Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe

The Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe is a traditional dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with creamy yogurt. This recipe is a popular part of Afghan cuisine, known for its delicious taste and simplicity.

To make the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe, you’ll need chicken pieces and plain yogurt as the key ingredients. I marinate the chicken in yogurt, allowing the meat to become tender and flavorful. The yogurt also helps to add a creamy texture to the dish. I then cooked the marinated chicken until it’s fully cooked and tender.

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There are various health benefits to consuming the dish.. The yogurt used in the recipe is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which are beneficial for digestion and gut health. Chicken is essential for good health and muscle development because it contains protein and vitamins..

This recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for busy people who want a delicious meal without spending much time in the kitchen. The combination of yogurt and chicken creates a satisfying and nutritious meal that both kids and adults can enjoy.

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Overall, the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe is a delightful and healthy addition to your culinary repertoire. Its simplicity and health benefits make it a favorite among Afghan cuisine enthusiasts and those who want to try something new and delicious. So, if you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious chicken dish, give the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe a try!

How To Make Our Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe

Ingredients (8 Servings)

1 1/2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
3 pounds skinless, bone-in chicken legs and/or thighs
4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 very large or 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsps kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp ground turmeric
1 1/2 tsps ground coriander
1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
2 1/2 cups white or brown basmati rice

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, ground turmeric, ground coriander, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.

a. Measure 1 1/2 cups of full-fat Greek yogurt and add it to the mixing bowl.
b. Peel and mince 4 cloves of garlic, then add them to the yogurt.
c. Measure 1 tablespoon of ground turmeric and add it to the bowl.
d. Measure 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground coriander and add it to the mix.
e. Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper into the bowl.
f. Stir all the ingredients together until the marinade is well-combined.

2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the yogurt marinade. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated evenly with the marinade.

a. Place 3 pounds of skinless, bone-in chicken legs and/or thighs into the bowl.
b. Gently toss and turn the chicken in the marinade to ensure each piece is covered.

3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the chicken to marinate and absorb the flavors.

a. Use a large piece of plastic wrap to cover the bowl completely.
b. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and set a timer for 1 hour.

4. While the chicken is marinating, chop the onions and cilantro.

a. Finely chop 1 very large or 2 medium yellow onions.
b. Take 1 cup of fresh cilantro and roughly chop it into smaller pieces.

5. After the marinating time is up, heat 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.

a. Measure 4 tablespoons of olive oil and add it to the skillet or pot.
b. Turn on the stove to medium-high heat and place the skillet or pot on the burner.

6. Add the finely chopped onions to the hot oil and cook until they become translucent and slightly browned.

a. Carefully add the chopped onions to the hot oil in the skillet or pot.
b. Stir the onions occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.

7. Once the onions are ready, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and add it to the skillet or pot. Cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked and golden brown.

a. Take the marinated chicken from the bowl and place it in the skillet or pot with the onions.
b. Cook the chicken pieces on medium-high heat, turning them occasionally for even cooking.

8. While the chicken is cooking, prepare 2 1/2 cups of white or brown basmati rice according to the package instructions.

a. Measure 2 1/2 cups of basmati rice and rinse it thoroughly under cold water.
b. Follow the package instructions to cook the rice until it’s fluffy and fully cooked.

9. Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle the roughly chopped cilantro on top as a garnish.

a. Take the fresh cilantro and sprinkle it over the cooked chicken and onions.

10. Serve the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt with the cooked basmati rice on the side.

a. Place a generous portion of the cooked chicken and onions on a plate.
b. Add a serving of fluffy basmati rice to the plate as a side dish.

11. Enjoy your flavorful and tender Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt dish with family and friends!

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Pots, Pan and Cooking Equipment Needed forthe Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe

Large mixing bowl
Skillet or pot for cooking chicken and onions
Plastic wrap for marinating chicken
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board for chopping onions and cilantro
Stove for cooking chicken and rice
Serving plates for plating the dish

Best Way to Store Leftovers From Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe

a. Store leftover Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
b. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers to avoid any potential harmful chemicals.
c. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
d. Consume leftovers within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and quality.
e. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly heated.
f. Discard any leftover chicken that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation

Marinate the chicken for a longer time to enhance the flavors.
Use a mix of chicken legs and thighs for a variety of textures.
Substitute fresh cilantro with parsley if preferred.
Serve the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
For a richer flavor, brown the chicken in the skillet before adding the onions and marinade.
Double the recipe for larger gatherings or to have leftovers for future meals.
Serve the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt with warm naan bread for a complete and delicious meal.

Side Dishes and Desserts Forthe Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe

a. Saffron rice with raisins and almonds
b. Cucumber and tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette
c. Garlic roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers
d. Fresh pita bread with hummus and tzatziki sauce
e. Quinoa tabbouleh with parsley, mint, and lemon dressing
f. Spinach and chickpea salad with feta cheese and balsamic dressing

How To Serve the Cuban Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe

a. Plate the cooked chicken and onions on a large serving platter.
b. Garnish the dish with chopped cilantro for a pop of color.
c. Place the cooked basmati rice in a separate serving bowl.
d. Invite guests to serve themselves by spooning chicken and rice onto their plates.
e. Pair the dish with one or more of the suggested side dishes for a complete meal.
f. Enjoy the flavorful and tender Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt with family and friends.

Dietary Substitution For the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe

1. Vegan Options for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe:

a. Substitute full-fat Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or almond yogurt.
b. Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein source.
c. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor in the marinade.
d. Replace extra-virgin olive oil with avocado oil or coconut oil.
e. Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

2. Gluten-Free Options for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe:

a. Ensure the Greek yogurt used is labeled gluten-free.
b. Use gluten-free tamari sauce instead of soy sauce for added flavor.
c. Opt for gluten-free chicken broth if store-bought.
d. Choose a gluten-free brand of ground turmeric and ground coriander.
e. Replace basmati rice with cooked quinoa or gluten-free brown rice.

3. Vegetarian Options for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe:

a. Use meatless chicken strips or chunks as a substitute for chicken.
b. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a flavorful marinade.
c. Substitute extra-virgin olive oil with avocado oil or melted butter.
d. Use chopped mushrooms as a meaty texture alternative.
e. Choose a vegetarian alternative for ground coriander or turmeric.

4. Mediterranean Diet Options for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe:

a. Keep full-fat Greek yogurt as is, as it aligns with the Mediterranean diet.
b. Enhance the Mediterranean flavors by adding Kalamata olives to the dish.
c. Use extra-virgin olive oil for a heart-healthy fat source.
d. Add a pinch of dried oregano or rosemary to the marinade for more depth.
e. Serve the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt with a side of Greek salad.

5. Keto Diet Options for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe:

a. Choose full-fat Greek yogurt for a keto-friendly option.
b. Replace the onions with shallots for a lower-carb alternative.
c. Use cauliflower rice instead of basmati rice to keep it low-carb.
d. Opt for chicken thighs over chicken legs for a higher fat content.
e. Add a touch of coconut cream to the marinade for richness.

6. Heart-Healthy Diet Options for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe:

a. Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts for lower cholesterol content.
b. Replace the ground coriander and turmeric with heart-healthy spices like cinnamon and cumin.
c. Choose low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt intake.
d. Use canola oil or walnut oil instead of extra-virgin olive oil.
e. Serve the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt with a side of steamed vegetables.

7. Paleo Options for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe:

a. Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or almond yogurt.
b. Choose coconut oil instead of extra-virgin olive oil.
c. Use bone broth instead of regular chicken broth for added nutrients.
d. Substitute cauliflower rice for the basmati rice to keep it paleo-friendly.
e. Add sliced bell peppers and zucchini for extra color and flavor.

8. Low Carb Options for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe:

a. Use low-carb Greek yogurt to keep the carb count down.
b. Replace the onions with leeks or green onions for a lower carb content.
c. Use cauliflower rice instead of basmati rice for a low-carb side.
d. Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control carb intake.
e. Add a dash of lemon juice to the marinade for brightness.

9. Whole30 Options for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe:

a. Use compliant Greek yogurt without any additives or sweeteners.
b. Replace ground coriander and turmeric with Whole30-approved spices.
c. Use ghee instead of extra-virgin olive oil for a Whole30 fat source.
d. Substitute cauliflower rice for basmati rice to keep it compliant.
e. Serve the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt with a side of mixed greens.

10. Weight Watchers Options for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe:

a. Choose non-fat Greek yogurt to reduce SmartPoints.
b. Replace chicken legs with chicken breast to lower point values.
c. Use cooking spray instead of extra-virgin olive oil for fewer points.
d. Use a zero-point vegetable broth for the marinade.
e. Replace basmati rice with brown rice for lower point values.

11. Low-Fat Options for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe:

a. Use non-fat Greek yogurt to reduce fat content.
b. Choose chicken breast instead of dark meat for lower fat.
c. Use cooking spray or broth for sautéing onions instead of oil.
d. Replace ground coriander and turmeric with herbs for flavor.
e. Serve the dish with a side of steamed vegetables for a low-fat meal.

12. Vegetable Variations for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe:

a. Replace chicken with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version.
b. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based option.
c. Add bell peppers and cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
d. Toss in some sliced zucchini or eggplant for added texture.
e. Mix in some baby spinach or kale leaves for a boost of greens.

Please note that the given substitutions are general suggestions, and individual dietary needs and preferences may vary. It’s always recommended to check labels, choose quality ingredients, and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.

FAQ About the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe

What is the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe?
The Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe is a traditional Afghan dish that features tender pieces of chicken marinated in a flavorful mixture of yogurt and spices. It is then cooked to perfection, resulting in a creamy and delicious chicken dish.

What are the key ingredients needed for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe?
The main ingredients for the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe include full-fat Greek yogurt, skinless bone-in chicken legs and/or thighs, extra-virgin olive oil, yellow onions, garlic, kosher salt, ground black pepper, ground turmeric, ground coriander, fresh cilantro, and white or brown basmati rice.

Can I make a vegetarian version of the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by substituting the chicken with meatless options like firm tofu or tempeh. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will maintain the flavors while keeping it meat-free.

Is the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring that all ingredients, including the Greek yogurt, are labeled gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free tamari sauce and opt for gluten-free chicken broth.

How can I serve the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe for a Mediterranean diet?
To serve the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe for a Mediterranean diet, keep the full-fat Greek yogurt and use extra-virgin olive oil for a heart-healthy fat source. You can also add Kalamata olives and serve it with a side of Greek salad to complement the flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe is a delightful dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken and creamy yogurt. The yogurt marinade infuses the chicken with a rich and tangy flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. The combination of spices, including turmeric and coriander, adds depth and warmth to the dish.

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it with a side of fluffy basmati rice for a complete and satisfying meal, or pair it with fresh naan bread for a more casual dining experience. The flavors of this dish are also perfect for experimenting with different side dishes, allowing you to tailor it to your taste.

In addition to its delicious taste, the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe offers several potential health benefits. Greek yogurt provides a good source of protein and probiotics, promoting gut health. The use of chicken as a lean protein source contributes to muscle development and overall well-being.

Overall, the Afghan Chicken in Yoghurt Recipe is a wonderful addition to any dining table. Its flavors, versatility, and potential health benefits make it a standout dish that will surely impress family and friends alike. So, whether you’re trying it for the first time or adding it to your repertoire, this recipe is a must-try for any food enthusiast.