Afghani Chicken Recipe is a great dish perfect for any date night meal. This recipe will please both your taste buds and your stomach with a rich blend of cumin and cardamom. It’s also a wonderful dish to make in bulk so that you can enjoy it throughout the week.
What Is Afghani Chicken Made Of?
Afghani chicken is a popular Middle Eastern dish that consists of braised chicken in a tomato-based gravy. The basis for the sauce is the spiced tomato sauce which has been cooked with saffron and mixed with almonds, onions, and a variety of fresh herbs.
The sauce is then poured over thin slices of chicken pieces and cooked slowly until it forms an aromatic, smooth, rich gravy that deliciously coats the chicken pieces.
How To Make Afghani Chicken Recipe?
Ingredients
- 2 Large Chicken Breasts – sliced
- 2 Tbsp Whole Cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp Cardamom
- 3 Bay Leaves
- 2 Tbsp Ghee or Butter
- 1 Medium Onion – Chopped
- 3 green chilies (seeds removed) – Chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves – Minced
- 25 fresh sage (optional) – chopped
- 4 to 5 Tbsp Almond Milk
Making Method
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients: Wash the chicken and set it aside to drain in a colander while preparing the other ingredients. Soak the bay leaves in water, set aside.
Step 2: Heat ghee or butter in a pan on medium heat, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add green chilies and sauté for another couple of minutes.
Step 3: Add garlic, cumin, and cardamom powder to the onion mixture and sauté for another couple of minutes (careful not to burn the mix).
Step 4: Add the chicken to the onion mixture and stir gently. Make sure all sides of the chicken are well coated with the mixture.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other chicken breast.
Step 5: Once the chicken is thoroughly coated, place a lid on top of the pot, and let it cook for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Remove the lid from the top and add almond milk to the pot. Turn off heat, add chopped fresh sage if desired. Serve warm with rice or Naan bread.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 143.7 |
| Total Fat | 12.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 68 mg |
| Sodium | 23 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2.6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1.5 g |
| Protein | 9.3 g |
8 Essential Healthy Nutrition of Afghani Chicken Recipe
1. Protein
Afghani Chicken Recipe contains high amounts of protein from skinless chicken breast. These chicken breasts are considered to be the leanest part of the chicken.
2. Fiber
A cup of brown rice contains 4 grams of fiber, which is half that amount in a cup of white rice, and about half that amount again in a cup of whole wheat pasta. Besides the bulk, fiber also helps lower the bad cholesterol LDL in your body and lowers blood sugar.
3. Vitamin B12
B12 is a vitamin that is needed very little in the body. But, it is important somehow because it helps maintain the red blood cells and synthesis of DNA.
4. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids are present in nuts and grains but not in red meat and dairy products. Omega 3 fatty acids help prevent heart disease and reduce depression.
5. Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is responsible for producing healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs.
6. Calcium
One cup of cooked spinach contains 149 milligrams of calcium, 10 percent of the recommended daily intake for adults.
7. Folate
Folate or folic acid helps form new cells and is especially important during pregnancy to prevent congenital disabilities in the baby’s brain or spine.
8. Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps maintain healthy vision. It also helps boost the immune system, keeps skin healthy, and reduces the risk of some forms of cancer.
What Is Afghani Masala?
Afghani Masala is the main ingredient in Afghani chicken. It combines spices, herbs, and other elements that make it aromatic, sweet, and tangy. There are so many ways to make this recipe, but the one we will discuss today comes from Punjab.
Is It Safe For Children?
Afghani chicken is not only popular amongst adults but also among children. This recipe is safe for children as long as you modify the spice used. This dish can also be modified to add lentils, chickpeas, or spinach.
Have Any Side Effects To Eating the Afghani Chicken Recipe?
The only side effect of eating Afghani chicken that you might experience can be related to your heartburn. If this happens, eat this dish with caution and avoid eating too much of it.
Can Pregnant Woman Eat This Healthy Recipe?
The recipe we have discussed today is safe for pregnant women because it contains no meat or dairy products. The afghani chicken recipe is also not a good choice to eat during the first trimester because of the high protein content.
How To Freeze This Recipe?
Afghani chicken can be frozen easily by keeping it in a freezer-safe bowl and freezing it. Once it is frozen solid, wrap it with plastic wrap and store it in a zip lock bag.
This dish can also be kept at room temperature for 2 to 3 days before cooking if you are short on time.
The Ending Line
Afghani chicken is a delicious, tangy dish that packs a powerful punch of flavor and texture. The nuts added to the sauce help provide enough fat for the body to absorb this dish’s nutrients effectively. It’s a dish that your whole family would love!
