Chicken Yakhni is a classic dish that hails from the rich culinary tradition of South Asia. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this dish is cherished for its aromatic spices and tender chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful broth.

While it may sound fancy, making Chicken Yakhni is actually quite simple, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

This recipe is perfect for those craving a comforting and satisfying meal. With its rich blend of spices and succulent chicken, Chicken Yakhni is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Expert Tip: Don’t rush the cooking process; allowing the Yakhni to simmer slowly helps to develop the flavors and tenderize the chicken.

Ingredients

Olive Oil: Olive oil not only adds a rich flavor to the dish but also helps in sautéing the aromatics and spices, enhancing their fragrance and taste.

Chicken: The star of the dish, chicken provides protein and a hearty texture to the Yakhni. It absorbs the flavors of the spices and becomes tender and juicy during the cooking process.

Onion: Onions add a sweet and savory depth to the dish. They provide a flavorful base for the Yakhni and complement the spices beautifully.

Ginger Paste and Garlic Paste: These two ingredients add a punch of flavor to the Yakhni. Ginger brings a subtle warmth, while garlic adds its characteristic aroma and taste.

Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and balance the overall taste of the dish.

Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor to the Yakhni, enhancing its overall spiciness.

Garam Masala: A blend of aromatic spices, garam masala lends a complex and robust flavor to the Yakhni. It typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other spices, adding depth and warmth to the dish.

Cumin Powder: Cumin powder contributes a nutty and earthy flavor to the Yakhni, complementing the other spices and adding complexity to the dish.

Black Cardamom (Bari Elaichi): Black cardamom pods impart a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the Yakhni, enhancing its overall aroma and taste.

Cinnamon (Darchini): Cinnamon sticks add a warm and woody flavor to the Yakhni, infusing the broth with their distinctive fragrance.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different spice blends or add vegetables like carrots and potatoes for extra depth and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Chicken Yakhni hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Accompany the dish with steamed rice or warm, freshly baked naan bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• For a complete meal, pair Chicken Yakhni with a side of yogurt raita and crispy papadums for added texture and contrast.
• Consider serving some sliced lemon or lime wedges on the side for a refreshing citrusy kick to balance the richness of the dish.
• To make it a more substantial meal, serve Chicken Yakhni alongside a simple salad of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette.

Expert Tip: For richer flavor, marinate the chicken with yogurt and a pinch of salt for 30 minutes before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook Chicken Yakhni?

Chicken Yakhni typically takes about 1 hour to cook on medium heat. This allows the flavors to develop fully and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken pieces for Chicken Yakhni if you prefer. However, using bone-in chicken adds extra flavor to the broth.

Can I make Chicken Yakhni in advance?

Yes, you can make Chicken Yakhni in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.

Can I freeze Chicken Yakhni?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Yakhni for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Is Chicken Yakhni spicy?

The level of spiciness in Chicken Yakhni can be adjusted according to personal preference. This recipe uses black pepper and garam masala for flavor, but you can adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste.

Is Chicken Yakhni gluten-free?

Yes, Chicken Yakhni is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the ingredients of any spices or other packaged products used in the recipe to ensure they are gluten-free.

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Chicken Yakhni

by Nabeela Kauser

Savour the rich, aromatic flavours of chicken yakhni, a traditional dish packed with a myriad of spices. Explore a world of culinary delight as you cook and taste this beloved Indian recipe that combines simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.

5 from 45 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish, Soup

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 6

Calories 213 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 50 ml Olive Oil
• ▢ 750 g Chicken
• ▢ 1 Onions
• ▢ 1 tsp Ginger Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 2 tsp Black Pepper
• ▢ 1 tsp Garam Masala
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• ▢ 2 Black Cardamom Bari Elaichi
• ▢ 1- inch Cinnamon Darchini
• ▢ 1.5 litre Water

Instructions

• Heat up the olive oil in a pan on medium pan until hot
• Add the black cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, garlic paste, and ginger paste then sauté for 1-2 minutes
• Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened
• Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until colour changes
• Add the salt, black pepper, garam masala, and cumin powder then cook the spices for 5-6 minutes
• Add the water and mix then cover and cook for 1 hour on medium heat
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 12gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 444mgPotassium: 167mgFibre: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 93IUVitamin C: 3mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Chicken, Chicken Soup, Chicken Yakhni, Comfort Food, Cooking, Food, Recipe, Soup, Winter

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