Recipe of Chicken Afghani: Fall in Love With the Exotic Taste

This recipe of chicken Afghani is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines traditional Afghan spices with juicy chunks of chicken breast. This recipe is perfect if you want to experiment with new flavors and bring an exotic taste to your table.

The chicken Afghani recipe has a fabulous explosion of spices, which intertwine so wonderfully that you can't help but fall in love with the final taste. The oriental spices, tender chicken, yogurt, and buttermilk harmoniously complement the culinary delight. By following this straightforward recipe, you can prepare a tasty and fulfilling dish that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• Pro Tips
• Recipe of Chicken Afghani
• Comments

Ingredients

• Chicken breast — 1 lb., skinless and boneless
• Raw cashews — 2 oz., soaked overnight
• Full-fat yogurt — ¼ cup
• Buttermilk — ¼ cup
• Ground fenugreek seed — 2 tsp.
• Garam masala — 1 tsp.
• Ginger powder — ½ tsp.
• Garlic powder — 1 tsp.
• Salt — ½ tsp.
• Ground black pepper — ¼ tsp.
• Vegetable oil — 2 tbsp.
• Water — ½ cup

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breast into bite-size pieces.

2. Place the cashews, yogurt, and buttermilk into a food processor or blender and pulse the ingredients until they form a smooth mixture.

3. Place the chicken pieces into a spacious container and evenly sprinkle all the spices over them.

4. Pour the cashew mixture over and stir to coat the chicken pieces.

5. After covering the container with a lid or plastic wrap, place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

6. Add vegetable oil to a pan or skillet and heat over medium heat.

7. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook, occasionally stirring, until it turns golden.

8. After adding water to the pan, cover it with a lid.

9. Reduce the heat and let it cook for approximately 15-20 minutes.

Substitutions

• Chicken breast — Using chicken breast in this recipe is a practical option since it cooks in no time and takes in the flavors of the spices. If you're looking to replace chicken breast, you might want to try other chicken cuts like drumsticks or thighs.

• Raw cashews — Cashews provide a nutty and rich flavor to the marinade and are an essential ingredient in this recipe. If you forgot to soak cashews overnight or prefer to swap them, you could opt for coconut cream or blanched almonds.

• Buttermilk — The buttermilk allows the chicken pieces to tenderize while providing a juicy and flavorful hint. Substitute the buttermilk with the same quantity of yogurt or use almond or cashew milk for non-dairy alternatives.

• Ground fenugreek seed — A blend of ground coriander, cumin, and mustard seeds can appropriately replace ground fenugreek seed. This spice combination has a comparable nutty and slightly bitter flavor and aroma that can enhance the other spices in the recipe.

• Ginger powder — The slightly spicy and warm taste of ginger helps to harmonize and balance the flavors of the other ingredients. In the absence of ginger powder, you can opt for fresh ginger root. Grate or finely chop the ginger and include it in the marinade or spice blend.

• Garlic powder — Garlic adds a slightly intense and distinctive flavor. The most accessible option to replace the garlic powder is minced fresh garlic cloves. Another option would be chopped shallots, which will provide a slight flavor closer to the onion-like taste.

Variations

• Add flavor — Add a sprinkle of ground turmeric to boost the flavor.

• Add color — To give the chicken a pleasing reddish color, incorporate a few tablespoons of tomato paste into the cooking process. Incorporating fresh herbs such as parsley or mint into the recipe can provide a refreshing and vibrant touch and enhance the dish's flavor.

• Add spiciness — To give the dish a spicy touch, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade or sprinkle them over the top when serving.

• Low-fat — The fat and calorie content can be easily reduced using non-fat yogurt and low-fat buttermilk.

• Vegetarian — You may choose plant-based protein sources, such as tofu or seitan, instead of chicken for a vegetarian dish variation.

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cutting board

• Knife

• Food processor or blender

• Large container

• Container lid or plastic wrap

• Stovetop

• Pan or skillet

• Wooden spoon or spatula

Storage

• Cool the chicken to room temperature before storage is recommended (but no longer than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth).

• Store the chicken in a clean and dry airtight container or zip-top bag.

• You can store the dish in the fridge for a maximum of four days or freeze it for up to three months.

Pro Tips

• To prevent the chicken from steaming and resulting in a less flavorful dish, it's essential to avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking it.

• Serve aromatic rice on the side for a delicious complete meal.

• When reheating the chicken, focus on heating it until its internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will stamp out any potentially harmful bacteria that may have developed.