Chicken Akbari Recipe
If you’re looking to bring a touch of royalty to your dinner table, Chicken Akbari is the dish to try! Rich, creamy, and infused with aromatic Mughlai spices, this recipe is a true celebration of flavors. Inspired by the grandeur of Akbar’s royal kitchen, Chicken Akbari blends tender chicken with a luscious nut-based gravy, a hint of sweetness, and warming spices that make every bite unforgettable. Chicken Akbari is a rich and aromatic dish from the famous Mughlai cuisine, known for its royal flavors and elaborate cooking techniques. Let’s dive into this luxurious recipe and bring some royal charm to your kitchen!
Origin of Chicken Akbari
Chicken Akbari traces its roots to the opulent Mughlai cuisine of medieval India, known for its rich gravies, aromatic spices, and royal presentation. This dish is inspired by the grandeur of Emperor Akbar’s kitchen, where food was not just nourishment but a form of art. The use of nuts, cream, and fragrant whole spices in Chicken Akbari reflects the luxurious dining style of the Mughal empire, blending Persian, Central Asian, and Indian culinary traditions into a truly regal experience. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to impress your loved ones, this dish offers a perfect balance of richness and depth — with a taste that lingers long after the meal is over.
Chicken Akbari
Ingredients
For Marination
- 500 g Chicken
- 1 tbsp Ginger garlic paste
- 150 g Thick curd
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Red chilli powder
- 2 tsp Coriander powder
- Salt to taste
Ingredients for dry nuts paste
- 10 Almonds
- 1 tsp Poppy seeds(khush khush)
- 5 Green cardamom
- 3 tbsp Water
For the gravy
- 2 Bay leaf
- 1 Black cardamom
- 7 Cloves
- 10 Peppercorns
- 5 tbsp Ghee/oil
- 2 Onions grind to a fine paste
- 1 Tomato finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Kasuri methi roasted for 30 seconds
- 2 tbsp Fresh cream
- 1/2 tsp Garam masala powder
- 1/2 cup Water
Instructions
- Add curd, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder and salt to the chicken.
- Mix well and marinate the chicken for 30 minutes.
- Add almonds, poppy seeds and cardamom with water to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Heat ghee/oil and add whole spices like bay leaf, cardamom, peppercorns, cloves and saute until aromatic.
- Add the ground onion paste and saute until light golden and the raw smell is gone.
- Now add the marinated chicken and cook on medium high heat stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes, this makes the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Add tomato and cook until soft.
- Add the dry nuts paste, mix well and lower the flame to avoid burning.
- Cover and cook the chicken on low flame for 15 minutes.
- Open the lid add kasuri methi and fresh cream, mix well. Keep the flame low.
- Add water and combine well, cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Pair it with butter naan, flaky parathas, or fragrant jeera rice for an indulgent experience.
Video
Pro Tips for Chicken Akbari
- Marinate well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2–3 hours with yogurt and spices to ensure it stays juicy and flavourful.
- Use cashews or almonds: A creamy nut paste made from soaked cashews or almonds gives the gravy its signature richness.
- Slow cooking is key: Cook on low heat to help the spices release their full aroma and blend into the gravy beautifully.
- To enhance flavour: Add just a few drops of kewra water or a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk at the end to elevate the royal fragrance of the dish.
- Balance the richness: If the gravy feels too heavy, a splash of warm water or milk can help adjust the consistency without diluting the flavor.
If you love to explore mughlai cuisine you might also enjoy my Mughlai Chicken a mild spicy chicken gravy with silky smooth texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is this dish spicy?
it has a mild to medium spice level, making it perfect for those who enjoy creamy gravies without too much heat.
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Can I make this at home easily?
Yes! With proper marination and slow cooking, you can create restaurant-style Chicken Akbari at home that’s tender and full of flavor.
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What ingredients are used in Chicken Akbari?
Typical ingredients include chicken, yogurt, cream, almonds, poppy seeds, aromatic spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon), onions, garlic and ginger.
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What can I serve Chicken Akbari with?
It pairs perfectly with naan, roti, flaky paratha or rice. Great for festive meals or special occasions.
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How long does it take to cook?
The total cooking time is usually around 40 minutes, including marination and slow cooking to ensure tender, flavorful chicken.
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Can I freeze Chicken Akbari?
Yes, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month in an air tight container. Thaw in the fridge and gently reheat on low flame to retain its creamy texture and flavor.
💬 What Do You Think About This Recipe?
Have you tried this Chicken Akbari recipe at home? Did it remind you of Restaurant-style chicken? Share your thoughts in the comments below — your feedback means the world to me! ❤️
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👉 @diningwithayesha using the hashtag #diningwithayesha — I’d love to see your creations!