Country Captain Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Country Captain Chicken stands out for its fusion of Southern and Indian-inspired flavors. The dish is hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal. Its mildly spiced curry flavor appeals to a wide range of palates, and the combination of textures—from the tender chicken to the crunch of almonds—makes it especially satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken thighs or bone-in chicken pieces
• All-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil or butter
• Onion
• Green bell pepper
• Garlic
• Curry powder
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Golden raisins
• Bay leaf
• Cooked white rice (for serving)
• Toasted slivered almonds (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

1. Dredge the chicken pieces lightly in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté chopped onions, green bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
4. Stir in the curry powder and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
5. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, raisins, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
7. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
8. Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Serve the chicken and sauce over hot cooked rice. Garnish with toasted slivered almonds and parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Protein swap: Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for quicker cooking.
• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with chickpeas and extra vegetables like carrots and cauliflower.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced fresh chili to increase the heat.
• Fruitier twist: Substitute raisins with dried apricots or chopped dates for a different sweetness.
• Nut-free: Skip the almonds for an allergy-friendly version, or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until hot, or microwave in a covered dish in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally.
This dish also freezes well. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is the origin of Country Captain Chicken?

Country Captain Chicken has Southern American roots with influence from Indian spices, brought over by British officers or sea captains in the 19th century.

Can I use boneless chicken in this recipe?

Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work well and reduce cooking time, though bone-in pieces add more flavor.

Is curry powder spicy?

Most curry powders are mild, but the heat level can vary by brand. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

What can I serve with Country Captain Chicken besides rice?

It pairs well with couscous, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I leave out the raisins?

Yes, the raisins add a touch of sweetness, but the dish is still delicious without them.

How do I toast slivered almonds?

Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.

What kind of curry powder should I use?

A basic mild yellow curry powder works best, but you can experiment with other blends for different flavor profiles.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken and ensure your broth and curry powder are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Country Captain Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together the best of Southern and Indian cuisines. Its rich, aromatic sauce and tender chicken make it a standout meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it ahead for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Country Captain Chicken

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Country Captain Chicken is a Southern classic featuring tender chicken simmered in a tomato-based curry sauce with onions, peppers, raisins, and warm spices. Served over rice with toasted almonds, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spiced flavors.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 lbs chicken thighs or bone-in chicken pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
• 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Dredge the chicken pieces lightly in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
4. Stir in the curry powder and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, raisins, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
7. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
8. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Serve the chicken and sauce over hot cooked rice. Garnish with toasted almonds and parsley if desired.

Notes

• Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for quicker cooking.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chickpeas and extra vegetables for the chicken.
• Add cayenne pepper or fresh chili if you prefer more heat.
• Substitute raisins with dried apricots or chopped dates for a fruitier twist.
• Skip or replace almonds with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
• This dish freezes well—store for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (with rice, based on 6 servings total)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg