Mughlai Zafrani Murgh: A Rich, Saffron-Flavored Chicken Dish
Mughlai Zafrani Murgh is a quintessential dish from the Mughlai cuisine, revered for its rich and luxurious flavor. This aromatic chicken recipe is made with tender pieces of chicken simmered in a creamy yogurt gravy, delicately infused with saffron, and spiced with a variety of traditional ingredients. It brings together the richness of fresh cream, the tang of yogurt, and the warm, earthy flavor of spices, offering an indulgent treat for the senses. Perfect for pairing with naans, biryani, or pulao, this dish is an absolute delight for both special occasions and casual meals.
To make this dish quicker and easier, we’ve used the microwave oven, which significantly cuts down on the time it would take to prepare it on the stovetop. This method also preserves the authentic flavors while saving you time. But, if you prefer the traditional way, you can always cook this in a kadai (Indian wok), though it will take about 40-50 minutes of your time. Whether you choose the microwave method or the kadai, the result will always be tender chicken in a creamy, aromatic sauce.
Let’s dive into the recipe!
Mughlai Zafrani Murgh Recipe
Cuisine: Mughlai
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces) | 500 grams |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 100 grams |
| Fresh Cream | 3 tablespoons |
| Lemon Juice | 2 teaspoons |
| Saffron Strands | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1 tablespoon, chopped (for garnish) |
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the chicken: Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry using paper towels. This ensures that the marinade will stick better.
- Soak saffron: In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in a teaspoon of water for about 5 minutes. This allows the saffron to release its color and aroma.
- Mix the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, fresh cream, and yogurt. Whisk them together using a fork until well combined and smooth. Set aside a tablespoon of cream for garnish at the end.
- Add spices: To the yogurt mixture, add the cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, salt, and a bay leaf if you like. Stir the ingredients together to form the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces into the yogurt and spice mixture. Mix everything well with your fingers or a spoon so that all the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the marinade.
- Infuse saffron: Add the saffron and its soaking water to the chicken. Mix once more to ensure the saffron is evenly distributed. Save a few saffron strands for garnish, if desired.
- Marinate: Place the marinated chicken in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 1-2 hours. If you have more time, marinating for a longer period will deepen the flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Prepare for microwave cooking: After marination, transfer the chicken pieces along with the marinade into a microwave-safe deep bowl.
- Microwave cooking: Microwave the chicken on high power for 10-15 minutes, checking every minute after 5 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooking evenly. The exact cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on the dish. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
- Check for doneness: You can check the chicken by piercing a piece with a fork. If the juices run clear, the chicken is ready.
- Garnish: Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle garam masala powder over the top and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Optionally, you can also garnish with the reserved saffron strands.
Step 3: Serving
Serve your Mughlai Zafrani Murgh hot, accompanied by freshly baked naan, biryani, or a fragrant pulao for a full Mughlai meal. The creamy, saffron-infused chicken will pair beautifully with the flavors of these sides.
Tips for the Perfect Mughlai Zafrani Murgh
- Saffron Quality: For the best flavor and color, use high-quality saffron. The more vibrant the saffron, the more intense the dish will taste.
- Microwave Power: Microwaves vary in power, so check the chicken frequently after 5 minutes of cooking. Don’t overcook it, as the chicken can become tough.
- Non-stick Cookware: If cooking this dish in a microwave, ensure you use a microwave-safe bowl. When cooking in a kadai, use a non-stick pan to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick and the gravy remains smooth.
- Customize Spices: Adjust the quantity of red chili powder and garam masala according to your spice tolerance. You can make this dish more or less spicy based on your preference.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-250 kcal |
| Protein | 25 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 5 grams |
| Fat | 12 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Conclusion
Mughlai Zafrani Murgh is a rich and flavorful chicken dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting meal. With its saffron-infused gravy, creamy texture, and spice blend, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Using the microwave to prepare this dis
