If you’re looking for a break from spicy gravies and want something mild, creamy, and comforting, then this Conti Chicken recipe is just the dish for you. Short for Continental Chicken, this dish brings a subtle, flavourful twist to the usual Indian-style cooking. Made with juicy boneless chicken cooked in a creamy white sauce infused with herbs, butter, and garlic—it’s the perfect fusion of elegance and comfort food.
Though rooted in European flavours, Conti Chicken has become quite popular in Indian households, especially for those who enjoy experimenting beyond traditional curries. It’s a hit at dinner parties, potlucks, and even cafe-style home menus, often served with garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or herbed rice. The best part? It’s super versatile—you can make it cheesy, herb-loaded, or even slightly spicy to suit Indian taste buds.
What Is Conti Chicken?
Conti Chicken, short for Continental Chicken, is a style of chicken preparation inspired by European (mainly French and Italian) cuisine. Unlike spicy Indian curries, Conti Chicken is known for its subtle, creamy, and herb-infused flavours. The dish typically features boneless chicken cooked in a white sauce made from butter, flour (maida), and milk or cream, seasoned with aromatic herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley.
The focus of Continental-style cooking is on letting the ingredients shine without overpowering them with too much spice. In this recipe, the chicken is lightly seasoned and paired with a silky white sauce that is rich yet delicate—sometimes enhanced with garlic, onions, cheese, or sautéed vegetables for added texture and flavour.
While it may not have the heat of traditional Indian dishes like butter chicken or chicken curry, Conti Chicken has carved a place in Indian kitchens—especially among those who enjoy fusion food or prefer mild, comforting meals. It’s also a great choice for children, health-conscious eaters, or anyone looking for a non-spicy, restaurant-style chicken dish that pairs well with continental sides like garlic bread or mashed potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Continental Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavour without being overly spicy—and that’s exactly what Conti Chicken offers. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy yet is surprisingly easy to make at home. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your kitchen:
- Mild Yet Flavourful – With the goodness of butter, cream, garlic, and herbs, this dish is packed with flavour, but without the heat of Indian masalas—perfect for kids or those with a low spice tolerance.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – Whether it’s a romantic dinner, house party, or Sunday lunch, this creamy chicken dish brings a touch of elegance to any meal.
- Customisable to Your Taste – Want it cheesy? Add some mozzarella. Like it spicy? Toss in some chilli flakes. This recipe is incredibly versatile.
- Goes Well with Many Sides – Serve it with garlic bread, mashed potatoes, pasta, or even steamed rice—it complements everything beautifully.
- Beginner-Friendly – With simple steps and basic ingredients, even beginners in the kitchen can master this dish on the first try.
Ingredients Required
To prepare this creamy and comforting Continental-style chicken dish, you’ll need a few basic kitchen staples. These ingredients are easily available in most Indian supermarkets or local grocery stores.
For the Chicken Marinade
- 300–400 grams boneless chicken (preferably breast or thigh, cut into cubes)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or regular refined oil
For the White Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1½ tablespoons maida (all-purpose flour)
- 1½ cups milk (warm, preferably full cream)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- ½ teaspoon mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, parsley)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
Optional Add-Ons (For Extra Flavour & Texture)
- 2–3 tablespoons grated cheese (mozzarella or processed cheese)
- ½ cup boiled vegetables (carrots, beans, broccoli)
- 1 tablespoon sweet corn or mushroom slices
- A pinch of chilli flakes or peri-peri spice (if you prefer a slight kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Conti Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare creamy, flavour-packed Continental-style chicken that’s perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the boneless chicken pieces with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix well and set aside to marinate for at least 15–20 minutes. This helps tenderise the meat and enhances its flavour.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium flame. Add a teaspoon of oil and cook the marinated chicken pieces for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep aside.
Prepare the White Sauce
In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add maida and stir continuously for a minute until it forms a smooth paste (roux) and loses its raw smell. Gradually pour in the warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Add cream (optional), garlic, mixed herbs, black pepper, and salt to taste.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Now add the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan. Stir well so the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes on low heat to allow the flavours to blend.
Add Cheese or Veggies (Optional)
If you prefer a richer dish, mix in grated cheese and let it melt into the sauce. You can also add boiled vegetables, mushrooms, or sweet corn at this stage for extra nutrition and texture.
Garnish and Serve Hot
Switch off the flame and garnish with fresh herbs or chilli flakes. Serve hot with garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered rice for a complete continental-style meal.
Pro Cooking Tips for Perfect Conti Chicken
Getting that perfect creamy texture and flavour in Conti Chicken is all about the small details. Follow these pro tips to make your dish truly restaurant-style:
- Use boneless chicken thighs or breast – Thighs are juicier, while breast meat is lean and cooks faster. Either works well, but make sure not to overcook the chicken.
- Cook maida on low flame – When making the white sauce, cook the maida (flour) gently in butter until the raw smell disappears. This ensures a smooth and flavourful base.
- Add warm milk slowly – Pouring warm milk gradually while stirring helps prevent lumps in the sauce and gives a creamy, silky texture.
- Season at every step – Lightly season the chicken and the sauce separately to ensure the dish is balanced in flavour.
- Use fresh or dried herbs – Herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley add authentic Continental flavour. Don’t skip them!
- Cheese is optional but delightful – A little grated cheese enhances the richness of the sauce. Use mozzarella or processed cheese as per taste.
- Add vegetables smartly – If adding veggies like broccoli or carrots, parboil them first so they remain tender yet crisp.
- Don’t overheat after combining – Once the chicken is mixed into the sauce, keep the flame low and avoid overcooking, or the sauce may split.
Variations of Conti Chicken
One of the best things about Conti Chicken is how adaptable it is—you can tweak it based on your taste, ingredients on hand, or dietary preferences. Here are some popular and creative variations you can try:
Cheesy Baked Conti Chicken
Once your chicken and sauce are ready, transfer everything into a baking dish, top with grated cheese, and bake at 180°C for 10–12 minutes. The melted cheese and golden top make this version a crowd favourite—perfect for dinner parties!
Veggie-Loaded Conti Chicken
Add boiled broccoli, carrots, baby corn, or peas to make it a wholesome one-pot meal. This version is great for kids and those looking to include more veggies in their diet.
Spicy Indian-Style Conti Chicken
Want to give it a desi twist? Sprinkle some chilli flakes, peri peri masala, or even a little green chilli paste while making the sauce. It adds a nice heat kick while still keeping the dish creamy.
Mushroom & Chicken Creamy Combo
Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the sauce along with the chicken. The earthy flavour of mushrooms complements the richness of the white sauce beautifully.
Conti Chicken with Brown Sauce
Instead of white sauce, make a brown sauce using butter, garlic, onion, stock, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. It’s a delicious variation for those who prefer a deeper, savoury flavour.
Serving Suggestions
Conti Chicken is a rich, creamy dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, both Western and Indian-fusion style. Depending on the occasion—whether it’s a casual family meal or a dinner party—you can serve it in different delicious ways:
With Garlic Bread or Toasted Buns
Crispy garlic bread, buttered toast, or even pav buns lightly grilled with butter and herbs make the perfect companion to soak up that luscious white sauce.
With Rice or Herbed Rice
Serve Conti Chicken with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or lightly flavoured herbed rice (cooked with butter, garlic, and parsley). It balances the creamy texture and makes it a satisfying meal.
With Mashed Potatoes or Potato Wedges
Creamy mashed potatoes complement the richness of the sauce and turn it into a classic Continental-style dinner. You can also serve it with crispy potato wedges for a comforting combo.
With Pasta or Spaghetti
Toss Conti Chicken with boiled pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) for a quick creamy chicken pasta dish—ideal for lunchboxes or fusion dinners.
With Fresh Salad
Balance the richness of the dish with a fresh green salad or a cold pasta salad. Something simple with lettuce, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette works best.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a creamy comfort dish or planning a restaurant-style meal at home, Conti Chicken is a delightful recipe that never disappoints. Its rich white sauce, mild flavours, and touch of herbs make it perfect for those who prefer something less spicy but full of flavour. From garlic bread to herbed rice or even pasta, this Continental-style chicken pairs well with just about everything.
Best of all, it’s a flexible recipe—you can keep it simple or add veggies, cheese, or even a spicy Indian twist depending on your mood. So next time you want to try something different from the usual curries and masalas, give this creamy Conti Chicken a shot. It’s easy to make, loved by kids and adults alike, and adds a gourmet touch to your everyday cooking.