir continuously and simmer gently to prevent the cream from curdling.

TIPS:

• Serve the Eastern Paneer Chicken with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• You can marinate the chicken thighs with yogurt and spices for a few hours before roasting them. This will add an extra layer of flavor and tenderness to the meat.
• For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder or Kashmiri Mirch according to your heat preference.

Eastern Paneer Chicken is a delightful combination of tender chicken thighs, creamy paneer, and aromatic spices. The flavors of ginger, garlic, coriander, and garam masala come together to create a mouthwatering curry that is both satisfying and comforting. The addition of crushed tomatoes and heavy whipping cream adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and prepare to savor the delightful flavors of Eastern Paneer Chicken. Whether you enjoy it with rice, naan, or your favorite side dish, this dish is sure to be a hit.