Chicken Recipes

Methi Chicken

This unique recipe combines the earthy flavor of fenugreek leaves with tender chicken, creating a dish that is not only flavorful but also packed with health benefits.

Exploring the Culinary Delight of Methi Chicken

Dive into the heart of Hyderabadi cuisine with a dish that's as popular as it is delicious – Methi Chicken. This culinary masterpiece is a harmonious blend of succulent chicken and the vibrant freshness of fenugreek leaves, creating a symphony of flavors that's bound to captivate your taste buds.

Not only does Methi Chicken delight the senses, but it also offers a health-conscious twist, featuring the protein-rich goodness of chicken breasts and the iron-packed punch of methi leaves. Prepare to be amazed by its captivating appearance and scrumptious taste. Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey? Give this Methi Chicken recipe a whirl and don't hesitate to share your culinary tales with me!

What Is Methi Chicken?

Methi chicken is a delectable Indian dish that combines succulent boneless chicken breast with fresh fenugreek leaves, also known as methi leaves. This dish is flavored with a variety of Indian spices and unique seasonings, creating a rich and aromatic gravy that pairs perfectly with rice or roti.
The combination of tender chicken, earthy methi leaves, and a blend of traditional Indian spices make methi chicken a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Why You'll Love Methi Chicken?

Delicious and Tender Chicken: The combination of tender boneless chicken and the unique flavor of fresh fenugreek leaves creates a truly mouthwatering dish that you'll love to indulge in.
Nutrient-rich Fenugreek Leaves: Fenugreek leaves are packed with essential nutrients like iron, potassium, and fiber, making this dish not only delicious but also a healthy choice for your diet.
Low in Calories: Methi chicken is a low-calorie option compared to other chicken dishes, making it perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on flavor.
Rich in Flavor: The blend of spices and the freshness of methi leaves adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the dish that will leave you craving for more.
Good for Digestion: Fenugreek leaves are known for their digestive benefits and can help soothe digestive issues, making this dish a great choice for those with sensitive stomachs.
Versatile and Easy to Prepare: The recipe is simple and versatile, allowing you to adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your taste, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to try something new, methi chicken is a dish that you'll definitely want to add to your recipe collection.

Ingredients for Methi Chicken

Boneless Chicken Breast: The main protein in the dish, it provides a hearty and filling element to the meal.
Fresh Fenugreek Leaves/Methi Leaves: Adds a unique and slightly bitter flavor to the dish, as well as bringing a variety of health benefits.
Olive Oil: Provides a rich and aromatic base for the dish, adding depth of flavor.
Cumin Seeds: Adds a warm and earthy flavor to the dish, as well as aiding in digestion.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, as well as providing a base for the sauce.
Tomato: Brings a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, as well as adding a rich and thick texture to the sauce.

How To Make Methi Chicken?

If you're looking to make a flavorful and healthy dish, methi chicken is a great option to consider. This dish combines the aromatic flavors of fresh fenugreek leaves with tender chicken, creating a delicious and nutritious meal. Follow these instructions to create your very own methi chicken at home.

Preparations:

Start by peeling and chopping the onion finely, then blend the roughly chopped tomato until it becomes pureed.
Wash and chop the fenugreek leaves, and cut the chicken into medium-sized chunks.

How to cook methi chicken:

Heat a pan with oil over medium heat, add cumin seeds and fry them until they splutter.
Then, add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, and some salt, and fry until the onion becomes golden brown.
Next, add ginger and garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell goes away.
After that, add the red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and turmeric powder and sauté for a few seconds.
Then, add the chicken pieces, give a good stir, and add some salt. Continue to sauté for 3 minutes or until the chicken softens.
Add the tomato puree and sauté for another 2 minutes.
Then, add the curd and sauté well. When the gravy starts to boil, add the chopped fenugreek leaves and stir well.
Add 1/2 cup of water, cover the pan with a lid, and cook it for 10 minutes over low heat.
Once the gravy becomes thick, add garam masala and mix well.
Finally, garnish the dish with chopped coriander leaves, and your healthy and tasty methi chicken is ready to serve.

Following these steps will ensure that your methi chicken is packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Enjoy this delicious dish with some rice or naan for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Rice or Naan: Methi chicken goes well with steamed rice or your favorite type of naan bread. The mild and aromatic flavors of the dish complement the plainness of rice or act as a great contrast to the soft, warm naan.
Accompany with Vegetable Side: Serve with a side of mixed vegetables or a fresh salad to add some color and extra nutrition to the meal. The vibrant colors and crunch of the vegetables create a perfect balance with the rich and flavorful methi chicken.
Add Raita and Pickle: Include a side of raita, a traditional Indian yogurt-based condiment, and some tangy pickle to add an extra layer of taste and texture to the meal. The cooling effect of the raita and the zing of the pickle perfectly complement the spicy warmth of the methi chicken.
Enjoy with Pulao: For a more elaborate feast, pair the methi chicken with fragrant and flavorful pulao. The combination of the mildly spiced rice dish with the rich methi chicken creates a complete and satisfying meal.
Serve with Roti and Papad: Methi chicken can also be served with soft rotis and crispy papads for a classic North Indian meal. The chewy, slightly charred rotis and the crunchy, salty papads make a delightful accompaniment to the flavorful methi chicken.
Complete with a Sweet Dish: End the meal with a sweet Indian dessert such as Gulab Jamun or Kheer. The indulgence of a sweet treat perfectly rounds off the meal and leaves a lasting impression.

By considering these serving suggestions, you can enhance the dining experience and enjoy the methi chicken to its fullest potential.

Tips for Making Methi Chicken

Preparation Duration: Chopping and blending the ingredients might take some time, so it's best to have everything ready before you start cooking. This will ensure a smooth and hassle-free cooking process.
Cooking Techniques: Make sure to follow the cooking instructions step by step to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. It's essential to sauté the spices and chicken well to enhance the aroma and taste of the dish.
Garnishing for Presentation: Garnishing with fresh coriander leaves not only adds a pop of color to the dish but also enhances its visual appeal. Don't forget to garnish the methi chicken before serving for that extra touch of elegance.
Maintain Low Heat: Cook the dish over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and aromatic gravy.
Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. You can add more or less chili powder and green chilies to suit your taste buds.
Serve with: Methi chicken pairs well with steamed rice, naan, or roti. Consider serving it with a side of raita or salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Variations for Methi Chicken

Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes to give the dish additional texture and flavor.
Use different protein: Experiment with different types of proteins such as paneer, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version of methi chicken.
Adjust the spice level: If you prefer your dish to be more or less spicy, you can adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies accordingly.
Coconut milk: For a rich and creamy variation, you can substitute the water with coconut milk to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
Cashew paste: To add a nutty flavor and creamy consistency, you can blend cashews with water and add it to the gravy.
Fresh herbs: You can enhance the flavor of the dish by adding fresh herbs like mint or cilantro along with the fenugreek leaves.

Experimenting with these variations will allow you to create a unique and personalized methi chicken dish that suits your taste preferences. Have fun and get creative in the kitchen!

How to Store Methi Chicken

Proper Storage

After cooking the methi chicken, allow it to cool down to room temperature before storing it.
Store the methi chicken in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Refrigeration

For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-3 days.

Freezing

To extend the shelf life, you can freeze the methi chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and it will last for up to 3 months.

Thawing

When ready to enjoy the methi chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat it directly from the freezer.

Importance of Fresh Ingredients

It's important to use fresh fenugreek leaves and other ingredients to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.

Keep Fenugreek Fresh

To keep fenugreek leaves fresh, rinse them well, pat dry with a paper towel, and store them in a zip-top bag with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Change the paper towel every few days to maintain freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use dried methi leaves instead of fresh fenugreek leaves?

Yes, you can use dried methi leaves in this recipe, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of dried methi leaves as a substitute for 1 cup of fresh fenugreek leaves.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs in this recipe if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken thighs may take a little longer to cook than chicken breast.

Is there a vegan alternative to the chicken in this dish?

For a vegan alternative, you can use tofu or seitan instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time and method accordingly.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of red chili powder and green chilies in the recipe. You can also add a little extra yogurt or coconut milk to help balance out the spice.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze leftover methi chicken?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover methi chicken for later. Just portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags and label with the date before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Methi Chicken 2018-06-04 11:28:30

Recipe Card

Methi Chicken

Serving Size: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

450g boneless chicken breast
1 cup fresh fenugreek leaves/methi leaves
2tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 medium sized onion
2 green chilies, slitted
1 tbsp ginger and garlic paste
1 tsp red chili powder
2 tsp coriander powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
salt to taste
1 large sized tomato
2 tbsp curd
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions:

Preparations:

Firstly, Peel and chop the onion finely.
Then, chop the tomato roughly and place them in a blender and blend until pureed.
Wash and chop the greens roughly.
Finally, cut the chicken into medium sized chunks.

How to cook methi chicken:

Heat a pan with oil over medium heat.
When the oil heats add cumin seeds and fry until spluttering.
Then add finely chopped onion, green chilies and some salt, fry until the onion becomes golden brown.
Also, add ginger and garlic paste and saute until its raw smell goes.
Further add red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and turmeric powder and saute for few seconds.
Then add the chicken pieces, give a good stir then add some salt and saute for 3 mins or until the chicken softens.
Now add the tomato puree and saute for another 2 mins. then add curd and saute well.
When the gravy starts to boil, add the chopped fenugreek leaves and give a good stir.
At this stage, add 1/2 cup of water and stir well, cover the pan with a lid and cook it for 10 mins over low heat.
Once the gravy becomes thick, add garam masala and mix well.
Finally, garnish it with chopped coriander leaves.
Now healthy and tasty methi chicken is ready to serve.

By Santhi Therese The Indian Claypot

https://theindianclaypot.com/