Have you ever wished for a dish that feels like comfort on a plate yet brings remarkable health benefits? Country Captain’s Chicken is exactly that—a timeless recipe with a flavor-packed profile that goes beyond just tasting good.
Infused with anti-inflammatory ingredients like curry powder, onions, and raisins, this dish supports overall well-being while satisfying your craving for a hearty and wholesome meal.
Why This Dish Stands Out
Country Captain’s Chicken has a fascinating history, blending flavors from Indian spices with Southern American roots. This fusion of culinary traditions results in a dish rich in nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties.
The curry powder is a star ingredient, providing curcumin, known for its ability to fight inflammation. Paired with ingredients like almonds, onions, and olive oil, this recipe not only soothes your taste buds but also promotes long-term health benefits.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
The balance of sweet raisins, earthy curry, and tender chicken makes this dish ideal for any dinner table. Whether you’re hosting friends or preparing a weeknight meal for the family, its comforting flavor will win everyone over.
How It Helps with Inflammation
This recipe is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory ingredients:
- Curry Powder: Rich in turmeric, which contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound.
- Onions: High in antioxidants like quercetin, which can reduce inflammation and boost immunity.
- Olive Oil: A staple in many healthy diets, it’s loaded with monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that combat inflammation.
- Almonds: These are packed with vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, known for their inflammation-fighting properties.
- Raisins: Natural sweetness aside, raisins are full of polyphenols that work as antioxidants.
Combining these ingredients creates a meal that’s both indulgent and supportive of your body’s natural defenses.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
To get the most out of this dish, consider these helpful tips:
- Choose Quality Spices: The curry powder is key to this dish. Opt for a fresh, high-quality blend to enhance both flavor and health benefits.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in pieces retain more moisture, ensuring the chicken stays tender while simmering.
- Don’t Skip the Toasted Almonds: They add a satisfying crunch and amplify the anti-inflammatory properties.
- Adjust to Your Sensitivities: If you’re sensitive to nightshades, skip the tomato paste and diced tomatoes, relying on the other flavorful ingredients to carry the dish.
These small adjustments ensure the recipe remains customizable and suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Make It Ahead for Extra Flavor
One of the best features of Country Captain’s Chicken is how well it stores and reheats. Preparing it a day or two in advance allows the spices to fully meld with the chicken, creating an even deeper flavor profile.
Store the cooled dish in the same pot you cooked it in, then reheat gently over low heat to preserve its rich texture and taste.
Not only is this convenient for meal prepping, but it also allows the anti-inflammatory compounds in the spices to work their magic on your body as you enjoy a ready-to-go, comforting meal.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal
To round out your meal and boost its health benefits, consider pairing Country Captain’s Chicken with:
- Brown Rice: A nutrient-rich whole grain that complements the dish’s flavors and adds fiber for digestion.
- Steamed Greens: Broccoli or spinach are great anti-inflammatory sides that balance the dish’s heartiness.
- A Fresh Salad: Toss greens with lemon and olive oil for a zesty, light counterpoint to the rich flavors.
These additions ensure your meal is as balanced as it is delicious.
Country Captain’s Chicken proves that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients, it’s a dish that delights the palate while supporting overall wellness.
Anti-Inflammation Country Captain’s Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot
Ingredients
- 1 4- to 5-lb chicken cut into 8 pieces
- Kosher salt
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large red onion thinly sliced
- 3 celery stalks sliced
- 1½ Tbsp curry powder
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste optional if nightshade-sensitive
- 1 can 28 oz diced tomatoes (optional if nightshade-sensitive)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup raw almonds toasted and coarsely chopped
- 4 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry using paper towels. Generously season all sides of the chicken with kosher salt.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. Working in batches, brown the chicken pieces on both sides until golden, about 8–10 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned chicken to a platter and pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the pot. If the bottom of the pot has burned bits, discard the oil, wipe the pot clean, and add fresh oil.
- Cook the Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium, then add the sliced onion and celery to the pot. Stir frequently, cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the Spices and Tomato Paste (Optional): Stir in the curry powder, freshly ground black pepper, and, if using, the tomato paste. Cook the mixture for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- Incorporate Liquids and Raisins: If using, add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, then stir in the raisins. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any caramelized bits, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them into the mixture. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the chicken simmer gently until it is tender and cooked through, approximately 45 minutes.
- Reduce the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the sauce uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Prepare the Rice: Stir the toasted, chopped almonds into the cooked brown rice to add texture and flavor.
- Plate and Garnish: To serve, spoon the almond-studded rice onto plates. Arrange the chicken on top, ladle the sauce over the chicken, and garnish with the chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.