Wazwan-Style Chicken Gushtaba in Yogurt Gravy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft chicken meatballs simmered in a spiced yogurt and mustard oil gravy, inspired by the ceremonial Wazwan feast of Kashmir. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs ground chicken, plain yogurt, mustard oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken with 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 3 ground green cardamom pods, 1 tsp white pepper powder, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 12 uniform meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp mustard oil in a deep non-stick pan over medium heat until it shimmers.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium-low and carefully add 1 cup plain yogurt whisked smooth with 1 cup water to the pan, stirring gently to prevent curdling.
  5. Step 5: Bring the yogurt gravy to a gentle simmer, then add the chicken meatballs carefully. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, turning meatballs gently halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  6. Step 6: Once meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 1 tbsp sliced almonds before serving alongside steamed rice or traditional Kashmiri bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wazwan-Style Chicken Gushtaba in Yogurt Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Wazwan-Style Chicken Gushtaba in Yogurt Gravy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wazwan-Style Chicken Gushtaba in Yogurt Gravy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Wazwan-Style Chicken Gushtaba in Yogurt Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Wazwan-Style Chicken Gushtaba in Yogurt Gravy?

Indian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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