Afghani Chicken Boti
Mild, creamy boti for a gentler grill.
- Marinade
- 4 to 12 hours
- Prep + cook
- 15 + 20 min
- Safe temp
- 74°C
- Yield
- 1 kg raw meat, about 4 servings
A Pakistani restaurant-style, Afghani-inspired chicken boti with yoghurt, cream, cumin and black pepper. Recipes sold under this name vary; this version keeps the seasoning mild and avoids claiming a single definitive Afghan preparation.
Method
- 1
Whisk the yoghurt, cream, ginger, garlic, cumin, pepper, chilli, salt, lemon and oil until smooth.
- 2
Add dry chicken cubes. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 12 hours.
- 3
Set the grill to medium heat and oil the grate or skewers. Leave a cooler part of the grill available.
- 4
Thread loosely and grill for about 16 to 20 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes. Avoid flames licking the cream coating.
- 5
Check several thick pieces reach 74°C. If they brown first, finish over indirect heat.
- 6
Rest for 3 minutes for juiciness and serve immediately with a cool yoghurt accompaniment.
74°C
Safe internal temperature
Cook chicken to 74°C in the thickest part, away from bone. Refrigerate marinades at 4°C or below; never use colour alone to judge doneness. Times above are estimates; a probe thermometer is the only reliable check.
USDA safe temperature chartPitmaster notes
- Mild does not mean unseasoned: measure the cumin, pepper and salt.
- Do not add baking soda to soften chicken; evenly cut thighs stay tender without it.
- A pale cream marinade still needs thorough cooking even if it never turns deep red.
On the table
- Naan
- Cucumber yoghurt
- Lemon and onion
Questions people ask
Is Afghani boti always made with cream?
No. The name covers different restaurant and home versions. This is an explicitly Afghani-inspired creamy version commonly associated with Pakistani BBQ menus.
Is this spicy?
It is mild, with black pepper and a small amount of green chilli. Omit the green chilli for less heat; the cumin and garlic still give flavour.
Can I use yoghurt instead of cream?
Yes. Replace the cream with 80 g thick plain yoghurt. The boti will taste tangier and less rich, but the safe chicken temperature remains 74°C.
Keep the grill going
Goes well with
Naan for tikka and kebabs
Explore naan to serve alongside your BBQ on our sister site, doubleroti.si.