Aromatic Curried Chicken with Fragrant Brown Rice
This delightful dish is a cherished recipe from my early days of marriage, brimming with warmth and flavor. I adapted it to create a superbly aromatic meal that tantalizes the senses! With perfectly cooked long-grain brown rice that simmers in the microwave alongside succulent chicken pieces simmered to perfection in a fragrant curry sauce, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with deliciousness in every bite. You'll be met with eager anticipation at the dinner table, filled with questions like, 'What’s that incredible aroma?' or 'When do we get to eat?' Serve this dish for a comforting family meal that's sure to impress your loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
long grain brown rice
2 cups (rinsed)
water
4 cups (for cooking rice)
butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted)
chicken pieces
10 pieces (drumsticks and thighs)
onions
2 large (coarsely chopped)
garlic
1 whole head (minced)
curry powder
1 tablespoon (adjustable to taste)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
tomato paste
2 tablespoons
chicken broth
2 cups
cornstarch
2 teaspoons
water
2 tablespoons (for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
1
1. Prepare the Rice: In a microwave-safe casserole dish, combine the long-grain brown rice and water. Cover the dish and microwave on high until the rice is fluffy, approximately 30-35 minutes, depending on your microwave. Once done, keep it covered to retain warmth and set aside.
2
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and brown them evenly on all sides for about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, remove them from the pan and keep warm on a plate.
3
3. Create the Sauce: In the same pan with the remaining butter, add the coarsely chopped onions. Sauté them until soft and starting to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and curry powder; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
4. Build the Flavors: Add the ground ginger and tomato paste to the onion mixture, then pour in half of the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful bits (fond) before adding the remaining broth. Stir everything to combine well.
5
5. Simmer: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, spoon some of the sauce over them, cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until tender and infused with flavors.
6
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Once the chicken is tender, move half of the pieces to one side of the pan to create a space in the center. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the cleared spot and cook until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
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7. Final Touches: Season the sauce with salt to taste. Return all chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they are well-coated with the rich, thickened sauce.
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8. Serve: Spoon the aromatic chicken and sauce over the fluffy brown rice, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The main dish is Aromatic Curried Chicken with Fragrant Brown Rice, a comforting and flavorful family meal.
What type of rice is used for this meal?
The recipe uses long-grain brown rice, which is rinsed before cooking.
How is the brown rice cooked?
The brown rice is cooked in a microwave-safe casserole dish with water until it becomes fluffy.
How long does it take to cook the rice in the microwave?
It takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes to microwave the brown rice on high.
What pieces of chicken are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 10 pieces of chicken, specifically drumsticks and thighs.
How should I sear the chicken?
Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and brown the chicken evenly for 6-8 minutes.
What fat is used to cook the chicken and onions?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How many onions are required?
You will need 2 large onions, coarsely chopped, for this dish.
How much garlic is included in the curry sauce?
The recipe uses 1 whole head of garlic, which should be minced.
What is the primary spice used for the curry flavor?
One tablespoon of curry powder is used, which can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
Is there ginger in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to help build the aromatic flavor profile.
What role does tomato paste play in the sauce?
Tomato paste is added to the onion mixture to deepen the flavor and color of the curry sauce.
How much chicken broth is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chicken broth.
How do you deglaze the frying pan?
After adding half the broth, scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful bits, known as fond.
How long should the chicken simmer in the sauce?
The chicken should simmer covered on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes until it is tender.
How is the curry sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened using a slurry made from 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water.
When should the cornstarch slurry be added?
The slurry is added once the chicken is tender, poured into a cleared space in the center of the pan.
How do I ensure the chicken is well-coated in sauce?
After the sauce thickens, return all chicken pieces to the center and stir to ensure they are fully coated.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-prepare dish that results in a superb, aromatic meal.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, the amount of curry powder is listed as adjustable to suit your taste.
What is the recommended serving method?
Spoon the aromatic chicken and its rich sauce over the fluffy microwave-cooked brown rice.
Do I need to keep the rice covered after cooking?
Yes, once the rice is done, keep it covered to retain its warmth while you finish the chicken.
What is 'fond' in the context of this recipe?
Fond refers to the flavorful browned bits at the bottom of the pan after searing the chicken.
Can this dish be served for a family meal?
Absolutely, it is a cherished recipe meant to impress loved ones during a comforting family dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including the water used for the rice and the cornstarch slurry.
Is salt added during the cooking process?
Salt is added at the end of the cooking process to season the sauce to your personal taste.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for 5 to 7 minutes until they are soft and starting to brown.
What kind of pan is best for the chicken?
A large frying pan with a lid is best for browning and simmering the chicken pieces.
Is the chicken broth added all at once?
No, half is added first to deglaze the pan, followed by the remaining half after scraping the bottom.
What kind of butter is recommended?
The recipe specifies using unsalted butter for searing and sautéing.