Recently, I found myself watching a lot of food reels and kept seeing Dubai’s viral Iffa Chicken pop up. The chicken legs are coated in a creamy, spicy marinade that looks so delish that I wanted to try it immediately. It looks simple but tastes incredibly rich. I had to try it for myself and share the results here. What really stands out about this recipe is how it balances bold spices, tangy yogurt, gentle heat, and a tender texture. It feels like something you’d get at a restaurant, but it’s easy to make at home.
You don’t need any complicated techniques for this recipe. The marinade does all the work, just like the original Dubai street-style version that became so popular online.
Iffa Chicken is a Dubai-inspired marinated chicken dish that went viral because it uses just a few ingredients but delivers big flavor. With roots in Middle Eastern and South Asian cooking, it uses yogurt, spices, and lemon juice to tenderize and moisten the chicken.
Instead of being deep-fried or covered in heavy sauce, Iffa Chicken is all about:
- Letting the chicken marinate deeply
- Getting the spices just right
- Cooking the chicken legs until they’re smoky, juicy, and tender
You can grill, pan-sear, or bake it, so it’s a really versatile dish.
How Iffa Chicken Became a Viral Trend?
What makes Iffa Chicken special is how simple it is. Street vendors and home cooks in Dubai showed that just a few basic spices can turn chicken into something you really want to eat. People loved seeing the reactions after one bite, the way the chicken pulls apart easily, and the creamy yogurt coating that makes it look so good.
People enjoyed Iffa Chicken for a few reasons:
- It looks rich but feels light to eat
- It’s made with ingredients you probably already have
- It’s great for both casual dinners and special occasions
That’s how Iffa Chicken became a local favorite and then a global viral sensation.
Love Dubai‑style flavors? Try our Dubai Paratha Smash Burger for another viral dish with bold tastes.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Chicken
Chicken legs are rich, juicy, and easy to cook. They stay moist and are perfect for high-heat cooking like grilling or pan-roasting.
Yogurt
Yogurt is the base of the marinade. It makes the chicken tender and creates a creamy coating that holds the spices well.
Ginger Garlic Paste
This adds warmth, depth, and a little kick. It also helps eliminate any raw smell from the chicken.
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Garam Masala Powder
This warming spice blend adds complexity and aroma to the dish.
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Lemon Juice
Lemon juice brightens the dish and tenderizes th
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
In a bowl add yogurt, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder ,red chilli powder, garam masala powder, haldi, chaat masala, black pepper powder, and lemon juice. Mix well and marinate the chicken for 2 hours.
Blend boiled egg, cream, garlic cloves , salt ,sugar and mozzarella cheese to make the sauce and set aside.
Grill the chicken in a pan with little oil till done.
Apply the sauce all over the grilled chicken and cook on low heat for a minute.
Serve with roti, naan or paratha.
Cooking Methods
Pan-Cooked
Fully cook on medium heat until golden on both sides.
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Oven-Baked
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Grilled or BBQ
Grill until lightly charred to get a smoky, authentic Dubai-style flavor.
HINT: For extra juiciness, let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
Pair your meal with a trendy treat check out our Viral Dubai Karak Chai Toast recipe.
Substitutions
- Yogurt substitute: Use thick Greek yogurt or hung curd
- Chicken legs: Drumsticks or bone-in thighs work perfectly
- Lemon juice: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar (use less)
Variations
- Spicy Iffa Chicken: Add extra red chilli powder or chilli flakes
- Smoky Flavor: Finish with a piece of hot charcoal and drizzle oil for a dhungar effect
- Air Fryer Version: Cook at 180°C for 18–22 minutes, flipping once
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Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in a container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: You can freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 1 month
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop or oven to maintain moisture
Serving Suggestions
Serve Iffa Chicken with:
- Warm naan or pita bread
- Mint yogurt sauce or garlic dip
- Fresh cucumber and onion salad
- Rice pilaf or lemon rice
It also works beautifully as a wrap filling or sandwich stuffing.
Top tip
Always make extra marinade and lightly brush it on the chicken while cooking. This keeps the surface moist and intensifies flavor.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s viral Iffa Chicken shows that good food can be simple. With just a few ingredients and the right marination, you get a dish that’s juicy, bold, and full of flavor. Even beginners can make this easy recipe. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to get compliments. It’s easy and delicious.
FAQs
Iffa Chicken is a viral Dubai-style dish featuring crispy juicy chicken with a rich, creamy sauce that’s trending on social media.
It’s made by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices, cooking it, then adding a creamy sauce made with egg/cream/cheese mixture.
The sauce typically uses boiled egg, cream, cheese (like mozzarella or processed), garlic, milk and seasonings blended until smooth.
Mozzarella or processed cheese works best because it melts smoothly into the creamy sauce.
Yes many serve it with rice, steamed vegetables or salad to balance the rich creamy taste.
The spice can be adjusted if you use more red chilli and black pepper, it becomes spicier. (Inferred from typical marinade ingredients)
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
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