If you’re craving a dish that’s rich in flavor, quick to prepare, and offers a mouthwatering smoky twist, this Smoky Yogurt Chicken Recipe is the perfect choice. With a delightful combination of spices and a creamy yogurt marinade, this recipe will elevate your chicken dinner in just 30 minutes. The smoky aroma, coupled with the richness of yogurt and spices, creates a balanced and tantalizing experience that your taste buds will love. Let’s dive into how to make this easy, flavor-packed dish using the ingredients and cooking directions provided.
Why This Smoky Yogurt Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try
The magic of this Smoky Yogurt Chicken Recipe lies in the layers of flavors from dry-roasted spices and the tanginess of yogurt, balanced by the smoky essence from coal. Whether you’re making this for a quick family dinner or for guests, the bold spices paired with tender chicken will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the yogurt not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
This recipe also incorporates a clever technique of smoking the chicken with coal, giving it that rustic and restaurant-style flavor, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Ready to make your kitchen smell heavenly? Let’s get started.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious Smoky Yogurt Chicken Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zeera (Cumin seeds) | 2 tsp |
| Sabut dhania (Coriander seeds) | 1 tbsp |
| Sabut kali mirch (Black peppercorns) | 15-20 |
| Laung (Cloves) | 4-5 |
| Darchini (Cinnamon sticks) | 2 |
| Hari elaichi (Green cardamom) | 2-3 |
| Sabut lal mirch (Button red chilies) | 5-6 |
| Adrak (Ginger) | 1-inch piece |
| Lehsan (Garlic) slices | 5-6 cloves |
| Pyaz (Onion) fried | ½ cup |
| Water (for blending) | 3-4 tbsp |
| Tamatar (Tomatoes) pureed | 2 small |
| Dahi (Yogurt), whisked | 1 cup |
| Namak (Salt) | 1 tsp or to taste |
| Paprika powder | 2 tsp |
| Haldi (Turmeric powder) | ½ tsp |
| Chicken mix boti | 750g |
| Cooking oil | 1/3 cup |
| Water (for cooking) | ¼ cup or as required |
| Dahi (Yogurt), whisked (for serving) | 1 cup |
| Namak (Salt) (for serving yogurt) | ¼ tsp or to taste |
| Pyaz (Onion) rings | As needed |
| Hara dhania (Fresh coriander), chopped | As needed |
| Podina (Mint leaves), chopped | As needed |
| Hari mirch (Green chili), sliced | As needed |
| Coal (for smoking) | 1 piece |
Directions to Make the Perfect Smoky Yogurt Chicken Recipe
1. Dry Roast the Spices
To begin, heat a frying pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon sticks, green cardamom, and button red chilies. Dry roast these whole spices until fragrant, which will enhance their natural oils and bring out their deep flavors. Once they’re done, set them aside to cool.
2. Blend the Spice Paste
Once cooled, add the roasted spices to a spice grinder and grind them into a coarse powder. This combination forms the backbone of the Smoky Yogurt Chicken Recipe, imparting depth and warmth to the dish.
Next, in a blender, add ginger, garlic, fried onions, and water. Blend them together to form a thick paste. Set this paste aside for later.
3. Make the Tomato Puree
Take your two small tomatoes and blend them into a smooth puree. Tomatoes provide a subtle acidity to balance the richness of the yogurt and spices.
4. Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the blended spice paste, pureed tomatoes, whisked yogurt, salt, paprika powder, and turmeric powder. Mix these ingredients well until you have a smooth, aromatic marinade.
5. Marinate the Chicken
Now, add the chicken mix boti (boneless chicken pieces) into the marinade. Ensure all the chicken is evenly coated with the yogurt and spices. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor and tenderness.
6. Cooking the Chicken
Heat cooking oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken (reserving any leftover marinade for later) and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step seals in the juices and gives the chicken a slightly crispy exterior.
Next, add the reserved marinade back into the wok, mixing well. Add water and cook on low heat for about 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken becomes tender. Cook on high heat for a few more minutes until the oil separates from the mixture.
7. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk yogurt with salt and set it aside. This creamy yogurt sauce will complement the smoky flavors of the chicken and add freshness to the dish.
8. Assemble the Dish
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble your plate. In a serving dish, place the cooked chicken with its gravy. Garnish it with onion rings, fresh coriander, mint leaves, green chilies, and a drizzle of the prepared yogurt sauce.
9. Smoke the Chicken
For the final touch, it’s time to add the signature smoky flavor. Heat a piece of coal until red-hot, then place it in a small bowl. Set this bowl in the middle of the chicken dish, drizzle a bit of oil over the coal, and cover the dish immediately to trap the smoke. Allow the chicken to absorb the smoky essence for about 2 minutes.
Pro Tips for Perfect Smoky Yogurt Chicken Recipe
To make sure you nail this Smoky Yogurt Chicken Recipe every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Roast the spices properly: Dry roasting the spices until fragrant is key to unlocking their full flavor potential.
- Don’t skip the marinade: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, as this helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavors.
- Control the smoke: Make sure not to over-smoke the chicken. Just 1-2 minutes is enough to give it that subtle smoky flavor without overpowering the dish.
Health Benefits of the Smoky Yogurt Chicken Recipe
This recipe is not only flavorful but also packs some nutritional benefits:
- Yogurt: Rich in probiotics, it aids digestion and boosts the immune system.
- Spices: Ingredients like cumin, coriander, and turmeric have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein that helps with muscle growth and repair.
Final Thoughts
With this Smoky Yogurt Chicken Recipe, you’ll have a perfectly balanced meal that’s packed with bold flavors and cooked to perfection in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for dinner on a busy weeknight or impressing guests on a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and enjoy the explosion of flavors that this quick and easy recipe offers!
FAQ’s
1. Can I use boneless chicken breast instead of chicken mix boti?
Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken breast for chicken mix boti. However, keep in mind that boneless chicken breast tends to cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent the chicken from drying out.
2. What can I use as a substitute for coal to achieve the smoky flavor?
If you don’t have coal available, you can use smoked paprika or liquid smoke as an alternative to give your dish a subtle smoky flavor. However, the traditional coal smoke gives the most authentic smoky taste.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
4. Can I make this recipe without yogurt?
Yogurt plays a key role in this recipe by tenderizing the chicken and adding creaminess. If you need a substitute, you can use coconut milk or buttermilk, though the taste will slightly vary.
5. Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. If you want a milder version, reduce the number of button red chilies or omit the paprika powder. For extra heat, you can add more green chilies.
