Are you looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than Chicken Chana! This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with aromatic spices and hearty chickpeas, creating a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.

Originating from the Indian subcontinent, Chicken Chana has been enjoyed for generations, cherished for its rich flavors and comforting qualities.

While it may sound complex, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks alike.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a mouthwatering Chicken Chana that will impress your family and friends.

Expert Tip: Customize the level of spice to suit your taste by adjusting the amount of chili powder and Kashmiri chili powder accordingly.

Ingredients

Chicken: Tender and juicy chicken adds protein and flavor to the dish, creating a satisfying meal.

Olive Oil: Provides a rich and fruity base for cooking, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish, complementing the spices and chicken.

Tomatoes: Lend a vibrant color and tangy flavor to the dish, while also helping to create a luscious sauce.

Garlic Paste: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor, adding depth to the overall taste.

Ginger Paste: Adds warmth and spice to the dish, balancing out the other flavors.

Chilli Powder: Provides a kick of heat, adding a spicy element to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, bringing out their natural taste.

Turmeric Powder (Haldi): Adds a golden hue to the dish and imparts a warm, earthy flavor.

Kashmiri Chilli: Adds vibrant color and mild heat to the dish, without overwhelming the other flavors.

Coriander Powder: Adds a fragrant, citrusy flavor to the dish, complementing the other spices.

Yoghurt: Adds creaminess and tanginess to the dish, creating a rich and velvety sauce.

Chickpeas (Canned): Adds texture and heartiness to the dish, while also boosting its nutritional value.

Bullet Chillies: Adds a burst of heat and flavor to the dish, for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Coriander: Fresh coriander leaves add a pop of color and freshness to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal.

Ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and spiciness to the dish, while also providing a hint of freshness.

Expert Tip: For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Chicken Chana alongside fluffy basmati rice for a traditional Indian meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
• Pair it with warm, freshly made chapatis or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce and savor every bite.
• For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of freshness and flavor.

Expert Tip: Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance its flavor and tenderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken instead of chicken pieces with bones?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken for this recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless chicken tends to cook faster than chicken with bones.

Can I substitute canned chickpeas with dried chickpeas?

While canned chickpeas offer convenience, you can certainly use dried chickpeas if you prefer. Just remember to soak them overnight and cook them separately before adding them to the dish.

Can I make Chicken Chana ahead of time?

Yes, Chicken Chana actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Chana Curry
• Chana Pulao
• Palak Chana
• Chana Chaat

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Chicken Chana

by Nabeela Kauser

A hearty chickpea and chicken curry that is loaded with warming spices. Use canned chickpeas for an even quicker delight. Serve with chapatti for a delicious weeknight dinner.

5 from 15 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 4

Calories 277 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 700 g Chicken
• ▢ 50 ml Olive Oil
• ▢ 1 Onions
• ▢ 2 Tomatoes
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Ginger Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder Haldi
• ▢ 1 tsp Kashmiri Chilli
• ▢ 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• ▢ 100 g Yoghurt
• ▢ 200 g Chickpeas Canned
• ▢ 350 ml Water
• ▢ 1 Bullet Chillies
• ▢ Coriander
• ▢ Ginger

Instructions

• Add the olive oil and heat up on medium heat until hot
• Add the diced onions then cook until lightly browned on medium heat for 4-5 minutes
• Add the garlic paste and ginger paste then cook for 2-3 minutes
• Add the chilli powder, salt, turmeric powder, Kashmiri chilli powder and coriander powder then cook the spices for 4-5 minutes
• Add 50ml of the water and cook for 1-2 minutes
• Add the chicken and increase the heat to high then cook for 4-5 minutes until the colour changes
• Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes on medium heat until softened
• Add the yoghurt and stir immediately to prevent any curdling then cook for 6-8 minutes
• Add the boiled chickpeas and cook for 6-8 minutes -you could use canned chickpeas as well
• Add the remaining 300ml of water then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes on medium heat
• Add the chopped bullet chillies, ginger, and coriander then cook for 1-2 minutes
• Serve alongside some homemade chapatti then enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 277kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 455mgPotassium: 420mgFibre: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 762IUVitamin C: 25mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Chana, Chicken, Chickpeas, Cooking, Curry, Food, Recipe, Spicy

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