Chicken Nihari Recipe (2024)

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Posted by Mariam Sodawater on (Updated )

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4.93 from 14 votes

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A warming bowl of spicy Chicken Nihari can be really satisfying with hot naan and lemon wedges and ginger and herbs. This is a simple, quick, and convenient version of traditional nihari that can be made in 35 minutes!

Chicken Nihari Recipe (1)
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  • Origin
  • Taste
  • Ingredients
  • How to make it?
  • Recipe FAQs
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Chicken Nihari is a spicy flour-based chicken stew made with fried onion, yogurt, ginger, garlic, and wheat flour. The aroma of chicken nihari is derived from a unique blend of Indian spices comprised of fennel seeds, cumin, coriander, cardamom, red chili, and other common spices. It is garnished with a load of julienned ginger, sliced chilies, and cilantro. Lemon wedges are always served along.

Origin

Authentic and traditional Beef Nihari is cooked overnight with beef shanks. With the growing popularity of organic chicken as a healthier substitute for red meat, the chicken nihari version came into being.

Obviously, the beef version tastes better but this chicken nihari is so easy and quick to make, I bet it will become a family favorite. Nihari like other Mughal dishes like korma, biryani, and haleem is widely eaten in Dehli, India, and Karachi, Pakistan. Both regions enjoy this chicken version as an alternative to beef.

Chicken Nihari Recipe (2)

Taste

  • It is difficult to describe the taste of chicken nihari. It is moderately spicy and aromatic with background fennel flavors. This gravy is thick and has a little nutty touch from roasted flour slurry.
  • The splash of lemon and julienne ginger makes it one of the kind experience having Nihari. Beef nihari is an unbeatable experience. But I promise this chicken nihari does justice to the taste.
  • Nihari tastes better the next day so any leftovers are delicious and can be frozen too. Nihari tends to thicken as it sits longer. So add a few tablespoons of water when reheating. The thick flour-based curry is promoted to burn easily if reheated on high heat.

Ingredients

So I've also shared the ingredients of the spice mix in the photo below. As all the ingredients are visible in the photo. I will not list them again.

Chicken Nihari Recipe (3)
  • Chicken: Make sure to use bone-in chicken as a lot of flavors come from fats in the bones.
  • Spice Mix: Nihari is all about spices and aroma! So nihari masala or spice mix seasoning is essential for this curry. You can get ready-made nihari masala from amazon. These spices mixes are very spicy so use less than the suggested measures.
  • Or if you have these whole spices in hand (the most important spices are visible on the spice plate, make your own spices mix in a coffee grinder. Find my detailed recipe Nihari masala here.
  • Wheat Flour: Wheat flour is traditionally used for Nihari but you can use plain flour as well. For a gluten-free or keto nihari, you can use gluten-free flour or almond flour respectively.
  • Corn starch or cornflour is usually not used. Because cornflour doesn't provide the nutty flavor that you get by roasting wheat flour or cooking wheat flour for very long.
  • Yogurt: This ingredient gives a little tanginess to nihari.
  • Onion: Brown onions help give some thickness to gravy and taste to Nihari.
  • Ginger: This is the most important ingredient of garnish. We like it with loads of ginger and sliced chilies.

How to make it?

If you have nihari masala in hand, making chicken nihari is a breeze.

Chicken Nihari Recipe (4)
  1. Heat oil in a vessel and add chopped onion. Fry on medium-low heat for 7-10 minutes until onions are lightly golden. (Adjust heat if needed.)
  2. Now add Nihari spice mix, green chili, ginger, and garlic paste. (Use only 2.5-3 tablespoons of the prepared spice mix.)
  3. Give the spice a stir and let it sizzle for a few seconds then add chicken.
  4. Cook on high flame for 3-5 minutes until the color of the chicken changes, then add 1 cup of water. Cover and cook the chicken for 10 minutes on medium until tender.
Chicken Nihari Recipe (5)
  1. While chicken cooks, roast wheat flour in a pan until fragrant. Transfer flour to a bowl. (For a gluten-free or keto nihari, you can use gluten-free flour or almond flour respectively.) Mix 1 cup of water in roasted wheat flour and make a smooth paste. Set aside.
  2. When the chicken is half-cooked, add the wheat paste (flour slurry). Mix well.
  3. Also, add whipped yogurt add about 1 cup of water to thin out the gravy to desired consistency. (The gravy will thicken as it cooks.) Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat until a little layer of oil rises on the top.
  4. Transfer Nihari to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh coriander, ginger, and chilies. Heat little butter or ghee in a vessel and add red chili. Pour heated butter over nihari. Serve with Tandoori Naan or toasted bread.

Recipe FAQs

Which flour is used in Nihari?

Whole wheat flour is used to thicken nihari gravy, but some people also use plain flour. If you want to make gluten-free nihari you can use any gluten-free almond flour to thicken nihari till the desired consistency is reached. For a Keto Nihari also you can use almond flour to thicken the gravy.

What to serve with Nihari?

Nihari is served with tadoori naan, kulcha or karak double roti. Ginger, lemon, and herbs are must accompaniments.

Chicken Nihari Recipe (6)

Hungry for Chicken Curries? Check these!

  • Indian Butter Chicken
  • Chicken Karahi Recipe
  • Paneer Reshmi Chicken Handi Recipe
  • Nihari Recipe

If you try this Chicken Nihari, I'd LOVE to hear your feedback in the comments. Your 5-ratings motivate me to do my best. Stay connected for more recipes and videos onFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYoutube.

📖 Recipe

Chicken Nihari Recipe (11)

Chicken Nihari Recipe

Give your family a spicy curry treat. Serve with lots of lemon juice and ginger.

4.93 from 14 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep: 7 minutes minutes

Cook: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes minutes

Servings : 4 Servings

Calories: 446kcal

Ingredients

  • cup oil
  • ½ cup chopped onion, About 1 medium
  • tablespoon Nihari Masala, or more to taste. Here's my recipe or get ready-made spice mix)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • ½ tablespoon green chilli paste
  • 500 grams skinless chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups water , divided
  • ¼ cup wheat flour
  • ½ cup plain yogurt, whipped
  • 2 tablespoon ghee , or butter
  • ½ teaspoon chilli powder, or less

Garnish

  • 1 inch ginger, cut in julienne
  • Fresh coriander, finely chopped
  • 4 lemon wedges

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a pot and add chopped onion. Stir and cover the lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat until lightly golden.

  • Now, add Nihari spice mix, ginger garlic paste, and green chili paste. Give it a stir and then add chicken. Fry for 5 minutes until the color of the chicken changes.

  • Then add 1 cup water. Mix well to remove any masala sticking on the bottom and sides of the pot. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.

  • In another pan, roast wheat flour for 1-2 minutes on medium heat until fragrant. Transfer flour to a bowl. Add 1 cup water to wheat flour and mix well. Make a smooth paste with batter-like consistency.

  • Add wheat paste and yogurt to the chicken pot and mix well.

  • Mix in 1 cup water and cover the pot again. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes on very low heat until a layer of oil is visible on the top.

To serve

  • Heat butter or ghee on a pan and add chili powder.

  • Simultaneously fill Nihari in a serving bowl, garnish with ginger and coriander leaves. Pour heated butter the garnish and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  1. Try to make Nihari 4-6 hours ahead and let it sit for several hours for enhanced flavors.
  2. You can substitute my Nihari masala with store-bought Nihari Masala to save time. Add more masala if needed.
    If you make Nihari frequently, I suggest double or triple the recipe and making a big jar of spice mix, and store in the fridge or freezer. This stays good for up to a year.
  3. Nihari tends to thicken as it sits longer. So add a few tablespoons of water when reheating. The thick flour-based curry is promoted to burn easily if reheated on high heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 446kcal ,Carbohydrates: 12g ,Protein: 29g ,Fat: 31g ,Saturated Fat: 8g ,Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g ,Monounsaturated Fat: 15g ,Trans Fat: 1g ,Cholesterol: 111mg ,Sodium: 129mg ,Potassium: 382mg ,Fiber: 1g ,Sugar: 2g ,Vitamin A: 173IU ,Vitamin C: 13mg ,Calcium: 63mg ,Iron: 2mg

Author : Mariam Sodawater

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave A comment and Rate this recipe

  1. Babu Thomas says

    Hi Mariam,
    I just followed your recipe for chicken Nihari and it's so tasty. Thanks

    Reply

    • Mariam Sodawater says

      Hi, I'm so glad you like it and took the time to review it. I appreciate it a lot.

      Reply

  2. Emma says

    REALLY tasty and authentic. Will be adding to my list of favourite currys

    Reply

    • Mariam Sodawater says

      Thanks a lot for the lovely feedback Emma. I'm really g;ad you liked it.

      Reply

  3. Puja says

    May Allah SWT bless you it such an easy recipe made it today for dinner it's an absolute hit

    Reply

    • Mariam Sodawater says

      Thank you so much for your kind words. YOu really made my day.

      Reply

  4. saira says

    very tasty, will try it my home thanks

    Reply

    • Recipe 52 says

      Please do try and send us feedback. Thanks a lot for leaving a comment.

      Reply

Chicken Nihari Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is chicken nihari made of? ›

Chicken Nihari is basically a stew dish made from succulent chicken pieces dipped into a spicy and fiery gravy made with a pool of aromatic spices, curd and slow cooked to the perfection.

Is nihari Pakistani or Indian? ›

Nihari is a traditional dish among the Indian Muslim communities of Lucknow, Delhi, and Bhopal. Following the partition of India in 1947, many Urdu-speaking Muslims from northern India migrated to Karachi in West Pakistan and Dhaka in East Pakistan, and established a number of restaurants serving the dish.

What is the best cut of meat for nihari? ›

What Cut of Meat to Use for Nihari. Nihari is typically made with boneless beef shanks, also called beef shins. Halal grocery stores will often have it labeled Nihari cut. You can also use pre-cut beef stew meat, which is essentially boneless beef that comes from the front shoulder (chuck) or rear muscle (round).

What is nihari called in English? ›

Nihari (Urdu: نہاری‎) is a stew from India, mostly consumed by the Muslim of North India of the North India region. consisting of slow-cooked meat, mainly shank meat of beef or lamb and mutton, goat meat and chicken, along with bone marrow.

Why is nihari so good? ›

Beef Nihari: The Classic and Timeless Variation

Ginger, garlic, garam masala, and nutmeg impart a rich and compelling flavor to the meat. Because of the slow cooking method, the beef becomes delicate and succulent, making every bite a great joy.

Is nihari good for health? ›

Health benefits of nihari masala:

Cinnamon is a heart-healthy spice found in Nihari Masala powder. Together, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom help the digestive system. The abundance of antioxidants in the masala helps to reduce free radicals.

What is the difference between Haleem and Nihari? ›

A famous Pakistani dish is prepared with different types of meat, including goat, mutton and beef. Nihari is said to be the most famous dish in Pakistan. Haleem is a dish consisting of meat, lentils and wheat or semolina. It is a popular dish served on special occasions.

What is Pakistan's national dish? ›

Nihari. Known as the "national dish of Pakistan", the word 'nihari' is derived from the Arabic word “nahaar” (morning), implying that this dish was meant to be eaten as the first meal of the day.

Is nihari eaten for breakfast? ›

Regional variants of Nihari can be found throughout the sub-continent, and it remains one of the most nourishing meat dishes, eaten for breakfast or any other time of the day to satiate one's hunger! The process of making nihari requires patience, passion and an in-built knowledge of proportions.

Which part of goat is used in Nihari? ›

In India, nihari is typically cooked with mutton or gosht (goat meat). For producing Nihari, the shank piece is recommended. Goat shanks also contain some vital nutrients. Goat shanks are high in protein and minerals such as B vitamins, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.

Which part of meat is more tasty? ›

“Those are steaks from the midsection of the animal, between the rib and the rump.” These cuts—ribeye, New York strip loin, and filet mignon—can certainly be dubbed the best, and few will disagree. “Filet is the most tender cut, but has the least amount of flavor.

Which part of cow meat is tasty? ›

The rib eye is a cut from the rib section and is the most flavorful cut of meat and typically comes with very deep marbling. Because of the deep marbling on the rib eye, it is a great cut for grilling and slow roasting.

What to eat with nihari? ›

Not only this but nihari is served with a variety of naans and bread like sheermaal, taaftaan, tandoori roti, butter naan and many more. We can also serve lemon slices, coriander, mint, ginger and brown onions with nihari. A drop of lemon in nihari adds a little twist to its taste which is worth eating.

Which roti is eaten with nihari? ›

It used to be served with khamiri roti, a version of Indian sourdough bread cooked in tandoor, which soaks up the gravy for a flavourful experience. Now, many restaurants pair it with the sweetish sheermal, which balances the spicy nihari and enhances the meal.

Which country invented nihari? ›

Nihari was developed in Old Delhi, India, during the reign of the Mughal Empire. Muslim Nawabs (Noblemen) would eat Nihari after their sunrise prayers (Fajr), after which they would take naps until the afternoon Muslim prayers (Zhuhr).

Is nihari beef or goat? ›

Nihari is an Indian subcontinent stew made with slow-cooked meat, primarily shank meat of cattle or lamb and mutton, goat meat and chicken, and bone marrow. It comes from the Arabic word nahâr, which means “dawn.” Nawabs in the Mughal Empire first consumed it as a breakfast meal.

How to make chicken nihari masala TV? ›

Heat ghee add ginger garlic paste, salt, chili powder, slightly fry add chicken and 4 tbsp of the prepared nihari masala, fry well add 5 cups of water when water boiling add in the dissolve paste of both the flour, keep stirring till one boil comes, lower flame and leave it on dum till chicken tender and oil comes on ...

What is nihari Gosht called in English? ›

Nihari is a authentic dish which means a slow cooked mutton stew, which is said o be originated in the Awadhi kitchen of Lucknow. A popular dish in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Nihari is also considered to be the national dish of Pakistan.

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