Welcome to “Cooking with Shams,” where you’ll find family-friendly recipes for every occasion. From quick, easy dinners to mouthwatering desserts, I’m here to make mealtime delicious and stress-free. Let’s simplify your cooking and baking while bringing your loved ones together around the table!
Welcome to a world of irresistible flavors with “Deliciously Braised Chicken and Peas,” where simplicity meets comfort in every bite. This dish is all about savouring tender chicken, perfectly braised to perfection, with vibrant green peas adding a pop of freshness. It’s a meal that warms the heart and nourishes the soul, perfect for kitchen newbies and seasoned cooks alike. Join me in creating this flavorful masterpiece, where each step is designed to be effortless yet deeply satisfying. Let’s turn ordinary ingredients into a dish that brings joy to your table!
How to start your prep!
1 whole chicken. Cut chicken and rinse well. Leave in a colander and cover. Remove the chicken from the colander to a dish.
Ingredients:
Spicy braised chicken curry!
I’ve channeled all the rich, nostalgic flavors from my childhood into this braised Indian-spiced chicken. It’s a dish that brings comfort and warmth, and what I love most is how effortless it is. In the morning, you can simply toss all the ingredients into the dish. Leave in the refrigerator and let it work its magic throughout the day. The slow braise allows the spices to meld beautifully, and when you walk back into your kitchen hours later, you’re greeted with an aroma that’s nothing short of mouthwatering.
To balance the heat from the spices, stir in just before serving; a dollop of cool, creamy yogurt does wonders. It mellows out the spice while adding a subtle richness. And then there’s the fresh pop of cilantro—it’s not just a garnish, but a burst of brightness that enhances all those deep, warm spices, making every bite more vibrant.
The best part? It’s so simple to make and irresistibly tasty. Whether you serve it with fluffy white or hearty brown rice, the rice soaks up all that luscious sauce, making each bite pure bliss. In my house, my kids love to scoop the spiced chicken onto naan, turning it into a handheld treat, almost like a taco, but filled with all those complex, satisfying flavors. This is one of those meals that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for more.
Ways to serve braised chicken curry!
- Yogurt and Cilantro: Add a spoonful of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to each serving for a cooling balance to the spices.
- Quinoa or Couscous: For a twist, serve the curry over quinoa or couscous, which will absorb the rich sauce while adding a unique texture.
- As a Wrap: Shred the chicken and spoon it into a warm flatbread with a little yogurt and fresh veggies, turning the curry into a flavorful wrap.
Notes!
- Chicken on the bone works best for a delicious Durban Curry
- Allowing the curry to cook with the spices for a few minutes allows all the flavors to infuse into the chicken
- You can adjust the amount of spices you would prefer accordingly.
- If the potatoes cook quite quickly, depending on the altitude (if you are living near the coast, potatoes may cook quicker), you can add less water
- Do not mix the curry after adding the potatoes, especially if you are using very soft cooking potatoes, to avoid the curry becoming a mushy mess.
FAQS!
- Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well. However, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier during slow cooking. - How can I adjust the spice level?
You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of spice. - Can I prepare this curry ahead of time?
Absolutely! This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. - What sides go best with this curry?
This curry pairs perfectly with white or brown rice, naan, or even quinoa. - Can I substitute the yogurt with something else?
Yes, you can use sour cream or coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative. Both will provide a creamy texture while cooling down the spice.