Chicken Yakhni Recipe | Kabuli Style Yakhni

There’s no better remedy for when you’re under the weather than a warm, comforting bowl of chicken Yakhni soup. The magic ingredient? Turmeric powder, which not only adds flavor but also provides a soothing and healing quality to the dish. This easy-to-make recipe is the perfect solution for a winter’s day, requiring minimal effort and maximum comfort. For me, it brings back fond memories of my childhood, when my mother would nurse me back to health with a steaming hot bowl of chicken Yakhni whenever I came down with a fever. The addition of turmeric powder was always the finishing touch, making it a true secret weapon against coughs and other winter woes. Today, I’m grateful for the influence of my neighbor’s aunt, who taught me how to add a Kabuli twist to the recipe, boosting its nutritional value and healing properties. Whether you’re feeling a bit under the weather or simply in need of a pick-me-up, this chicken Yakhni recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Why Will You Love Chicken Yakhni?

The allure of ginger, garlic, and spices in this chicken yakhni recipe creates a truly soothing experience. As you sip on this warm, comforting liquid, it’s hard not to feel invigorated by the harmonious balance of flavors. The rich umami taste of chicken is perfectly complemented by the warmth of turmeric powder and ginger, making for a truly exceptional culinary experience that’s unparalleled in its ability to comfort and revitalize.

What’s more, this recipe boasts incredible versatility – the spices can be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences. And with no exotic or hard-to-find ingredients required, you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips.

But what truly sets chicken yakhni apart is its remarkable ease of preparation. With minimal time and effort invested, you’ll be rewarded with a nutrient-rich, healing broth that’s the perfect antidote to feeling under the weather. As such, it’s an absolute must-have for anyone looking to fight off the common cold or simply boost their overall well-being.

What Is Chicken Yakhni And Its Origin?

Chicken Yakhni is an ancient comfort food that transcends its simplicity as just a soup. Its essence lies in the rich, velvety texture of chicken broth, infused with the subtle warmth of ginger, garlic, and black pepper, and elevated by the golden hue of turmeric powder. While some may choose to add vegetables for added depth, I prefer to let the pure, unadulterated flavors of genuine Chicken Yakhni shine through.

This revered recipe has its roots in ancient Muslim cuisine from the Arab world, where it evolved into a signature delight among Mughal emperors during the 17th and 18th centuries. In Afghanistan, it’s considered traditional cuisine, with an added bonus of turmeric for its perceived health benefits.

The Turkish take on Chicken Yakhni is distinct, with a focus on amplifying its umami flavor profile. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, you’ll find dozens of street stalls dedicated to serving this wintertime staple, which has become an integral part of the country’s culinary heritage.

As we explore more of Pakistani cuisine, it’s clear that Chicken Yakhni is a beloved recipe that knows no borders, speaking to our collective desire for comfort and nourishment.

How To Make Chicken Yakhni?

To begin, heat oil in a pressure cooker or suitable pot over medium flame. Once hot, add garam masala and stir for one minute to combine the spices evenly. Next, introduce chicken pieces and sauté for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pre-infused garam masala to neutralize any lingering chicken aroma. Continue stirring the chicken for an additional 2 minutes before adjusting the flame to low.The next step is to add diced onion, which will enrich the broth with its savory flavor profile. Follow this by introducing garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir the mixture to combine the ingredients, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. Reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook for 25-28 minutes, or until the desired doneness is achieved. If using an instant pot, cooking time will be significantly shorter.Finally, add water to the cooker and allow the dish to finish cooking. Once done, your flavorful stew is ready to be devoured!

Nabeela’s Pro Tip

As I crafted this Chicken Yakhni recipe, I discovered it had therapeutic qualities that transcended its culinary purpose. A key component in achieving this effect was the addition of turmeric powder, which has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin, a compound present in turmeric, can help reduce inflammation within the body when consumed. To maximize its benefits, I recommend using a moderate amount of turmeric powder in your Yakhni. In addition, incorporating black pepper will enhance the dish’s flavor profile, creating a more robust taste experience. When combined with the turmeric, these two ingredients create a harmonious balance that elevates the overall culinary impact.

FAQs

While traditional chicken Yakhni recipes typically don’t include vegetables, one might wonder if there’s room for some added crunch and flavor. However, to maintain the authenticity of this dish, it’s best to stick with its tried-and-true ingredients. Instead, let’s focus on amplifying the warmth and aroma of this recipe. To do so, black pepper, turmeric powder, and ginger are the trifecta of heat-boosting agents that also elevate the fragrance and taste of Yakhni. When it comes to the liquid content, chicken Yakhni is more akin to a broth than a stew, so we’ll aim for a soupier consistency by adding four glasses of water for every 0.5 kg of chicken used. But what about tomatoes? Unfortunately, they’re not a good fit for this recipe either – instead, we’ll be relying on a generous onion piece to bring a richer, more savory flavor to the table. To give Yakhni its characteristic golden hue, turmeric powder is the single most effective ingredient to boost the color and make it even more vibrant, while also adding a nutritional and healing touch to the dish.

What To Serve With Chicken Yakhni?

When I’m cooking for my close friends, they always request a hearty standalone yakhni dish – we love it! Typically, we serve it as a soup, but on this occasion, we’re pairing it with a warm and crispy roti (chapati). To make it even more special, we like to tear the roti into bite-sized pieces and soak them in the rich flavors of chicken broth. This is our go-to way of enjoying chicken yakhni, and it’s a traditional method that never fails to satisfy.

Chicken Yakhni

This chicken Yakhni recipe is a winter wonderland in a bowl. The warm, comforting flavors of turmeric powder make it the perfect remedy for when you’re feeling under the weather. With its ease of preparation and hands-off cooking time, this dump-and-go recipe is the ultimate gift for a cold winter’s day.

Instructions

To begin, heat oil in your pressure cooker or Instant Pot over medium flame. Next, combine garam masala and blend, stirring constantly for one minute to release its aromatic properties. This step is crucial in eliminating any strong chicken smell. After the spices have had a chance to meld with the oil, add the chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly. The pre-blended garam masala will continue to work its magic, infusing the dish with its warm, earthy flavors. Following this, incorporate the sliced onion into the stew, adding a depth of savory flavor. Then, combine garlic, ginger, turmeric, and salt, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to simmer on low for several minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb all the rich, complex flavors. Stir the mixture every so often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Finally, add water to the pot and bring it to a simmer. The cooking time will depend on your equipment – 25-28 minutes in a traditional stewpot, slightly longer in a pressure cooker, and quicker still with an Instant Pot.