Chicken yakhni, the perfect soup recipe to soothe anyone with a cough or cold. Preparing for the winter months ahead, this beginner’s recipe will give you all the warmth to fight off the cold weather. This chicken yakhni recipe is so easy to make with a handful of ingredients.

This chicken broth recipe tastes delicious with the added benefit of boosting the immune system and providing a whole array of minerals and nutrients. A simple winter recipe, perfect for anyone coming down with the flu. Warming, hearty and soothing, this recipe is well loved by everyone. Even beginner chefs will master this recipe.

Chicken Yakhni, a name that immediately evokes a medley of flavours, originates from the Indian subcontinent and boasts a captivating historical lineage. Derived from the Persian word ‘yakhn,’ signifying ‘broth,’ it hints at its Mughal heritage, firmly rooted in the opulent kitchens of the Mughal Empire.

This dish stands as a culinary masterpiece, blending taste and aroma harmoniously, and surprisingly, it’s not overly intricate to prepare. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, with some dedication and patience, you can successfully bring it to life.

Each layer of spices added accentuates the dish’s labour of love, filling your kitchen with rich textures and inviting aromas that enhance the gratification of the entire cooking process.

The heart of chicken yakhni resides in its meticulously spiced broth, where each ingredient contributes a distinctive layer of flavour, adding depth and complexity to the dish. When executed correctly, chicken yakhni offers a tantalising fusion of spicy, sweet, and savoury notes, delivering a symphony of flavours with every spoonful.

A charming aspect of chicken yakhni is the delicate equilibrium among its components. From the tender chicken morsels to the earthy spices, every element in this recipe plays a pivotal role in crafting the rich, aromatic broth that defines this dish.

The Hidden Health Benefits of Chicken Yakhni

Chicken yakhni is renowned for its delectable, soothing qualities. However, are you aware that it also comes with a range of health advantages? Let’s explore this lesser-known aspect of chicken yakhni.

Commencing with olive oil, which I favour for its heart-healthy attributes. It boasts an abundance of monounsaturated fats, recognised for their ability to reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels. Nevertheless, if olive oil isn’t your preference or isn’t readily available, ghee or vegetable oil can serve as adequate substitutes, each offering their unique health merits.

Following that, the triumvirate of ginger, garlic, and onions plays a pivotal role beyond merely enhancing flavor. Garlic and ginger are renowned for their anti-inflammatory characteristics, while onions are brimming with antioxidants. All three components contribute to a broth that bolsters immunity and overall well-being.

The star of the show, chicken, serves as an excellent source of lean protein, fostering muscle development and aiding in weight management. Opting for bone-in pieces or an entire bird adds further nutritional value to the broth, as bones are known to contain beneficial compounds such as collagen and marrow.

Lastly, the spice blend of black cardamom, cinnamon, garam masala, and cumin doesn’t merely impart flavours; they also bestow health benefits. These spices are celebrated for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to an overall boost in wellness.

More Than a Dish That Warms Your Stomach

There’s a rationale behind why chicken yakhni is regarded as a go-to comfort dish for many – it has the ability to warm more than just our stomachs. Let’s delve into how this uncomplicated dish can offer so much more.

At the core of every bowl of chicken yakhni, I prefer to employ olive oil. It imparts a subtle flavor and imparts a healthy dimension to the dish. When I find myself without olive oil, I easily swap it for ghee or vegetable oil, both of which are equally adept at creating a delightful culinary experience.

The aromatic trio of ginger, garlic, and onions contributes not solely to the flavor palette but also to the mood-enhancing qualities of this dish. There’s something truly heartening about the amalgamation of these three ingredients sizzling in a hot pan.

The inclusion of chicken, especially when utilizing bone-in pieces or an entire bird, makes the dish substantial and gratifying. There’s an innate sense of comfort that arises from a rich, hearty broth—it’s akin to a warm embrace in a bowl.

The final flourish is provided by the carefully selected spices—black cardamom, cinnamon, garam masala, and cumin. Each one augments not only the complexity of flavours but also the comforting warmth that chicken yakhni is renowned for.

Whether it’s a rainy day, a challenging moment, or simply a yearning for some comforting sustenance, a bowl of chicken yakhni never disappoints in bringing solace and joy. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a vessel of comfort and contentment.

Check Out My Other Recipes

As the lingering memory of the enticing aroma of chicken yakhni continues to resonate in my thoughts, I find myself irresistibly drawn to the idea of indulging in other comforting winter meals that harmonise with this delightful dish.

Can you envision the sheer delight of sinking your teeth into a tender, succulent piece of chicken tandoori? This beloved Indian classic is marinated in a delectable fusion of spices and yoghurt before being expertly grilled to perfection. It’s a dish that not only warms your heart but also transports your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Delhi.

Alternatively, if you’ve developed a craving for rich and comforting curries, consider a steaming pot of lamb karahi. In this dish, lamb undergoes a slow-cooking transformation within a spicy tomato and onion gravy, infused with a medley of aromatic herbs and spices.

When accompanied by warm naan bread, this culinary creation becomes an invitation to revel in the splendor of winter’s culinary treasures.

And speaking of naan, who could possibly resist a side of garlic naan bread? This warm, buttery flatbread is generously adorned with minced garlic and fragrant coriander, making it the perfect companion to our chicken yakhni. It’s ideal for savouring every last drop of that hearty, flavorful broth.

If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness to your winter feasting, consider indulging in a bowl of rice kheer. This classic Indian dessert, akin to rice pudding, is crafted from a medley of milk, sugar, and cardamom. Served chilled, it offers a soothing and creamy contrast to our spicy main courses.

Lastly, a winter delicacy that shares an unmistakable affinity with our beloved yakhni is mutton yakhni. Prepared in a similar fashion, this dish tantalizes the palate with the unique flavours of slow-cooked mutton, elevated by an array of spices.

Every spoonful promises the warmth and comfort that every winter dish should deliver.

Embarking on a culinary journey to explore these treasures alongside our chicken yakhni promises a winter season filled with unparalleled flavour experiences. We invite you to try out these recipes and kindly share your feedback and experiences with us in the comments section. We are eager to hear from you!

Chicken Yakhni

Preparing for the winter months ahead, this beginner’s recipe will give you all the warmth to fight off the cold weather. This chicken yakhni recipe is so easy to make with a handful of ingredients.

5 from 1 vote

Sadia Halimah Aziz

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 393kcal

Ingredients

• 750 g Chicken
• 50 ml Olive Oil
• 1 Onion finely diced
• 1 tsp Peppercorns
• 7 Cloves
• 1- inch Cinnamon
• 2 Black Cardamom Pods
• 10 Garlic Cloves finely chopped
• 1- inch Ginger crushed
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tsp Dried Fenugreek methi
• 2 L Water

Instructions

• In a large pot heat up the olive oil on medium heat until hot then add the peppercorns, cloves, black cardamoms and cinnamon add sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant
• Add the finely diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until the onions are slightly softened
• Add the crushed ginger and finely chopped garlic cloves then cook for 1-2 minutes
• Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until the colour changes
• Add the salt, black pepper, garam masala and dried fenugreek leaves then cook for 5-6 minutes
• Add the water then bring to a boil before covering and cook for 1 hour
• Your chicken yakhni is ready!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 393kcal