Recipe

Authentic Afghani Chicken Recipe – Creamy, Smoky, and Delicious

Prep: 
30 mins
Cook: 
40 mins

Ingredients

  • Chicken - 1 lbs
  • Cilantro - half bunch
  • Fresh Mint Leaves - 2-3 stems
  • Green Chilies - 5-6 qty
  • Onion - 1 medium
  • SWAD Cashews - 7-8 qty
  • Ginger - 1 inch piece
  • Garlic - 5-6 cloves
  • Yogurt - 1 cup
  • Fresh Cream - 1 cup
  • Black Pepper - 1 tsp
  • Kasuri Methi - 1 tbsp
  • Lemon Juice - 2 tsp
  • Garam Masala - 1 tsp
  • Chat Masala - 1 tsp
  • Salt - to taste
  • Butter - 2 Tbsp
  • Oil - 2 tbsp + Smoke Coal

Afghani Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that perfectly blends the creamy texture of yogurt and fresh cream with the aromatic spices of Indian and Afghani cuisine. The chicken is first marinated with a blend of cilantro, mint, green chilies, ginger, garlic, and SWAD cashews, creating a vibrant and herby base. Combined with yogurt, cream, and spices like garam masala, kasuri methi, and chaat masala, the marinade infuses the chicken with layers of flavor. A unique touch of smoky aroma is added using coal, giving the dish its signature taste that is both comforting and indulgent.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Afghani Chicken. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Afghani Chicken calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Instructions

1) To prepare, cut slits into 1lb of chicken and set aside to prepare the marinade.

2) In a blender, grind 1/2 bunch of cilantro, 2-3 stems of fresh mint leaves, 5-6 green chilies, 1 medium onion, 7-8 SWAD cashews, a 1 inch piece of ginger, and 5-6 cloves of garlic. Blend to a smooth paste, and set aside.

3) In a large bowl, add 1 cup yogurt, 1 cup fresh cream, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp kasuri methi, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp chaat masala, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly.

4) Add the green blended chutney and mix well to combine and form the marinade.

5) Pour half of the marinade mixture over the chicken and set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.

6) Prepare the marinated chicken for smoking by placing a piece of tinfoil in the middle of the chicken.

7) Light a piece of coal on the stove, and place on the tinfoil. Finally, drizzle a few drops of oil on the coal to create smoke, and cover with an airtight lid.

8) While smoking, add 2 tbsp of butter to a griddle or a frying pan over medium / high heat.

9) Add the marinated and smoked chicken pieces and cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side.

10) In a large pan over medium heat, add 2 tbsp oil and the remaining half of the marinade from earlier. Cook until the oil begins to separate.

11) Add all of the cooked chicken pieces and continue cooking everything together for about 10 minutes to finish.

12) Serve with plain white rice or a naan. Enjoy!

Afghani Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that perfectly blends the creamy texture of yogurt and fresh cream with the aromatic spices of Indian and Afghani cuisine. The chicken is first marinated with a blend of cilantro, mint, green chilies, ginger, garlic, and SWAD cashews, creating a vibrant and herby base. Combined with yogurt, cream, and spices like garam masala, kasuri methi, and chaat masala, the marinade infuses the chicken with layers of flavor. A unique touch of smoky aroma is added using coal, giving the dish its signature taste that is both comforting and indulgent.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Afghani Chicken. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Afghani Chicken calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Leave a review

We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.

Your Recipe rating*

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Recent Recipes

Moong Dal Chilla - Crispy, Protein-Packed Indian Breakfast - Light, Healthy & Vegetarian Recipe

This Moong Dal Chilla recipe is light, nutritious, and full of flavor. Made with lentils, spices, and your favorite veggies, these savory vegetarian pancakes are quick to prepare and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a wholesome snack.

Prep: 
25 mins
30 mins

Moong Dal Chilla is a classic Indian savory pancake made from soaked and ground lentils, known for its light texture and high protein content. Blended with ginger, green chilies, and simple spices, the batter comes together quickly and cooks into a delicious, golden chilla on a hot tawa. A touch of semolina adds a subtle crispness, making each bite perfectly balanced between soft and crispy. 

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Moong Daal Chilla. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our moong dal chilla recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Indian Spicy Fish Fry - Crispy Pan Fried Fish with Pepper, Garlic & Jalapeño - Quick Seafood Dish

This Indian-style Spicy Fish Fry is packed with bold flavor and crispy texture. Marinated fish is fried and tossed with sautéed garlic, onion, and jalapeño, then finished with a savory seasoning mix. A simple, quick seafood dish that pairs perfectly with rice or roti.

Prep: 
15 mins
30 mins

This Spicy Fish Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish that brings together crispy texture and bold, savory spices. The fish is coated in a simple marinade of black pepper, garlic, and corn starch, then fried until perfectly golden. 

What makes this recipe stand out is the final toss with sautéed garlic, onions, and jalapeños, creating layers of heat and aroma in every bite. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, this Indian-style fish fry pairs beautifully with rice, roti, or even as a party starter. 

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Spicy Fish Fry. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our crispy fish fry recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Daal Khichdi Recipe - Easy Instant Pot Indian Rice & Dal Comfort Food with Ghee Tadka & Spices

Make this comforting Mixed Dal Khichdi with rice, moong dal, and masoor dal, cooked with warming spices and finished with a rich ghee tempering. This easy one-pot Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker Indian meal is perfect for weeknights and everyday comfort. Pick up all your ingredients at Patel Brothers and enjoy a wholesome, homestyle classic.

Prep: 
15 mins
30 mins

Mixed Daal Khichdi is a comforting, one-pot (Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker) Indian dish made by cooking rice with a blend of lentils like moong dal and masoor dal. This wholesome, high protein and vegetarian meal is gently spiced with turmeric, chili powder, and aromatic masalas, creating a soft, nourishing texture that’s both satisfying and easy to digest. It’s a staple in many South Asian homes, often enjoyed as a simple yet flavorful everyday dish.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Mixed Daal Khichdi. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our dal khichdi recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.