Creamy & Smoky Chicken Afghani Recipe – A Royal Mughlai Delight You Can’t Resist!

Creamy & Smoky Chicken Afghani Recipe: Discover the rich, creamy, and smoky flavor of Chicken Afghani — a royal Mughlai dish that’s soft, juicy, and full of aroma. Learn how to make this irresistible Afghani Chicken at home with simple ingredients and expert cooking tips!

Chicken Afghani is not just another chicken dish — it’s a royal feast of flavor. Originating from the Mughlai kitchens with Afghan influences, this dish has found its place in every Indian food lover’s heart. The creamy texture, smoky aroma, and rich spices make Chicken Afghani a perfect blend of tradition and indulgence. Whether served at a family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe promises to make everyone fall in love at the first bite.

🌿 The Magic of Chicken Afghani

What makes Afghani Chicken stand out from the rest? It’s the marination. The secret lies in a two-step process that infuses flavor deep into the meat. The first marination uses salt, lemon juice, and ginger-garlic paste — helping tenderize the chicken. The second marination adds richness with curd (yogurt), cream, cashew paste, green chili, and aromatic spices like garam masala and cumin. This combination gives Chicken Afghani its signature creamy texture and mildly spiced flavor.

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Chicken Afghani Recipe – Creamy & Smoky Delight

🍽️ Serves: 4

🧂 Ingredients

For First Marination:

1. Chicken (bone-in) – 750 g
2. Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
3. Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp
4. Salt – 1 tsp

For Second Marination:

1. Fresh curd (thick yogurt) – ½ cup
2. Fresh cream – 3 tbsp
3. Cashew paste – 2 tbsp (blend soaked cashews with milk)
4. Green chili paste – 1 tsp
5. Coriander leaves (finely chopped) – 2 tbsp
6. Garam masala – ½ tsp
7. Cumin powder – ½ tsp
8. White pepper – ¼ tsp (optional for mild heat)
9. Melted butter or ghee – 2 tbsp

For Smoking (Optional but Recommended):

1. 1 small piece of charcoal
2. ½ tsp ghee

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps: Creamy & Smoky Chicken Afghani Recipe

Step 1: First Marination

Pat the chicken pieces dry after carefully cleaning them.

Add salt, lemon juice, and ginger-garlic paste.

Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Second Marination

In a bowl, mix curd, cream, cashew paste, green chili paste, coriander leaves, garam masala, cumin, and white pepper.

Add the marinated chicken and mix until all pieces are evenly coated.

Drizzle with melted butter or ghee.

Cover and let it marinate for 3–4 hours (overnight gives the best flavor).

Step 3: Grilling or Baking

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or heat a grill pan.

Place the marinated chicken on a greased tray or grill.

Cook for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown with char marks.

Brush with butter in between for extra richness.

Step 4: Smoking for Authentic Flavor (Dhungar Method)

Heat a small piece of charcoal until red hot.

Place it in a small steel bowl and keep it inside the chicken dish.

Drizzle a few drops of ghee over the charcoal and immediately cover the dish for 2–3 minutes.

Remove the charcoal bowl — your Chicken Afghani will now have a delicious smoky aroma!

🔥 Cooking the Perfect Chicken Afghani: Creamy & Smoky Chicken Afghani Recipe

Traditionally, Afghani Chicken is grilled over charcoal for that authentic smoky essence. But don’t worry — you can achieve the same result at home using your oven or a stovetop grill pan.

Marinate the chicken in the two-step process for at least 3–4 hours (overnight for best results).

Grill or bake until the chicken turns golden with a slight char.

Smoke it using the dhungar method — place a hot charcoal piece in a small bowl within the dish, drizzle ghee over it, and cover for a few minutes.

Finally, garnish with fresh cream, chopped coriander, and lemon wedges before serving.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Chicken Afghani pairs beautifully with butter naan, garlic naan, tandoori roti, or jeera rice. You can also serve it as a starter alongside green chutney and onion rings. The subtle balance of creaminess and spice makes it an excellent dish for both kids and adults.

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Afghani

1. Use bone-in chicken for more flavor and juiciness.
2. Add a few drops of kewra water or rose water to enhance the royal aroma.
3. For a healthier version, grill in an air fryer with minimal oil.
4. Don’t skip the smoking step — that’s what gives Afghani Chicken its restaurant-style taste!

🧂 Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

1. Calories: 380 kcal
2. Protein: 28g
3. Fat: 22g
4. Carbohydrates: 10g
5. Prep Time: 20 minutes
6. Cook Time: 30 minutes

🌍 Why It’s Trending

With the rise of home cooking and social media food trends, Chicken Afghani has become a viral sensation. Its creamy look, smoky appeal, and easy preparation make it a hit on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Pinterest. Food bloggers and home chefs love recreating it with their own twist — from extra cheesy versions to tandoori-style spins.

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So next time you’re craving something rich yet not too spicy, skip the regular butter chicken and give Afghani Chicken a try. It’s not just food — it’s a royal experience served on a plate!