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–+ servings
iffa chicken with sauce in tray

Dubai Iffa Chicken (Viral Creamy Chicken Recipe)

Safira
Dubai Iffa Chicken is a viral creamy chicken recipe made with spiced roasted chicken coated in a rich yoghurt, cream and cheese sauce. Perfect with naan.
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Print Recipe
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine arab, Dubai, Indian, Middle Eastern, South Asian
Servings 10 quarters
Calories 541 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 10 Chicken Quarters Slit a few time each, Skin off
  • ½ cup Plain Yoghurt
  • 2 ½ tablespoon Kashmiri Chilli Powder
  • 2 tablespoon Chilli Powder Adjust to your taste
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin Powder
  • 2 teaspoon Coriander Powder
  • 2 ½ teaspoon Garam Masala
  • 2 ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • Salt about 1 tbsp
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 4 large Green Chillies crushed, or 1 heaped tbsp
  • 8 Garlic Cloves crushed, or 2 heaped tbsp
  • 2 tablespoon Ginger Paste
  • 1 Lemon Juice only
  • 5 tablespoon Oil Mustard, Vegetable

For the Sauce

  • ⅔ cup Plain Yoghurt
  • ⅓ cup Mayonnaise
  • ½ cup Double Cream
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Paste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 2 Egg Whites Boiled
  • 2 Cheese Slices or ½ cup Cheddar, grated
  • ¼ cup Water or Milk

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
    Add the yoghurt, Kashmiri chilli powder, chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric, salt, black pepper, green chillies, garlic, ginger, lemon juice and oil to a large bowl. Mix well.
    Add the chicken and coat thoroughly, ensuring the marinade gets into the slits. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Step 2: Roast the Chicken
    Preheat the oven to 200°C. Arrange the chicken on a baking tray. Roast for 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Step 3: Grill for Colour
    Switch the oven to grill mode. Grill for 10 to 15 minutes until lightly charred and caramelised.
  • Step 4: Make the Sauce
    Add the yoghurt, mayonnaise, double cream, garlic, salt, sugar, boiled egg whites, cheese slices and water to a blender.
    Blend until completely smooth.
  • Step 5: Finish the Chicken
    Pour the sauce evenly over the cooked chicken. Cover the tray tightly with foil. Return to the oven and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Step 6: Serve
    Serve hot with Naan.

Notes

Expert Tips

Make Deep Slits in the Chicken
This helps the marinade penetrate the meat and creates a more flavourful result.
Marinate Overnight
The longer marinating time allows the spices and aromatics to fully flavour the chicken.
Don't Skip the Grill
The charred edges add depth and recreate the flavour associated with restaurant-style chicken.
Blend the Sauce Well
A completely smooth sauce coats the chicken more evenly.
Serve Immediately
The creamy sauce is at its best when freshly heated and coating the chicken.

Variations

Extra Spicy Iffa Chicken - Add additional green chillies or chilli powder.
Boneless Iffa Chicken - Use chicken thighs instead of quarters.
BBQ Iffa Chicken - Cook the chicken over charcoal or on a barbecue before adding the sauce.
Smoky Iffa Chicken - Finish with a charcoal smoke infusion before serving.
Cheesy Iffa Chicken - Add extra cheese to the sauce for an even richer finish.

What to serve with it

Storage

Fridge
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat covered in the oven until piping hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Iffa Chicken Taste Like?

Iffa Chicken is smoky, spicy, creamy and slightly tangy with a rich finish from the signature sauce.

Is Iffa Chicken a Traditional Recipe?

Iffa Chicken is most commonly associated with modern Dubai restaurant cooking and has gained popularity through social media and food content creators.

Can I Make Iffa Chicken Ahead of Time?

Yes. The chicken can be marinated the day before and cooked when needed.

Can I Use Boneless Chicken?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs work particularly well.

Why Is the Chicken Grilled After Roasting?

The grilling stage creates caramelisation and develops additional flavour.

What Should I Serve With Iffa Chicken?

Naan is the most popular accompaniment, but it also pairs well with chips, salad or rice.

Can I Make It Less Spicy?

Yes. Reduce the chilli powder if you want it less spicy.

Nutrition

Calories: 541kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 27gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 166mgSodium: 543mgPotassium: 467mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 859IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 113mgIron: 2mg
Keyword dubai chicken, iffa chicken
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