Chicken Rezala
Curries • India
About Chicken Rezala
Mild, creamy white chicken curry of Mughlai origin, popular in Kolkata. Yogurt, cashews, cardamom, and kewra water — no turmeric, no chili powder.
How to Make Chicken Rezala (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Chicken Rezala is a celebrated dish from the royal kitchens of East India, particularly popular in West Bengal. Known for its aromatic, creamy white gravy, Chicken Rezala stands out among Indian chicken curries for its delicate balance of spices and subtle sweetness, achieved without the use of tomatoes or heavy masalas. The recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a luscious yogurt and cashew paste, infusing the dish with gentle warmth from whole spices like elaichi (cardamom), dalchini (cinnamon), and laung (cloves). This dish has deep roots in Mughlai cuisine and was embraced by Bengali households, especially during festivals like Durga Puja and family celebrations. Its unique blend of flavors and lighter gravy makes it a preferred choice for those seeking authentic Indian chicken curries that are not overly spicy or oil-laden. The creamy texture and aromatic notes make Chicken Rezala a favorite for special occasions, yet it is simple enough to prepare for a wholesome weekday lunch. A healthy Chicken Rezala is perfect for calorie-conscious food lovers. By using minimal oil and lean chicken breast, you can enjoy all the regal flavors of this dish without guilt. Serve it with roti, phulka, or steamed rice for a satisfying, protein-rich meal that captures the essence of Bengali and Mughlai culinary traditions.
Ingredients(for 1 medium bowl (about 180g) per serving)
- 250g Chicken breast (boneless, cut into medium pieces)
- 1/2 cup Dahi (yogurt) (well whisked)
- 1 medium Onion (sliced thinly)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste (freshly made preferred)
- 8-10 Cashew nuts (kaju) (soaked and ground to paste)
- 1 tablespoon Poppy seeds (khus khus) (soaked, optional for authentic touch) - optional
- 1 Green chillies (slit, optional for spice) - optional
- 1 teaspoon Ghee (adds aroma, use mustard oil for variation)
- 1/2 teaspoon White pepper powder (for mild heat)
- 2 elaichi, 1 small dalchini, 2 laung Whole garam masala (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves)
- 1 Bay leaf (tej patta)
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Rose water (optional, for aroma) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Marinate the chicken with dahi, ginger-garlic paste, white pepper, and salt. Set aside for at least 15 minutes.
15 minutes
Longer marination (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- 2
Heat ghee in a kadhai. Add whole garam masala and tej patta. Sauté till aromatic.
2 minutes
Use low flame to prevent burning spices and extract maximum flavor.
- 3
Add sliced onions and cook on low flame till translucent, not browned.
3 minutes
Do not over-brown onions to preserve the white color of the curry.
- 4
Add marinated chicken pieces. Sauté till chicken turns opaque.
3 minutes
Stir gently to coat chicken with spices and onions evenly.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Chicken Rezala recipe is a healthy choice because it uses lean chicken breast, minimal ghee, and a yogurt-based gravy instead of cream or butter. With only 170 calories per serving, it fits well into calorie-controlled diets while providing a rich source of protein. The dish is also gluten-free and can be made even lighter by reducing the cashew and ghee content, making it suitable for weight loss, diabetes management, and balanced Indian meals.
Chicken Rezala is high in protein (13g per serving) and relatively low in carbohydrates (4g), making it an excellent option for muscle maintenance and weight management. The use of dahi (yogurt) and cashew nuts offers calcium, healthy fats, and micronutrients like magnesium and zinc. Cooking with minimal ghee keeps saturated fat low. The inclusion of whole spices delivers antioxidants and aids digestion, while the absence of cream or excess oil ensures a lighter, nutrient-rich curry.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- 💡Tip 2: Always use fresh dahi and grind the nut paste until very smooth for a silky gravy.
- 💡Tip 3: Add rose water at the end of cooking for the authentic Bengali aroma—avoid overuse.
Storage & Serving
Store Chicken Rezala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
Best served: Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 170.0 kcal |
| Protein | 13.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4.0 g |
| Total Fat | 11.0 g |
| Fiber | 1.0 g |
