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Best Easy Chicken Rezala Recipe

Name: Best Easy Chicken Rezala Recipe
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 250 g
Ingredients: bone-in chicken thighs 2 lbs; plain yogurt 1 cup; poppy seeds 2 tbsp; cashews 2 tbsp; onion 1 cup; ginger 2 tbsp; garlic 1 tbsp; ghee 3 tbsp; whole cardamom pods 4 pieces; whole cloves 4 pieces; whole cinnamon stick 1 piece; white pepper 0.5 tsp; salt 1 tsp; sugar 0.5 tsp

Chicken rezala is an elegant Bengali white curry made with yogurt, poppy seeds, and whole spices. This aromatic chicken dish is high in protein and lighter than cream-based curries, supporting a calorie deficit approach.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 330 kcal

#high protein #diabetic friendly

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

bone-in chicken thighs 2 lbs
plain yogurt 1 cup
poppy seeds 2 tbsp
cashews 2 tbsp
onion 1 cup
ginger 2 tbsp
garlic 1 tbsp

Seasonings/Sauce

ghee 3 tbsp
whole cardamom pods 4 pieces
whole cloves 4 pieces
whole cinnamon stick 1 piece
white pepper 0.5 tsp
salt 1 tsp
sugar 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 12 g 15%

Protein 29 g 35%

Fat 16 g 50%

Serving size 250g

Cooking steps

1

Soak poppy seeds and cashews in warm water for 30 minutes, then grind into a smooth paste.
2

Marinate bone-in chicken thighs with yogurt, ginger, garlic, salt, and white pepper. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor penetration.
3

Heat ghee on medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick; sauté until fragrant but do not let spices burn.
4

Add sliced onion and cook until translucent but not browned, maintaining gentle heat to preserve the curry’s white color.
5

Add the poppy seed–cashew paste and marinated chicken. Stir well, cover, and cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes until chicken is tender. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of water if needed for a moist sauce.
6

Adjust salt and sugar, simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken curry to desired consistency. Serve hot.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

Poppy seeds and yogurt are the essential ingredients in Chicken Rezala. The poppy seeds lend a delicate, nutty texture and richness, while yogurt forms the base of the white curry and ensures the chicken is tender and mildly tangy. Whole spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon also add aromatic complexity.

Q. How should I control the heat while cooking Chicken Rezala?

Begin by sautéing whole spices in ghee over medium heat, but do not let them burn. When cooking onions, keep the heat gentle to avoid browning—this maintains the curry's signature pale color. Once everything is combined with the chicken, simmer on low heat for about 20–25 minutes until the meat is tender and the flavors meld. Stir occasionally and add water as needed for moisture.

Q. How can I prevent the sauce from curdling or becoming too thick?

To maintain a silky texture, use full-fat yogurt and add the poppy seed-cashew paste slowly. Always cook on low to medium heat, especially after adding yogurt, and stir frequently to prevent curdling. If the sauce thickens excessively, add a splash of water and finish with gentle simmering to reach your preferred consistency.

Q. What are the nutrition highlights per serving for Chicken Rezala?

Each 250g serving contains about 330 kcal, with 29g protein (35% of calories), 12g carbohydrates (15%), and 16g fat (50%). This recipe is notably high in protein and provides a balanced fat profile, making it suitable for those seeking lower-calorie, higher-protein meals. It also qualifies as diabetic-friendly due to its relatively low carb content.

Best Easy Chicken Rezala Recipe

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