Country Captain Chicken

Country Captain Chicken is a treasured recipe that has been passed down through generations in my Southern family. Originally from Columbus, Georgia, this dish has roots tracing back to India and has been enjoyed since the early days of the American colonies. With its rich history and delicious flavors, Country Captain Chicken is a true culinary gem.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 pound bone-in chicken breast halves
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1¼ teaspoons salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 medium green peppers, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• ¼ cup dried currants or raisins
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Hot cooked rice
• ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
• Additional minced fresh parsley (optional)

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Place the chicken in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
3. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the chicken and toss to coat.
4. In a Dutch oven, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat.
5. Brown the chicken in batches on all sides and then remove from the pan.
6. Add the onions, peppers, and garlic to the pan drippings. Cook and stir over low heat until tender.
7. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the curry powder and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
8. Stir in the diced tomatoes, currants or raisins, minced parsley, dried thyme, and remaining salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
9. Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
10. Skim off any fat and serve the chicken and sauce over hot cooked rice.
11. Sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds and additional minced fresh parsley, if desired.

YIELD: 4 servings

COOKING TIME: 35-45 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• You can use a combination of bone-in chicken thighs and breast halves for a variety of textures and flavors.
• Browning the chicken before baking adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Be sure to toast the slivered almonds for a crunchy and nutty garnish.
• Adjust the spiciness of the curry powder to your taste preference.

Country Captain Chicken is a beloved recipe with a fascinating history. With origins in India, this curry-spiced dish made its way to the American South centuries ago, likely brought by ships transporting spices to port cities. Its flavors and heritage have made it a cherished part of Southern cuisine. In fact, General George S. Patton enjoyed it so much that it became one of the ready-to-eat meal packs for the U.S. Army.

To prepare this delightful dish, the chicken is coated with a seasoned flour mixture and browned to perfection. Onions, green peppers, and garlic are sautéed to create a fragrant base. The addition of curry powder infuses the dish with warm and aromatic flavors. Diced tomatoes, dried currants or raisins, fresh parsley, and dried thyme further enhance the taste profile.

After a brief stovetop simmer, the dish is transferred to the oven for gentle baking, allowing the chicken to become tender and juicy. Skimming off any excess fat ensures a lighter finished dish. Serve the Country Captain Chicken over hot cooked rice, and don’t forget the final touches—sprinkle toasted slivered almonds for crunch and add a garnish of fresh parsley.

This flavorful and comforting Country Captain Chicken is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the American South. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or exploring new flavors, this dish will surely delight your taste buds and transport you to the crossroads of Indian and Southern cuisine.