Curried Chicken Dinner

Curried Chicken Dinner Recipe | Ingredients and Steps

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Curried Chicken Dinner is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy curry sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with its vibrant colors and bold flavors.

History

Curried Chicken Dinner has its roots in Indian cuisine, where curry dishes have been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of spices, vegetables, and protein in a creamy sauce has become a popular dish in many cultures around the world.

Ingredients

2.5 cups water
1.5 tsp chicken bouillon powder
2.5 cups water
0.25 tsp salt
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp ground ginger
2 cups diagonally sliced celery
1 large green pepper, seeded and cut into julienne strips
1 cup uncooked brown rice
6 chicken breast halves (6 oz (170 g) each)
0.5 tsp curry powder
2 cups unsweetened orange juice
2 tbsp dry sherry
1 tsp grated orange rind
1 large sweet red pepper, seeded and cut into julienne strips

How to prepare

Combine 2.5 cups of water, rice, and bouillon powder in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 50 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Combine chicken, 2.5 cups of water, curry powder, and salt in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender; drain.
Remove bones from the chicken and cut it into bite-size pieces; set the meat aside.
In a small bowl, combine orange juice, cornstarch, sherry, and ginger, stirring until the cornstarch is dissolved; set aside.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until hot.
Add celery and peppers, and sauté until crisp-tender.
Stir in the reserved chicken and orange juice mixture; bring to a boil.
Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until thickened.
To serve, spoon the chicken mixture over hot, cooked rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Add coconut milk for a creamier sauce and a hint of sweetness.
Experiment with different vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the chicken in the curry sauce for at least 30 minutes to ensure that it is tender and flavorful.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences. You can add more for a spicier dish or less for a milder flavor.

- Feel free to add additional vegetables such as carrots, peas, or potatoes to bulk up the dish and add more nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Curried Chicken Dinner with a side of naan bread or steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chicken in the curry sauce helps to infuse the flavors and tenderize the meat.

- Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the sauce helps to retain their crispness and color.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white rice or quinoa instead of brown rice for a different texture.

- Swap out orange juice for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

- Replace sherry with white wine or chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the curry sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and assemble the dish when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Curried Chicken Dinner in individual bowls or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. Add a side of chutney or pickles for a burst of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Curried Chicken Dinner with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try a refreshing iced tea or mango lassi.

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, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 3g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

- Vitamin C: 80%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Curried Chicken Dinner is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for a satisfying dinner.

Summary

Curried Chicken Dinner is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and nutritious ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Curried Chicken Dinner. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly bridge game. As we sat at her kitchen table shuffling cards, Margaret suddenly jumped up with excitement.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" she exclaimed, rummaging through her recipe box. "I have to show you this amazing recipe I picked up at the market yesterday."

Curious, I leaned in to get a closer look as Margaret handed me the weathered piece of paper. The title at the top read "Curried Chicken Dinner" in beautiful cursive handwriting. My mouth watered just reading the ingredients - chicken, onions, garlic, curry powder, coconut milk, and a variety of other spices.

Margaret explained that she had learned the recipe from a friend who had recently traveled to India and brought back a wealth of culinary knowledge. She raved about how delicious and flavorful the dish was, and I couldn't wait to give it a try myself.

That evening, I gathered the ingredients and started preparing the Curried Chicken Dinner. The aroma of the spices filled my kitchen, and I couldn't help but hum with delight as I sautéed the onions and garlic. The chicken sizzled in the pan as I added the curry powder and coconut milk, creating a rich and fragrant sauce.

As the dish simmered on the stove, I thought back to all the recipes I had collected over the years. Some were passed down from my own mother, while others were discovered in cookbooks or shared by friends. Each recipe held a story, a memory of where it came from and the people who had shared it with me.

I thought about how cooking had always been a way for me to connect with others, to share a piece of myself through the food I prepared. Each dish was a reflection of my experiences and the love I put into every meal.

When the Curried Chicken Dinner was finally ready, I plated it up and sat down to enjoy the fruits of my labor. The first bite was a revelation - the tender chicken, the creamy coconut milk, and the bold flavors of the curry powder danced on my taste buds.

I couldn't wait to share this delicious recipe with my own family and friends. Over the years, I made the Curried Chicken Dinner countless times, each time adding my own twist or variation to suit the tastes of those I was cooking for.

As I grew older, my love for cooking only deepened. I continued to collect recipes and learn new techniques, always eager to expand my culinary repertoire. And through it all, the Curried Chicken Dinner remained a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of that sense of wonder I felt when I first discovered the recipe.

Now, as I sit at my own kitchen table, surrounded by my family and friends, I can't help but smile as I serve up a steaming plate of Curried Chicken Dinner. The familiar aromas fill the room, bringing back memories of that warm summer day with Margaret and the excitement of trying something new.

Cooking has always been a source of joy and comfort for me, a way to nourish both body and soul. And as I take a bite of the Curried Chicken Dinner, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish the spirit.