Authentic-Tasting Changezi Chicken Recipe
Published on June 3rd, 2026
Intermediate
While Chicken Tikka Masala might be the reigning champion of British curry houses, there is a richer, bolder contender you need to know about: Changezi chicken.
Originating from the bustling streets of northern India, this buttery, Mughlai-style chicken curry is rich, creamy, and mildly spiced. If you have been searching for an authentic-tasting Changezi chicken recipe but don't have hours to roast onions and grind cashews into a paste, you are in the right place.
We have developed a brilliant shortcut method. By combining high-quality, pre-made tandoori marinades with rich cooking sauces, you can replicate that complex Old Delhi chicken Changezi flavour right in your own kitchen—in a fraction of the time. It is best devoured with a heap of fluffy rice and fresh roti for the ultimate weekend fakeaway.
What is Changezi Chicken?
Changezi chicken is a beloved dish with deep roots in Mughlai cuisine. Traditionally found in the legendary eateries of Old Delhi, the dish is famous for its vibrant colour and silky, robust gravy.
Unlike standard curries, a true restaurant style Changezi relies on a unique blend of roasted aromatics, tangy tomatoes, and a luxurious finish of cream or milk. It balances mild heat with a beautiful tanginess, making it a standout among Mughlai chicken recipes.
Why This Shortcut Recipe Works
Traditional Changezi chicken requires marinating and roasting the chicken, then slowly building a gravy from scratch using a homemade onion and cashew paste.
To bring this to your table quickly without sacrificing flavour, this recipe uses a clever combination of premium jarred sauces:
The Tandoori Marinade: Replicates the smoky, spiced depth of traditional Mughlai chicken preparation.
The Rogan Josh & Butter Masala Sauces: When combined with slowly caramelised fresh onions, these two sauces mimic the tangy, tomato-heavy, and creamy cashew profile of an authentic Changezi gravy.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 slower-reared chicken thigh fillets
- 190g jar Classic Tandoori Marinade
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 2 onions, finely sliced.
- 300ml Rogan Josh Cooking Sauce
- 300ml Butter Masala Cooking Sauce
- 1 handful fresh coriander leaves, chopped to serve.
- To serve: Steamed basmati rice, warm roti, or garlic naan.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200ºC (180ºC Fan / Gas Mark 6). Place the chicken thigh fillets in a bowl, thoroughly coat them in the tandoori marinade, cover, and set aside for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours develop. Transfer the chicken to a small roasting tin and roast for 16-18 minutes until slightly charred.
- While the chicken is roasting, heat the ghee in a large frying pan or casserole dish over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onions and cook patiently for about 15 minutes. You want them to turn a deep, golden brown—this caramelisation is key to the gravy's depth of flavour.
- Once the onions are golden, pour in the rogan josh sauce. Stir well and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the butter masala sauce, stirring to create a rich, uniform gravy. Take your roasted chicken out of the oven and add it straight into the sauce. Mix well to combine. Cover the pan and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through, the juices run clear, and no pink meat remains.
- Scatter generously with fresh coriander. Serve piping hot alongside steamed basmati rice, roti, or a fluffy naan bread for mopping up that incredible sauce.
Cook’s Tip: Want to stretch this meal further or add a bit more fibre? Add a jar of drained, rinsed chickpeas to the sauce when you pour in the butter masala. Let them gently simmer alongside the chicken for a hearty, filling addition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Changezi chicken spicy?
Not overly! It falls into the mild-to-medium category. The flavour profile relies heavily on rich, aromatic spices rather than pure chilli heat. The butter masala sauce and ghee mellow out the spices, making it incredibly comforting.
Can I freeze this curry?
Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully. Let the curry cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the hob until piping hot.
What's the difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Changezi?
While both are rich and creamy, Butter Chicken has a sweeter, smoother tomato and cream base. Chicken Changezi is more robust and textured, traditionally relying on deeply browned onions and a slightly tangier spice profile. Mixing the rogan josh and butter masala sauces in this recipe perfectly captures that unique Changezi complexity.
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