Top 5 Chicken Recipes in Clay Pots That Will Transform Your Kitchen

Cooking in clay pots isn’t just a tradition—it’s a health-conscious, flavor-packed experience. At Nutric Food Show, we celebrate the timeless art of slow cooking with nutrition in mind. If you’re looking for delicious, wholesome meals with that earthy aroma only a clay pot can bring, these top 5 chicken recipes are a must-try!

1. Desi Clay Pot Chicken Curry

🔥 When tradition meets taste, every bite becomes a memory.

This rich, comforting curry captures the true soul of desi cooking. Made with yogurt, tomatoes, and hand-ground spices, it’s a heritage dish elevated by the slow magic of a clay pot.

Ingredients

• ½ kg chicken (bone-in)

• 2 medium onions (thinly sliced)

• 2 tomatoes (chopped)

• ½ cup plain yogurt

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• Salt to taste

• Fresh coriander for garnish

• 2 tbsp oil

Steps

1. Soak the clay pot in water for 30 minutes (if unglazed).

2. Heat oil in the clay pot on low flame.

3. Add cumin seeds, then onions; sauté until golden.

4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste for 1 minute.

5. Add tomatoes, salt, and all spices. Cook till oil separates.

6. Add chicken and mix well. Cover and cook on low for 15 mins.

7. Stir in yogurt, cook for another 10–12 mins.

8. Add water if needed. Simmer covered for 10 mins.

9. Garnish with coriander. Serve with roti or brown rice.

2. Herbed Chicken Steam Roast

🌿 A gentle roast packed with power, minus the guilt.

Flavorful, fragrant, and falling off the bone—this steam roast is guilt-free goodness marinated in mint, chilies, and citrus, all roasted gently in a clay pot with minimal oil.

Ingredients

• ½ kg chicken (leg quarters or pieces)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp ginger paste

• 1 tbsp garlic paste

• ½ cup fresh mint (chopped)

• 2–3 green chilies (chopped)

• 1 tsp crushed black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Steps

1. Mix lemon juice, garlic, ginger, mint, chilies, pepper, and salt.

2. Marinate chicken with mixture for 2–4 hours.

3. Lightly oil the clay pot and preheat on low.

4. Place chicken in a single layer. Cover and steam 30 mins.

5. Flip halfway. Roast uncovered for 5–10 mins for golden finish.

6. Serve with salad or garlic naan.

3. Spinach Chicken (Palak Murgh)

🥬 Strength in every spoon—green, lean, and full of iron.

This dish combines the earthy essence of spinach with the subtle flavor of chicken, cooked gently in a clay pot to preserve vitamins and taste—perfect for a nutritious desi dinner.

Ingredients

• ½ kg chicken

• 250g spinach (chopped)

• 1 onion (sliced)

• 2 tomatoes (pureed)

• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 green chili (slit)

• ½ tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp cumin seeds

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp oil

Steps

1. Heat oil in soaked clay pot over low flame.

2. Add cumin seeds and onions. Cook until golden.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste and chicken. Cook 10 mins.

4. Add pureed tomatoes, green chili, salt, and turmeric.

5. Once oil separates, add spinach. Cover and cook 15–20 mins.

6. Stir occasionally. Simmer uncovered 5 mins to thicken.

7. Serve with roti or brown rice.

4. Yogurt Marinated Chicken Handi

🍶 Creamy, comforting, and quietly powerful for your gut.

This deeply marinated handi is the answer to flavorful yet gentle meals. Yogurt softens the chicken and boosts gut health, while the clay pot ensures every bite is rich and warming.

Ingredients

• ½ kg chicken

• ¾ cup thick yogurt (whisked)

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• ½ tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp chili flakes

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp oil

• Fresh coriander for garnish

Steps

1. Mix yogurt, spices, and ginger-garlic paste.

2. Marinate chicken for 4–6 hours or overnight.

3. Heat oil in clay handi. Add chicken with marinade.

4. Cover and cook 20 mins, stirring occasionally.

5. Cook uncovered 10–15 mins until sauce thickens.

6. Garnish and serve with basmati rice or tandoori roti.

5. Spicy Lemon Ginger Chicken

🍋 A zesty boost that heals, satisfies, and awakens the senses.

Packed with anti-inflammatory spices and bold citrus notes, this quick clay pot chicken is your weeknight immunity booster—delicious and ready in under 40 minutes!

Ingredients

• ½ kg chicken (boneless or bone-in)

• 1 tbsp ginger julienne

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp crushed red chili

• 1 tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp oil

Steps

1. Marinate chicken with lemon juice, ginger, and all spices.

2. Let sit for 30–60 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a clay pot on low.

4. Add chicken and cook covered for 20–25 mins.

5. Stir occasionally. Cook uncovered 5–10 mins to thicken.

6. Garnish with extra ginger and serve with paratha or brown rice.

🌿 Final Thoughts: Rediscover the Power of Clay

Cooking with clay isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a healthier, more soulful way to nourish yourself and your family. Each of these recipes delivers flavor without compromise, nutrition without boredom, and warmth that lingers long after the last bite.

Which recipe are you trying first? Let us know on Instagram or Pinterest and tag @nutricfoodshow!