This rich, creamy and mild chicken recipe is an absolute hit whenever I make it on special occasions.

How Did Cheeze Chooza Came into Existence?

I was fond of trying new recipes even as a kid. I was always on a lookout for the kind of recipes that my mother didn’t make at home. I took pride when everyone would eat and appreciate what I had made for them. So as a ten year old one Sunday, I was scrolling through the newspaper and found a recipe named as ‘Cheese Chooza’ (translates as cheesy chick). I was intrigued to try it as it looked simple to make and unique in components.

I made it. My mother guided me here and there. Everyone loved it. My siblings would often ask for it. It was a special occasion treat though, because it is pretty rich and you do not want to consume that amount of calories on a daily basis. Slowly, this recipe became famous in my extended family as well. I couldn’t be happier and prouder of my achievement.

At some point, I got married and moved to Germany. I somehow forgot about cheeze chooza. It just never crossed my mind. A few months back, my brother visited me. I asked him what he wanted to eat first things at my place. He instantly said, “Cheese Chooza”. I got so excited to hear that. There was only one problem. I didn’t have the recipe anymore.

I had most of the ingredients on my mind. But I called my mother and sister to confirm and recollect any missing information. I could not find the exact same ingredients at the German grocery stores. So I had to improvise with what is available here. After a few weeks of trials, I was able to make cheese chooza that tasted the same as back home. My brother approved to the taste, and I was a happy girl again.

Ingredients At A Glance

Where to find the ingredients?

You can find the spices at the Indian store. Chicken is from Turkish store and all the rest of the ingredients are from Aldi.

Cheese spread (schmelzkäse) is available near the sandwich bread section (not in the fridge). Corn starch is available by the name Speisestärke in Germany. Crème fraiche is available in the fridge section.

Which part/cut of chicken could be used?

I have used chicken breast for this recipe, but have made it numerous times with bone-in chicken as well. You can use any part of chicken that you prefer. If using bone-in chicken, you will have to cook it a little longer.

Can this be made spicier?

You can increase the amount of kashmiri red chili powder to make it spicier. I prefer to make a milder version so kids can have it easily. I personally like adding freshly crushed black pepper for a kick on my plate.