Country Captain Chicken
A beloved Southern classic with Anglo-Indian roots. Tender chicken simmers in a mild, fragrant curry sauce with tomatoes, bell peppers, and sweet currants, creating a uniquely comforting and flavorful stew.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 50 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Dredge the Chicken
- b.Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- c.In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- d.Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's lightly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Chicken
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- c.Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary.
- d.Sear for 5-7 minutes per side without moving them, until the skin is deeply golden brown and crisp. The chicken will not be cooked through at this point.
- e.Remove the browned chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Aromatic Base
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. If there is excessive fat in the pot, pour off all but 2 tablespoons.
- c.Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- e.Stir in the curry powder, turmeric powder, and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Stew
- b.Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- c.Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- d.Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. The skin side should be facing up if possible.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Uncover the pot and stir in the currants. Let them plump up in the sauce for about 5 minutes.
- c.Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- d.Serve the Country Captain Chicken hot, spooned over fluffy white rice.
- e.Garnish generously with toasted slivered almonds and chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest skin, ensure the chicken is completely dry before dredging in flour.
- 2Don't skip toasting the spices. This step, called 'blooming', is essential for unlocking their full aromatic potential.
- 3This dish develops more flavor overnight. It's an excellent make-ahead meal for a dinner party or weekly meal prep.
- 4If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to help it reduce and thicken.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, reducing the simmer time to 20-25 minutes. You can also make this with pork shoulder, cut into cubes.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the other spices, or add a finely chopped serrano chili with the onions.
Creamier SauceCreamier Sauce
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
Replace the chicken with two 15-ounce cans of chickpeas (rinsed and drained) and 1 lb of cubed firm tofu (pan-fried first). Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The inclusion of turmeric provides curcumin, a powerful compound known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help combat chronic inflammation.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Tomatoes and bell peppers contribute vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which help protect cells from damage and support immune function.
Supports Immune Health
Garlic and onions contain allicin and other sulfur compounds that have been shown to have immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties, helping to support the body's natural defenses.
Frequently asked questions
Country Captain is a classic Southern American dish with Anglo-Indian roots. It's believed to have been brought to the port city of Savannah, Georgia, in the early 19th century by a British sea captain involved in the spice trade.