Chicken Calcutta

Chicken Calcutta Recipe - A Delicious Indian Dish

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Calcutta is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce and aromatic spices. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite and is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

History

Chicken Calcutta is a popular dish that originated in the city of Kolkata, India. It is a fusion of Indian and Chinese flavors, reflecting the diverse culinary influences in the region. The creamy sauce in this dish is reminiscent of traditional Indian curries, while the use of soy sauce and ginger adds a Chinese twist.

Ingredients

2.5 to 3 lb (1.36 kg) frying chicken, cut up
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
0.25 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 x 10.75 oz (305 g) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup apple juice
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp celery seed
1 large green pepper, cut into thin strips
1 tbsp soy sauce
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown it on all sides.
Drain all but 2 tbsp of fat.
Add the onion to the skillet and lightly brown it.
Stir in the soup, juice, ginger, and celery seed. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the green pepper and soy sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve over hot rice.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the sauce.
Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for the chicken breasts for a more flavorful dish.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken well before cooking to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to seal in the juices and create a delicious crust.

- Be sure to simmer the sauce for the full 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich and creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Calcutta over hot cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for added flavor and color.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to develop a rich flavor and tender texture.

- Simmering the sauce for the full 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and create a creamy and delicious sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use coconut milk or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative to cream of chicken soup.

- Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce and add the chicken before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Calcutta in a large serving bowl over a bed of fluffy white rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of black pepper for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Calcutta with a side of naan bread or roti for a complete Indian-inspired meal.

- Serve with a side of cucumber raita or mango chutney for a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- 400 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Rice: 45g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

Proteins

- Chicken: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% of daily value

- Vitamin C: 30% of daily value

- Iron: 15% of daily value

Alergens

Contains soy and dairy

Summary

Chicken Calcutta is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

Summary

Chicken Calcutta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce and aromatic spices. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy this flavorful dish with a side of rice and your favorite Indian condiments for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old chest of drawers in the attic, looking for a missing photo album. As I sifted through the dusty papers and faded photographs, my eyes landed on a yellowed piece of paper tucked away in a corner. Curious, I unfolded it and to my delight, I discovered a handwritten recipe for Chicken Calcutta.

I could hardly contain my excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe had been carefully written in elegant cursive, with detailed notes and tips scattered throughout. It was clear that whoever had penned these words had a deep love for cooking and a thorough knowledge of Indian cuisine.

As I held the recipe in my hands, I couldn't help but wonder about the person who had written it. Had it been passed down through generations, carefully guarded and cherished? Or had it been shared with a friend in a moment of camaraderie and culinary exchange? The possibilities were endless, and my imagination ran wild with the stories behind this treasured recipe.

I decided then and there that I would make Chicken Calcutta for dinner that evening. I gathered the necessary ingredients from my pantry and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions with care and attention to detail. The aroma of spices filled the air as the chicken simmered in a rich tomato and coconut milk sauce, and I knew that I was onto something special.

When the dish was finally ready, I set the table with my finest china and called my family to join me. As we sat down to eat, the flavors of Chicken Calcutta danced on our tongues, transporting us to a far-off land filled with exotic spices and vibrant colors. My husband and children couldn't get enough, and they showered me with praise for my culinary skills.

From that day on, Chicken Calcutta became a regular feature on our dinner table. I experimented with different variations, adding my own twists and adaptations to make the recipe truly my own. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down to me from an unknown source.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who marveled at the complex flavors and textures of this delectable dish. Some even asked me to teach them how to make it, and I happily obliged, passing on the knowledge that had been entrusted to me so many years ago.

As I grew older, I began to appreciate the value of this recipe even more. It wasn't just a list of ingredients and instructions; it was a connection to my past, a link to the generations of cooks who had come before me. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and forge bonds that would last a lifetime.

And so, as I sit here now, penning these words and reminiscing about that fateful day in the attic, I am filled with gratitude for the recipe that changed my life. Chicken Calcutta will always hold a special place in my heart, a testament to the enduring legacy of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we love.