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Chicken Rezala Recipe​

Chicken Rezala Recipe

About Chicken Rezala Recipe:

Chicken Rezala is a majestic dish that originates from the kitchens of Mughal emperors and took on its own identity in Bengali cuisine. Famous for its creamy white gravy, scented with cardamom, cinnamon, and ghee, Chicken Rezala is unique with its application of yogurt, cashews, and very little turmeric, making it different from most Indian curries. This lightly spiced but intensely flavored dish makes a delightful meal for holiday celebrations or a special family night. Traditionally accompanied by parathas or plain basmati rice, Chicken Rezala is enjoyed for its velvety texture and subtle flavors. A comprehensive 1200-word recipe, from ingredients to the process of preparation, follows:.

 

Material For chicken marinade:

 

  • 1 kg chicken (preferably with bone, cut into moderate pieces)
  • 1 cups thick plain yogurt (curd)
  • 1 to tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • Taste salt (about 1½ teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper powder (or black pepper powder if white pepper is not available)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • For gravy:
  • 3 tablespoons ghee (clear butter)
  • 2 tablespoons sophisticated oil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 green cardamom
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 black cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 medium onions, thin chopped
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg powder (optional)
  • 10-12 cashew nuts, soaked in hot water and mix in a paste
  • 1 tbsp of poppy seeds (khus khus), soaked and mixed for a paste
  • 1 tbsp of watermelon seeds (optional), soaked and mixed with the pope
  • 3-4 green chillies, slit (adjust to taste for spices)
  • 1 to cup hot water or chicken stock
  • A few drops of Kevara water (scripin essence)
  • A few drops of rose water
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh cream (alternative, coupled for prosperity)
  • Saffron thread 2 tablespoons soaked in hot milk (optional for odor and appearance)

Preparation of Chicken Rezala Recipe

 

Step 1: Marine chicken

Start by cleaning and patting chicken pieces thoroughly. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, lemon juice, white pepper powder and salt. Mix everything well, making each chicken piece to ensure that it is equally coated with pickle. Cover the bowl with a cling rap or a lid and marinate it in the refrigerator for at least 3 to 4 hours, ideally overnight. Yogurt and lemon juice tends meat, while ginger and garlic infect it with taste.

 

Step 2: Preparation of onion Dilute two medium sized onions. 

 

Heat 1 tbsp ghee and 1 tbsp oil in a deep pan. Fry the chopped onion on medium heat until they do golden brown and a little crisp. Stir often to avoid burning. Once fried, drain them on paper towels. Allow them to cool down and then grind half of the fried onion in a thick paste. Set the remaining separate to garnish

 

 Step 3: Cashew-Poppy Paste Making While chicken marines

 

soak cashews, poppy seeds, and watermelon seeds (if using) in warm water for 30 minutes. After soaking, grind them in a smooth paste using minimal water. This paste is the soul of Razla Gravy, which gives it the body, cream and subtle sweetness. 

 

Step 4: Chicken cooking Now heat the remaining ghee and oil in a large heavy-boat pan or a handi

 

 Add bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon sticks, black cardamom and sugar. Seize them for a few seconds until they are fragrant. Sugar adds a light carmelized taste and enhances the aroma. Next, add onion paste and step for 2-3 minutes until the raw odor disappears. 

 

Then add pieces of marinated chicken with all pickle. Cook on medium-high heat, shaking slowly to avoid breaking the curd emulsion. Allow it to cook for 8–10 minutes or until the curd starts to release oil and the chicken starts to cook slightly brown. At this stage, add cashew-poppy paste and slit green chili. Mix everything well and cook for another 5 minutes, sometimes stirring. Now add about 1 to 1½ cups of hot water or chicken stock, it depends on how much gravy you want. Cover the pan with a lid and boil the chicken for 20-25 minutes on low heat or until it is completely cooked and tender.

 

 Step 5: Finishing Touch 

 

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the gravy becomes slightly thicker to a creamy stability, it is the time to add the last taste that makes the rajla so unique. Add nutmeg powder, kewada water, rose water and saffron milk (if using). Mix gently and boil for another 5 minutes.

 For additional prosperity, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of fresh cream at this stage, although traditional resolution does not always require it. Turn off the heat and allow the dish to cover for 10 minutes. This comfort period allows the taste to melt beautifully. 

 

Step 6: Garnishing and serving Transfer the chicken rajla to a serving bowl. 

 

Garnish with reserved fried onions and some more green chillies for that classic touch. Alternatively, you can drip a few drops of some saffron-enacted milk or ghee at the top before serving for a aromatic promotion. Chicken reszala couples exceptionally with Luchi (Bengali deep-fried flatbread), rumali roti, butter naan, or even boiled basmati rice. Light yet royal tastes are ideal for a magnificent dinner or a festive assembly.

 

Tips for Best Chicken Rezala Recipe 

  • Yogurt Quality: Always use thick, fresh curd to avoid curdling. Whisk it well before adding to the chicken.

     

  • Spice Control: Chicken Rezala is not meant to be spicy like other Indian curries. The use of green chilies adds subtle heat without overpowering the dish.

     

  • Frying Onions: Frying onions perfectly until golden is essential. Overcooking can make them bitter, while undercooking affects the texture and color of the gravy.

     

  • Kewra and Rose Water: These floral elements are vital to give Rezala its traditional aromatic charm. Use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

     

  • Cooking on Low Flame: Slow cooking helps the flavors develop and the chicken become tender.

conclusion

 Chicken resolution is more than just a dish – it is a culinary experience that reflects the grandeur of the Mughal kitchen and the tricks of Bengali cooking. The balance of taste, silk white gravy, and minimal use of spices make it a sophisticated option for those who appreciate the depth on heat. Whether it is a festival, a family gathering, or just one day when you want to cook something special, chicken resolution is a dish that affects every once. Try this authentic recipe at home, and you will know why Chicken Razla remains a timeless classic, which is Bengal and beyond.

WRITTEN BY

Saurabh

Saurabh is a passionate food blogger with 5 Years of hands-on experience in home cooking and recipe development. He specializes in Indian cuisine, sharing tried-and-tested recipes that blend traditional flavors with modern techniques. Through his blog, Saurabh aims to make cooking easy and enjoyable for everyone—from beginners to seasoned food lovers. His content is based on personal kitchen experiments, cultural food knowledge, and a deep love for regional flavors. Follow Saurabh for authentic, step-by-step recipes you can trust.

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