If you’re a hopeless foodie (like us), you’re probably always on the lookout for the next best dish (again, like us!). So now you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably curious – and more importantly, hungry – for more information about chicken paneer masala.
What is it? And why does it sound so tasty?! Let’s find out!
#1: What is Paneer Chicken Masala?
Paneer chicken masala or chicken paneer masala (whichever way you prefer!) is chunks of paneer and chicken cooked in a delicious masala sauce. You may not see this specific dish on many Indian menus as it is not as popular as others, such as paneer makhani, chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, etc. However, if you ask nicely, I’m sure the chef would be more than happy to whip this up for you!
As promised, you’re about to find out what chicken paneer masala is all about. So let’s not waste any more time and dive right in! Here we go.
#2: Paneer Chicken Masala Calories: It’s Pretty Calorific!
We hate to break it to you, but it’s true. Chicken paneer masala is pretty calorific at 229 calories per 100g. While that may not sound too bad, that’s before you’ve factored in any obligatory side dishes such as warm, fluffy naans and hot steamed rice.
So why is it so high in calories? Well, the answer lies within the rich tomato sauce that is layered with heavy cream and butter (although both of these ingredients are of course optional).
If you’re looking for a healthier curry option, a paneer chana masala might be the choice for you. Read this article to find out more.
#3: You Can Make It With or Without Chicken
The same can be said for the paneer. Although having both makes it a super tasty meal time! However, if you are a vegetarian, are serving vegetarian guests, or you simply forgot to defrost the chicken, you can of course serve the dish without.
The main flavor comes from the way the masala is made. Once you have mastered this, you can add anything you want to the pot!
#4: Paneer Can Be Good For Weight Loss
We must stress that in this case, we mean paneer is eaten on its own and not inside a heavenly, creamy sauce! But yes, it is true that paneer can help aid weight loss.
Firstly, paneer is a fantastic source of protein. It also contains magnesium, calcium, iron, and healthy fats that are essential for the human body. Upping your protein intake will leave you feeling fuller for longer and helps to ward off cravings.
Paneer is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. Eaten alone, paneer is quite bland. Therefore, it is a great addition to flavorful Indian curries which are packed full of exotic spices and vegetables.
Take a look at this article to see the difference between nanak brand paneer vs verka paneer.
#5: It’s Not Too Spicy
Chicken paneer masala is a great dish for those who prefer a milder curry. It is therefore perfect for young children and for those who like a bit of spice but not too much.
However, if you find it isn’t spicy enough, try adding one (or two if you dare) green chilies to the mix for an added kick!
#6: Masala Means “A Mixture Of Ground Spices”
A perfect masala means the perfect blend of spices. This sets the tone for the whole dish, so it’s important to get it right! Ideally, all of the spices listed below should be included:
- Black cardamom
- Black peppercorns
- Cloves
- Green cardamom
- Cumin seeds
- Cinnamon sticks
- Bay leaf
- Ground turmeric
- Chilli powder
- Ground coriander
- Garam masala
This combination of spices can be added to the chicken in a chicken paneer masala before it is fried.
#7: It Pairs Well With Wine!
A glass of white wine, in particular, is a good choice when it comes to Indian curries in general. So the next time you’re treating yourself to a restaurant meal (or a takeout), throw in a bottle of white and try it out.
Curries that are made to taste buttery and/or creamy pair particularly well with white wines. Therefore a chicken paneer masala is a perfect choice!
A weirder combination is chicken paneer masala on a pizza or in a pie. We’re not lying. Take a look at this!
#8: Chicken Paneer Masala Is Not The Same As A Chicken Tikka Masala
When we hear the word ‘masala’, many of us automatically think of the word ‘tikka’. However, these are two very different curries. In a tikka dish, the chicken is firstly coated with spices and yogurt before it is cooked. The masala is simply the sauce in which the chicken tikka is served.
The chicken used in a paneer masala isn’t coated beforehand and is simply fried in cooking oil or butter. To learn more about chicken paneer masala vs chicken tikka masala, click here!
#9: Chicken Paneer Masala Recipe
Without further ado, below you will find the recipe along with instructions for homemade chicken paneer masala. Good luck!
Ingredients
- 400 g chicken breast fillets or boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp oil (cooking or coconut oil)
- 30g butter
- 3 garlic cloves (finely chopped or grated)
- 1 x 2cm piece of ginger (peeled and grated)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 400g canned tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes)
- 200g cubed paneer
- 1 cup of water
- ½ cup cooking cream
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- A squeeze of lemon or lime juice
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves (optional)
Method
1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and fry the chicken until sealed and continue to brown for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper before leaving to one side.
2. Using the same pan, add the butter along with the ginger and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes before adding the coriander powder, chili powder, garam masala, and paprika.
3. Pour in the canned or fresh tomatoes and allow to cook for 5-6 minutes.
4. Lastly, add the cubed paneer and the chicken along with the cup of water. Cook for a further 5 minutes before adding the cream. When it begins to boil, add your lemon or lime juice and a pinch of sugar. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve immediately with basmati rice and warm Indian flatbreads.
If you’d rather see the making of a chicken paneer masala in action, take a look at the video above.
#10: Do you cook paneer before putting it in curry?
The choice is completely yours. Some recipes insist on frying the paneer off before adding it to the gravy, but some suggest adding it in its raw form.
#11: Can I eat paneer raw?
Yes, paneer can be eaten in its raw form and is a great addition to salads and even kebabs!
