Soufrti
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Main dishesLunch

Choila Chicken

Prep20 min
Cook30 min
Total50 min
Servings8
DifficultyEasy
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs chicken breast (cut into 1 inch cubes)
  • 1 large red onion
  • 1 cup cilantro (finely chopped)
  • 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 hot green pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chilli flakes or cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 one lemon juice
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over high heat. Add the chicken and stir continuously to prevent sticking. Cook until it starts to turn golden. Add cumin, turmeric, black pepper, minced ginger, 1 tablespoon of the minced garlic, hot pepper, and salt. Stir well and cook for about 10 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add sliced red onion and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked. Add fresh cilantro and turn off the heat.

  3. 3

    In a separate pan, melt butter and add paprika and chilli flakes. Stir on high heat until fully combined. Pour this mixture into yogurt and add 1 tablespoon of the minced garlic, the lemon juice then whisk until smooth.

  4. 4

    Add the yogurt mixture to the chicken. Return to low heat and cook for about 5 minutes, until everything is well coated and combined.

  5. 5

    Serve hot with white rice or fresh bread.

Chef's Notes

Choila (often spelled “Chhoila” or “Chhoyla”) chicken is a traditional dish from Nepal, especially from the Newari cuisine. Authentic Choila is not originally made with chicken it was traditionally prepared using buffalo meat in Newari cuisine, and the chicken version is a more modern adaptation. That tells you something important: this dish comes from a deep cultural, ritual-based food tradition, not just everyday cooking.

Tags

Nepalchickehotdeliciouseasycilantro