Does Yakhni Contain Protein? A Look at the Broth's Nutritional Value

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single serving of chicken yakhni can contain over 10 grams of protein. Yes, yakhni contains protein, with the amount varying based on the specific recipe and ingredients used.

Quick Summary

Yakhni is a rich source of protein derived from meat and bones, with content depending on the type of meat and cooking time. It also provides collagen, minerals, and amino acids, offering numerous health benefits beyond basic protein intake.

Key Points

Rich in Protein: Yakhni contains protein, primarily from the simmering of meat and bones, with specific amounts dependent on the type of meat and recipe.
Collagen Source: The long cooking process extracts significant amounts of collagen from bones, which converts into gelatin and offers major benefits for gut health, joints, and skin.
Enhanced by Ingredients: Adding lean meat, simmering low and slow, and incorporating yogurt can increase the final protein content of homemade yakhni.
Immune Booster: Traditional yakhni is often consumed as a restorative tonic during colds or flu due to its nutrient profile, which can boost the immune system.
Versatile Ingredient: Beyond drinking, yakhni can be used as a flavorful, high-protein base for rice dishes (pulao), stews, and curries.
Contains Minerals: In addition to protein, yakhni is a good source of vital minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron, which are released from the bones during cooking.

Yakhni: A Nutrient-Dense Broth

Yakhni, a traditional South Asian broth, is more than just a flavorful soup base. It's a nutrient-dense liquid, and its protein content is a significant part of its nutritional profile. The primary source of this protein comes from the meat and bones used in its preparation, such as chicken, mutton, or beef. As the bones and meat simmer for an extended period, they release collagen and amino acids into the liquid, contributing to the broth's overall protein concentration.

How Much Protein Is in Yakhni?

The amount of protein can vary considerably based on the specific recipe, the cut of meat, and the duration of the simmering process. A basic chicken yakhni, for example, might have around 10 to 15 grams of protein per cup, while a mutton yakhni could have a slightly different profile. Factors like whether the meat is included or only the strained broth is consumed also play a role. Recipes that include lean, high-protein cuts of meat will naturally result in a higher protein count.

Yakhni vs. Commercial Broths: A Comparison


Feature	Homemade Yakhni	Commercial Broth	High-Protein Bone Broth
Protein Content	Varies, can be high (10-25g per serving).	Typically lower (2-6g per cup).	Higher, often marketed as 10-20g+ per serving.
Collagen Content	Excellent source, naturally extracted during simmering.	Varies, often lower or added synthetically.	Often fortified for maximum collagen.
Flavor Profile	Rich, deep, and complex from traditional spices.	Often milder, can be bland or overly salty.	Often savory, but lacks the complex spice profile of yakhni.
Nutrient Absorption	Natural release of minerals and amino acids.	Variable; depends on processing and additives.	Good for nutrients, but different composition.

Making High-Protein Yakhni at Home

To maximize the protein in your homemade yakhni, focus on these key steps:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Start with bone-in, meat-on cuts. Chicken wings, a mutton neck, or beef shanks are excellent choices for their high content of connective tissue, which yields collagen.
Simmer Low and Slow: A long, slow simmer is crucial for extracting the maximum amount of protein, collagen, and minerals from the bones. Aim for several hours to achieve a richer, more gelatinous broth. Some recipes suggest simmering for up to 12 hours or more for an even more potent result.
Incorporate Lean Meat: While bones provide collagen, adding meat to the simmering process increases the overall protein content significantly. Removing the meat and adding it back before serving is an effective way to boost the protein.
Add Vegetables and Spices: While not a protein source, aromatics like onions, garlic, ginger, and spices enhance the flavor and contribute to the broth's nutritional profile. Some recipes also add yogurt, which further increases the protein.
Add Additional Protein: For an extra boost, consider adding other high-protein ingredients, like an egg, to the broth just before serving.

The Health Benefits of Protein-Rich Yakhni

Besides its direct protein content, yakhni offers a host of other health benefits that are often attributed to its protein and collagen makeup.

Muscle Recovery: As a high-protein meal, yakhni is ideal for muscle recovery, especially after a workout.
Gut Health: The gelatin derived from the collagen in yakhni supports gut health by helping to heal and seal the lining of the digestive tract.
Joint and Bone Health: The collagen and other minerals like calcium and phosphorus contribute to stronger bones and healthier joints.
Immune System Support: Yakhni is known as a restorative tonic, particularly during cold and flu season. The nutrients help to boost the immune system and aid in recovery.
Hair, Skin, and Nails: The collagen in the broth can lead to improved skin elasticity, as well as stronger hair and nails.

Yakhni's Versatility

Yakhni isn't just for sipping. Its rich flavor and nutritional value make it a versatile ingredient in many dishes. It can serve as the base for stews, curries, or used in the cooking of rice, such as in a flavorful yakhni pulao. This flexibility allows you to integrate its benefits into a wider variety of meals, ensuring a consistent intake of its nutrients. When using it as a base, you can control the fat content by skimming it off the top after it has cooled.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the answer to "does yakhni contain protein?" is a resounding yes. Its protein content is a key component of its overall nutritional value, with the exact amount depending on the preparation method and ingredients. Whether you're seeking to boost your protein intake, support your immune system, or improve joint and gut health, yakhni is a delicious and effective choice. The traditional recipe, made by simmering bones and meat, ensures a natural and readily available source of protein and other beneficial compounds.

Mutton Yakhni (Broth) – High-Protein Recovery Meal

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary source of protein in yakhni comes from the meat and bones used in its preparation, with a significant contribution from collagen extracted during the simmering process.

The protein content can vary by recipe and serving, but data suggests a typical serving of chicken yakhni and mutton yakhni both contain significant amounts of protein, with some mutton recipes showing higher content per serving.

Yes, as a high-protein broth, yakhni is an excellent option for post-workout nutrition to aid in muscle recovery.

While similar, yakhni is typically a broth (from meat and bones), whereas bone broth is specifically made from simmering bones for a longer duration, often with slightly different nutritional emphasis. Some people use the terms interchangeably.

Adding vegetables to yakhni primarily enhances the flavor and adds micronutrients, not protein. The protein is derived from the animal parts.

Yes, because the protein and amino acids are already broken down by the long simmering process, they are typically easier for the body to digest and absorb compared to solid cuts of meat.

You can increase the protein content by using meat with bones, simmering for a longer period, incorporating high-protein cuts of meat, and adding ingredients like yogurt.