Transform your dinner table with this delightful Indian spiced chicken recipe. Combining the robust flavors of curry powder, fresh ginger, and a medley of vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Slow-cooked to perfection, the tender chicken melds beautifully with the aromatic spices, creating an unforgettable meal experience.
Some ingredients in this recipe may not be staples in every household. Fresh ginger and curry powder bring authentic Indian flavors to the dish, so ensure you grab these from your supermarket if you don't already have them. Also, note the inclusion of a small head of cauliflower and raisins, which add a unique texture and sweetness.
Ingredients For Indian Spiced Chicken Recipe
Tomatoes: Basis of the sauce, providing a rich and tangy flavor.
Tomato paste: Enhances the depth of the tomato flavor.
Fresh ginger: Adds a pungent and spicy kick.
Curry powder: Key spice blend that gives the dish its distinctive taste.
Kosher salt: Seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthiness.
Cauliflower: Adds a hearty vegetable component to the dish.
Chicken thighs: The main protein, tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation.
Raisins: Adds a touch of sweetness to contrast the spices.
Fresh cilantro: Brightens and freshens the final garnish.
One reader, Gilbertina Harwood says:
This Indian spiced chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld beautifully, and the slow cooker makes it so convenient. The chicken is tender, and the cauliflower adds a nice texture. The cilantro garnish is the perfect finishing touch. Highly recommend!
Essential Techniques for Preparing Indian Spiced Chicken
How to stir ingredients until smooth: Use a spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients in the slow cooker crock until they are well combined and have a uniform consistency. How to chop cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. How to prepare chicken thighs: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into smaller pieces if desired. How to dice an onion: Cut the onion in half, peel off the skin, and chop it into small, even pieces. How to garnish with cilantro: Chop the fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkle them over the dish just before serving.
How To Make Indian Spiced Chicken
Boneless chicken thighs are seasoned with curry powder, ginger, and tomatoes to make this slow-cooked, hearty Indian spiced chicken!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 28oztomatoes,(1 can), diced, drained
- 2tbsptomato paste
- 2tbspfresh ginger,grated
- 1tbspcurry powder
- ½tspkosher salt
- ground black pepper
- 1small head cauliflower,cored, cut into florets
- 1½lbschicken thighs,skinless boneless, cut into halves
- 1onion,finely chopped
- ¼cupraisins
- ½cupfresh cilantro,chopped for garnish
Instructions
-
Stir the tomatoes, tomato paste, ginger, curry powder, kosher salt, and black pepper together in a slow cooker crock until smooth.
-
Add the cauliflower, chicken, onion, and raisins, then stir.
-
Cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
-
Garnish with cilantro, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 486.03kcal
- Fat: 29.25g
- Saturated Fat: 7.92g
- Trans Fat: 0.14g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.06g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.17g
- Carbohydrates: 25.47g
- Fiber: 6.23g
- Sugar: 14.27g
- Protein: 32.56g
- Cholesterol: 166.70mg
- Sodium: 470.62mg
- Calcium: 77.68mg
- Potassium: 1270.92mg
- Iron: 2.94mg
- Vitamin A: 135.70µg
- Vitamin C: 64.09mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Indian Spiced Chicken
For a richer flavor, toast the curry powder in a dry pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help release the essential oils and deepen the spice's complexity.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Indian Spiced Chicken
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, cauliflower, and ginger the night before to save time in the morning.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Buy pre-cut cauliflower and pre-minced ginger to reduce prep time.
Instant pot option: Use an Instant Pot to cook the dish in under 30 minutes instead of using a slow cooker.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Pre-mix spices: Combine the curry powder, salt, and pepper in a small container ahead of time.
Substitute Ingredients For Indian Spiced Chicken Recipe
28 oz tomatoes - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes provide a similar texture and flavor, making them a convenient alternative.
2 tbsp tomato paste - Substitute with 1 tbsp ketchup: Ketchup can add a similar sweetness and thickness, though it may be slightly sweeter.
2 tbsp fresh ginger - Substitute with 1 tbsp ground ginger: Ground ginger can provide a similar spicy warmth, though it is more concentrated.
1 tbsp curry powder - Substitute with 1 tbsp garam masala: Garam masala offers a similar blend of spices, though it may have a slightly different flavor profile.
½ tsp kosher salt - Substitute with ½ tsp sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of saltiness and texture.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can offer a similar level of heat and flavor, though it is slightly milder.
1 small head cauliflower - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli can provide a similar texture and nutritional profile, though it has a slightly different flavor.
1½ lbs chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are leaner and can be used similarly, though they may be less juicy.
1 onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a similar flavor with a slightly sweeter and milder taste.
¼ cup raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a similar sweetness and chewy texture, though they are slightly tart.
½ cup fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can offer a similar fresh and herbaceous note, though it lacks the citrusy undertones of cilantro.
Presentation Ideas for Indian Spiced Chicken
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the chicken thighs in bite-sized pieces, ensuring each piece is tender and succulent. This allows for a refined and elegant presentation.
Use decoration: Garnish the dish with finely chopped fresh cilantro and a few whole leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Place the garnish strategically to enhance visual appeal.
Layer flavors: Arrange the cauliflower florets around the chicken, ensuring they are evenly coated with the rich tomato and curry powder sauce. This creates a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.
Add texture: Sprinkle a few raisins on top of the dish just before serving. The sweetness and slight chewiness of the raisins add an unexpected and delightful texture contrast.
Highlight the sauce: Drizzle some of the slow-cooked tomato paste and ginger sauce over the plated dish, allowing it to pool slightly around the edges. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a glossy finish.
Use a clean plate: Serve the dish on a pristine white plate to make the vibrant colors of the curry and cilantro stand out. The clean background ensures the dish remains the focal point.
Create height: Stack the chicken pieces slightly to create a sense of height and dimension on the plate. This adds a professional touch and makes the dish more visually appealing.
Balance the elements: Ensure that each plate has a balanced amount of chicken, cauliflower, and sauce. This ensures that every diner gets a complete experience of the dish's flavors and textures.
Finish with a touch of elegance: Add a small, delicate sprig of cilantro on top of the dish as a final touch. This adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, perfect for a Michelin-star presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Indian Spiced Chicken
Slow cooker: Used to cook the chicken and vegetables slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together over several hours.
Knife: Essential for chopping the onion, cauliflower, and cilantro.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the vegetables and herbs.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the tomato paste, ginger, curry powder, and kosher salt accurately.
Measuring cups: Useful for measuring the raisins and fresh cilantro.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the tomatoes, tomato paste, ginger, curry powder, kosher salt, and black pepper before adding them to the slow cooker.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients together in the slow cooker.
Serving spoon: Used to serve the finished dish once it is cooked.
Tongs: Helpful for handling the chicken thighs when adding them to the slow cooker.
Grater: Used to grate the fresh ginger finely.
Storing and Freezing Indian Spiced Chicken
- Let the indian spiced chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze the chicken curry, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the indian spiced chicken for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen chicken curry in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed indian spiced chicken in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
- If the curry appears too thick after thawing and reheating, add a small amount of water or chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish the reheated indian spiced chicken with fresh cilantro before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Indian Spiced Chicken
Reheat in a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. This method helps to maintain the texture of the chicken and allows the flavors to meld together.
Place the leftover indian spiced chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is heated through. This is a quick and convenient method, but be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it may become dry.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover indian spiced chicken to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method is ideal for larger portions and helps to maintain the moisture of the chicken.
If you have a slow cooker or Crockpot, place the leftover indian spiced chicken in the pot and heat on low for 1-2 hours or until heated through. This method is perfect for keeping the chicken moist and tender, and the slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop further.
For a quick and easy lunch, reheat the leftover indian spiced chicken in a microwave or on the stovetop, then serve it wrapped in a warm tortilla or over a bed of rice or quinoa. Add some fresh cilantro, yogurt, or chutney for extra flavor and texture.
Interesting Trivia About Indian Spiced Chicken
A random fact about this recipe is that the combination of ginger, curry powder, and tomatoes creates a rich and aromatic base that is characteristic of many traditional Indian dishes.
Budget-Friendly Indian Spiced Chicken Recipe
This Indian spiced chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like chicken thighs, cauliflower, and tomatoes are affordable and widely available. The use of spices such as curry powder and ginger adds a rich flavor without breaking the bank. The addition of raisins and fresh cilantro enhances the dish without significantly increasing the cost. Overall, this recipe rates an 8 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD.
Is This Indian Spiced Chicken Dish Healthy?
This Indian spiced chicken recipe is a relatively healthy dish, thanks to the use of nutrient-dense ingredients like tomatoes, ginger, cauliflower, and chicken thighs. The combination of spices, including curry powder, adds flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or unhealthy fats. Additionally, the slow cooking method helps to retain the nutrients in the ingredients while allowing the flavors to meld together.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Opt for low-sodium tomatoes to reduce the overall salt content of the dish
- Use skinless chicken thighs to decrease the amount of saturated fat
- Include a wider variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of raisins or replace them with a lower-sugar alternative, such as chopped dates or apricots, to minimize added sugars
- Serve the dish with a side of brown rice or quinoa to add complex carbohydrates and extra fiber
- Garnish with a dollop of plain, low-fat yogurt to provide a cooling contrast and a boost of calcium and protein
By incorporating these changes, you can elevate the nutritional value of the dish while still maintaining its delicious flavor profile. Remember, small tweaks can make a significant difference in the overall healthiness of a meal, and this Indian spiced chicken recipe is a great starting point for a nourishing and satisfying dinner.
Editor's Opinion on This Indian Spiced Chicken Recipe
This Indian spiced chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of tomatoes, ginger, and curry powder creates a rich, aromatic base, while the cauliflower adds a hearty vegetable component. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken thighs become tender and flavorful. Raisins introduce a subtle sweetness that balances the spices beautifully. Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness. Overall, it's a well-rounded dish that's both comforting and exotic, perfect for a satisfying meal.
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Why trust this Indian Spiced Chicken Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of tomatoes, ginger, and curry powder to create a delicious and aromatic dish. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes tender and absorbs all the spices, while the cauliflower adds a delightful texture. The addition of raisins provides a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements. Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness. This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends.
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