Authentic Afghani Chicken Recipe – Creamy, Smoky, and Delicious
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.
Recent Recipes
Instant Pot Dal Makhani – Creamy Masoor Daal and Rajma - Easy Vegetarian Recipe
Make creamy and flavorful Dal Makhani in your Instant Pot with black masoor daal, rajma, tomato puree, and a rich blend of Indian spices. This one-pot recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs beautifully with rice or roti. Enjoy a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
This Instant Pot Daal Makhani is a hearty and comforting dish made with black masoor daal and rajma, simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy with butter, cream, and fragrant Indian spices. It's the kind of meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours of stovetop cooking.
Thanks to the InstantPot, the daal becomes perfectly soft and flavorful in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and cozy weekend dinners. Serve it hot with basmati rice or roti for a satisfying, home-cooked Indian meal.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Daal Makhani. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our daal makhani calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Homemade Baingan Bharta – Vegetarian Smoky Mashed Eggplant with Tomatoes & Garlic
Make delicious Baingan Bharta at home with this step-by-step recipe video. Roasted eggplant is mashed and sautéed with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and bold Indian spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and chili powder. This smoky and flavorful dish is perfect with warm roti or naan. A must-try vegetarian recipe packed with heat, texture, and comfort.
Baingan Bharta is a classic Indian dish made from fire-roasted eggplant that’s mashed and cooked with a flavorful blend of onions, tomatoes, garlic, green chilies, and warm spices. The smokiness from the roasted eggplant gives the dish its signature depth and earthy aroma. Traditionally enjoyed with roti or naan, this dish transforms a simple vegetable into a comforting and bold side that pairs perfectly with any Indian meal.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Baingan Bharta. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our baingan bharta calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Classic Rava Upma Recipe – A One-Pot South Indian Breakfast Favorite Made with Semolina and Spices
Discover how to make soft, fluffy Rava Upma—a savory South Indian breakfast dish made with roasted semolina, ghee, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sautéed vegetables. This comforting recipe is perfect for mornings when you want something warm, wholesome, and flavorful. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s simple to prepare and pairs wonderfully with coconut chutney, chana curry, or even a cup of masala chai.
Rava Upma, also known as Suji Upma, is a comforting and wholesome South Indian breakfast dish made with roasted semolina (rava), tempered spices, and sautéed vegetables. It’s quick to prepare, light on the stomach, and full of flavor—making it a go-to meal for busy mornings or a nourishing evening snack.
The subtle nutty aroma of roasted rava, combined with the warmth of curry leaves, ginger, and green chilies, brings out the true essence of traditional South Indian cooking. A touch of sugar balances the flavors and enhances the taste. Serve your upma hot with coconut chutney, green peas curry, or a cup of chai for a complete and satisfying meal.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Rava Upma. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our rava upma calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
