Classic Country Captain Chicken

Country Captain Chicken Recipe with Curry Powder, Almonds and Chutney

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Classic Country Captain Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with a savory tomato-based sauce, sweet currants, and crunchy almonds. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Country Captain Chicken is a dish with roots in Southern cuisine, particularly in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It is believed to have originated in India and made its way to the United States through British colonial influence. The dish was popularized in the United States in the 20th century and has since become a classic comfort food favorite.

Ingredients

0.5 cup currants
1 cup hot chicken broth
4 slices bacon
1 cut up chicken
1 tsp salt, divided
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cup tomatoes, chopped
2 tsp curry powder
0.5 tsp thyme leaves
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
0.5 cup toasted almonds
3 cup hot cooked rice
chutney

How to prepare

Place currants in a small bowl; add chicken broth and let them stand for 30 minutes until the currants are plump.
Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until it becomes crisp. Remove the bacon, drain it on a paper towel, crumble it, and set it aside.
Add the chicken to the pan; cook, turning it, for 15 minutes or until it becomes brown on all sides.
Sprinkle the chicken with 0.5 tsp of salt and pepper; remove the chicken to a warm platter.
Add celery, onion, pepper, and garlic to the pan; cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
Add tomatoes, curry powder, thyme, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Return the chicken to the pan, cover it, and cook for 20 minutes.
Add the currants and broth; continue cooking, covered, for 10 minutes more or until a fork can be easily inserted into the chicken.
Sprinkle it with parsley and the crumbled bacon.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu for a different twist on the classic recipe.
Add diced potatoes or carrots to the sauce for extra vegetables.
Use raisins or dried apricots instead of currants for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken well before adding it back to the sauce to ensure a rich flavor.

- Toasting the almonds before adding them to the dish will enhance their nutty flavor.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences.

- Serve the dish with a side of chutney for a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Classic Country Captain Chicken over hot cooked rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Pair it with a side of chutney and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

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

- Simmering the sauce covered allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to cook through evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use golden raisins or dried cranberries instead of currants.

- Replace the bacon with pancetta or prosciutto for a different flavor.

- Swap out the almonds for cashews or pistachios.

Make Ahead Tips

Classic Country Captain Chicken can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Classic Country Captain Chicken in a large serving dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and crumbled bacon on top for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with a few whole almonds for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Classic Country Captain Chicken with a side of fluffy basmati rice, naan bread, and a refreshing cucumber salad. For drinks, consider serving a crisp white wine or a fruity iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Classic Country Captain Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a covered saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Classic Country Captain Chicken contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Classic Country Captain Chicken recipe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

The dish contains approximately 20 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Each serving of Classic Country Captain Chicken provides around 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and bacon, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Classic Country Captain Chicken is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Classic Country Captain Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful tomato-based sauce, sweet currants, and crunchy almonds. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, and can be customized with different ingredients and variations to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this classic Southern dish with a side of rice, chutney, and a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha in the countryside. As we sat on her porch, sipping on sweet tea and reminiscing about old times, she suddenly got up and disappeared into her kitchen.

I could hear her rummaging through her cabinets and drawers, and the clinking of pots and pans. Curious, I followed her into the kitchen and found her pulling out a worn recipe card from an old recipe box. She held it up with a smile and said, "I think you'll love this one, dear. It's my family's recipe for Classic Country Captain Chicken."

Intrigued, I peered over her shoulder and read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for tender chicken thighs, aromatic spices like curry and cinnamon, sweet raisins, and tangy tomatoes. It sounded like a flavorful and comforting dish that would be perfect for a family dinner.

Martha explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from a British naval captain who brought the dish back from his travels in India. It was a fusion of flavors that represented the blending of cultures and traditions.

As Martha began to prepare the dish, I watched intently, taking mental notes of her techniques and tips. She seasoned the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper before browning them in a cast-iron skillet. The kitchen soon filled with the warm and inviting aroma of onions, garlic, and spices as she sautéed them together.

Next, she added the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, curry powder, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The sauce simmered on the stove, thickening and developing a rich and complex flavor. Finally, she stirred in the plump raisins and tender chicken thighs, allowing them to simmer together until the meat was juicy and tender.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal, the flavors of the Classic Country Captain Chicken danced on my taste buds. The curry added a subtle heat, balanced by the sweetness of the raisins and the acidity of the tomatoes. It was a dish that was both comforting and exotic, a true reflection of the diverse influences that shaped Martha's family recipes.

I thanked Martha for sharing the recipe with me and promised to make it for my own family soon. I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the special bond that food creates between friends and family.

Over the years, I have made Classic Country Captain Chicken countless times, adapting and refining the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and loved ones, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Each time I make this dish, I am transported back to that summer day in Martha's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love of good food and good company. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the tradition of passing down family recipes and sharing them with others, just as Martha did for me.