Afghani Chicken is a delicately spiced and creamy dish that highlights the rich culinary traditions of Afghanistan. The key to its luscious texture lies in the combination of yogurt, cream, and a nutty almond-cashew paste. Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices ensures that the meat stays tender and absorbs all the subtle flavors. This dish is known for its mild spices, making it a perfect option for those who prefer rich, creamy dishes without overwhelming heat. Whether served with naan, roti, or basmati rice. Afghani chicken offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that make it an ideal choice for family dinners.
Afghani Chicken is a true testament to the cuisine’s use of subtle flavors and creamy textures. Unlike many Indian or Middle Eastern dishes that rely on intense heat or bold spices.
this dish uses a delicate balance of yogurt, cream, and mild spices to create something that feels luxurious without being overly heavy. The addition of almond and cashew paste enhances the richness, while ingredients like cardamom and cumin provide an aromatic undertone.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the richness by altering the amount of cream
even swap the chicken for other proteins like paneer or lamb.
While the dish is indulgent enough to serve at a dinner party, it’s also straightforward enough for a cozy family meal.
The marination step is especially important, as it ensures that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful, absorbing all the spices while maintaining tenderness.
Sharing such a rich, flavorful dish is a way of bringing people together. Reflecting the warmth and care of the host.
Afghani Chicken, with its smooth, mildly spiced sauce, embodies the kind of food that is meant to be enjoyed slowly, savored with friends and family over good conversation.
Though the ingredients might seem indulgent—cream, nuts, and yogurt—they’re perfectly balanced to ensure the dish isn’t too heavy. The spices like cumin, cardamom, and garam masala offer warmth and complexity without overpowering the dish’s inherent creaminess. The use of fresh coriander and a dash of lemon juice at the end brings a bright.
fresh element, cutting through the richness and enhancing the flavors further.
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Afghani Chicken Recipe
The key to its luscious texture lies in the combination of yogurt, cream, and a nutty almond-cashew paste. Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices ensures that the meat stays tender and absorbs all the subtle flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, black pepper, cardamom powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and let it marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken starts turning golden.
- Lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes until it is fully cooked through.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In another pan, heat some ghee and add the almond and cashew paste. Sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Add the fresh cream and stir well until combined.
- Mix in the garam masala and green chilies, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Combine and Finish:
- Add the cooked chicken to the creamy sauce.
- Stir in lemon juice and adjust salt and seasoning as per your taste.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Note
Marination time is crucial: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it becomes. Overnight marination gives the best result.Almond and cashew paste add a rich, creamy texture to the dish. You can substitute one for the other if needed, but using both gives a deeper flavor.Cream and yogurt balance each other: Yogurt gives the dish a slight tang, while the cream adds richness. Ensure you use fresh yogurt to avoid it turning sour.Adjusting spice level: The dish is mild, but you can increase the heat by adding more green chilies or even a pinch of red chili powder if desired.