Authentic Afghani Chicken: A Traditional Gastronomic Delight

Ingredients

1 kg Chicken cut into pieces
2 large Onions, finely chopped
3 large Tomatoes, finely chopped
1 cup Yogurt, whisked
1/4 cup Fresh Cream
2 tablespoons Garlic Paste
2 tablespoons Ginger Paste
4 Green Chillies, slit into halves
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
2 teaspoons Coriander Powder
2 teaspoons Cumin Powder
2 teaspoons Garam Masala Powder
1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
4 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons Fresh Coriander Leaves, finely chopped for garnishing

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add the garlic and ginger paste to the pan and stir well, cooking for about a minute.
Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they turn slightly brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the finely chopped tomatoes and slit green chillies to the pan and mix well. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, and red chilli powder to the pan. Mix well to ensure all the chicken pieces are well coated with the spices.
Add the whisked yogurt to the pan and mix well. Cook on a low heat for about 10 minutes.
Add the fresh cream to the pan and mix well. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
Add the lemon juice and salt to the pan and mix well. Cook for a further 2 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Garnish the Afghani Chicken with the finely chopped fresh coriander leaves just before serving.

Tools for making

Large Pan - A large pan will be needed to cook the chicken and the sauce.
Cutting Board - A cutting board will be needed to chop the onions and tomatoes.
Knife - A knife will be needed to cut the chicken into pieces and chop the onions and tomatoes.
Whisk - A whisk will be needed to whisk the yogurt before adding it to the dish.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons will be needed to accurately measure the spices for the recipe.
Spatula - A spatula will be needed to stir and mix the ingredients in the pan.
Lemon Squeezer - Optional but recommended, a lemon squeezer can be used to extract the juice from the lemon.

Recipe variations

Replace chicken with boneless lamb or beef to make Afghani Lamb or Beef.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes to make it a more hearty dish.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chilli powder or add chopped green chillies.
Add a teaspoon of dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for a unique flavor.
For a creamier taste, substitute the fresh cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
Add a tablespoon of almond paste or cashew paste for a rich and nutty flavor.
Marinate the chicken in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices overnight for more intense flavors.
Add a pinch of saffron strands soaked in warm milk for a fragrant and vibrant color.
Serve the Afghani Chicken with naan bread, rice, or roti for a complete meal.
Garnish with roasted cashews or sliced almonds for added crunch and visual appeal.

Recipe overview

Afghani Chicken is a delicious dish that originates from the mountainous country of Afghanistan. Known for its rich flavor and creamy texture, this dish is a treat for all non-vegetarian lovers. This recipe uses a variety of aromatic spices that create a unique taste and smell, making it incredibly satisfying to both cook and eat. The chicken is first sautéed with onions, garlic, and ginger, and then mixed with tomatoes and an array of aromatic spices. The addition of yogurt and fresh cream gives it a rich and creamy flavor. Finally, a dash of lemon juice adds a slight tanginess that perfectly balances the richness of the dish. The recipe is garnished with fresh coriander leaves which add a hint of freshness and color. This dish is perfect to serve at dinner parties or for a special family dinner.

Common questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe? Yes, boneless chicken can be used for this recipe. However, the cooking time may vary slightly as boneless chicken tends to cook faster than chicken with bones. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for regular yogurt? Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for regular yogurt in this recipe. However, Greek yogurt tends to be thicker and tangier, so you may need to adjust the quantity based on your preference.
Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. The flavors tend to develop and intensify over time, making it even more delicious. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can use a different type of oil like canola oil or olive oil if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the choice of oil may slightly alter the flavor of the dish.
Is this recipe spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your taste. The recipe includes green chillies and red chilli powder, but you can decrease or increase the amount based on your preference for spiciness.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to enhance the flavor and add more nutritional value to the dish. Simply add them along with the chicken and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large Pan - A large pan with a wide base and high sides for cooking the chicken.
Whisk - A utensil used for whisking the yogurt to ensure a smooth consistency.
Spatula - A flat, flexible utensil used for stirring and flipping the chicken pieces.
Knife - A sharp knife for chopping the onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.
Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - A set of spoons for measuring the accurate amounts of spices.
Serving Platter - A large platter for presenting the cooked Afghani Chicken.
Garnish Sprinkler - A small utensil with perforations used for sprinkling the chopped coriander leaves on top of the dish.

Origin stories

Afghani Chicken, as the name suggests, originates from Afghanistan, a country known for its rich culinary heritage. Interestingly, this dish is deeply influenced by the nomadic style of cooking, a testament to Afghanistan's historical nomadic tribes. It is traditionally cooked in a tandoor and served with naan bread. However, the modern iterations of the recipe have adapted it to suit stovetop cooking. What sets Afghani Chicken apart is its unique blend of spices combined with yogurt and cream, providing a tantalizing contrast of flavors, with a mild heat from the spices beautifully balanced by the cooling effects of the yogurt and cream. These elements together make it a beloved dish not just in its home country, but also in the Indian subcontinent and beyond.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.