Curry-flavored Baked Chicken

Curry-flavored Baked Chicken Recipe from Jamaica

Region / culture: Jamaica | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Curry-flavored Baked Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the aromatic spices of curry powder with tender baked chicken. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Curry-flavored Baked Chicken is a popular dish that originated in India, where curry powder is a staple spice blend used in many traditional dishes. The combination of curry powder, ginger, and butter creates a rich and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.

Ingredients

2 whole chickens, jointed and seasoned to taste (3 – 3.5 lb or 1.59 kg)
1 tsp paprika
8 oz (227 g) melted butter
2 tbsp curry powder
a pinch of ground ginger
salt to taste
black pepper to taste

How to prepare

Combine melted butter, curry powder, ginger, salt, and paprika.
Place chicken in a shallow roasting pan, with the top sides down, and thoroughly baste both sides with the combined butter curry mixture.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for approximately 20 minutes, basting often with the sauce.
Turn all pieces of chicken to ensure even baking, and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes.
Pour off the sauce from the roasting pan and transfer it to a small saucepan. Slice an onion and add it to the sauce. Place the saucepan over low heat and simmer gently.
Place the chicken on a grill to brown it to a nice rich color, spooning some of the sauce over it from time to time.
Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes to the roasting pan for a one-pan meal.
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a quicker cooking time.
Substitute coconut milk for the butter for a dairy-free version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to baste the chicken with the butter curry mixture regularly to keep it moist and flavorful.

- Turning the chicken halfway through baking ensures even cooking and browning.

- Browning the chicken on a grill adds a nice charred flavor to the dish.

- Serving the chicken with the simmered sauce and sliced onions enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Curry-flavored Baked Chicken with steamed rice, naan bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

- Grilling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter for a different flavor.

- Substitute curry paste for curry powder for a more intense curry flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the chicken in the butter curry mixture overnight for even more flavor.

- Prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Curry-flavored Baked Chicken with fresh cilantro or chopped nuts for a pop of color and texture. - Serve the chicken on a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Curry-flavored Baked Chicken with a side of mango chutney or raita for a refreshing contrast to the spicy curry flavors.

- Serve with a glass of chilled white wine or a cold beer to complement the savory flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Curry-flavored Baked Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

1g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 20g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving

- Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter)

Summary

Curry-flavored Baked Chicken is a high-protein dish with a moderate amount of fat and calories. It is a good source of vitamin A and iron.

Summary

Curry-flavored Baked Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a rich and savory flavor, tender chicken, and a creamy curry sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Curry-flavored Baked Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit my friend Martha, who lived on the other side of town. Martha had always been a wonderful cook, and I had learned many delicious recipes from her over the years.

As soon as I walked into Martha's kitchen, I could smell the intoxicating aroma of spices wafting through the air. I followed my nose to the stove, where Martha was busy stirring a pot of curry sauce. She smiled as she saw me and handed me a spoon to taste the sauce.

"Oh, Martha, this is amazing!" I exclaimed, savoring the rich blend of spices and flavors. "What is it?"

"It's my secret recipe for Curry-flavored Baked Chicken," Martha replied with a twinkle in her eye. "I learned it from my grandmother, who learned it from her grandmother. It's been passed down through generations in my family."

I was immediately intrigued. I had always loved curry dishes, but I had never tried baking chicken with curry before. Martha could see the curiosity in my eyes and offered to teach me how to make it.

We spent the afternoon in Martha's kitchen, chopping vegetables, marinating the chicken, and preparing the curry sauce. Martha patiently guided me through each step, explaining the importance of balancing the spices and letting the flavors meld together.

As the chicken baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with its mouthwatering scent, Martha and I sat at the table, sipping tea and reminiscing about our families and the recipes we had inherited from them.

"My grandmother used to say that cooking is a way of preserving our heritage," Martha said, stirring her tea thoughtfully. "Each recipe tells a story, a connection to our past and our loved ones who came before us."

I nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of gratitude for the culinary legacy that had been passed down to me. I had learned so much from my own grandmother, who had taught me how to make her famous apple pie and hearty beef stew. Now, thanks to Martha, I was adding a new recipe to my repertoire.

When the timer beeped, signaling that the chicken was ready, we eagerly pulled it out of the oven. The golden-brown skin was crispy and fragrant, while the meat inside was tender and juicy. I couldn't wait to dig in.

We sat down to eat, savoring each bite of the Curry-flavored Baked Chicken. The spices danced on my tongue, sending waves of warmth and comfort through my body. It was a dish that spoke to the soul, reminding me of the love and care that went into creating it.

As we finished our meal, Martha and I shared a contented silence, basking in the satisfaction of a good meal and the joy of cooking together. I knew that this recipe for Curry-flavored Baked Chicken would become a cherished favorite in my own family, a reminder of the day I learned it from my dear friend Martha.

And so, as I sit here now, penning this story for future generations, I am grateful for the bonds that food can create, the memories it can evoke, and the love that it can nourish. I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will learn this recipe from me, just as I learned it from Martha, and that it will continue to be passed down through the ages, a testament to the power of cooking and connection.