Country Captain Chicken
Treat your family to country captain chicken, a Southern dish influenced by Indian curry. Discover the history and origins of the recipe.
Country captain chicken is a bold, comforting dish that brings together Southern tradition and Indian spice. In this version, bone-in chicken thighs are dredged in seasoned flour, browned, and simmered in a rich tomato curry sauce with raisins and coconut. It’s warm, aromatic, and deeply satisfying served over rice.
The dish has deep roots in the South—particularly Savannah—and its flavor profile reflects the historic spice trade. Its name likely refers to a “country captain” in the East India Company, and recipes for it date as far back as the early 1800s. Whether made for a weeknight dinner or a special Sunday meal, country captain is a flavorful fusion that’s stood the test of time.
Eliza Leslie, a Philadelphia cook, includes a recipe for the dish in her 1857 cookbook, “Miss Leslie’s New Cookery Book” She suggests that the term “country captain” refers to a captain of native Indian troops (sepoy) “in the pay of England,” , hinting at the dish’s potential introduction at English tables. Miss Leslie’s recipe calls for fried cut-up chicken, onions, curry powder or turmeric, butter, and finely grated coconut, served with boiled rice. There’s a similar recipe in Mary Randolph’s 1824 cookbook, “The Virginia Housewife,” called “To Make a Dish of Curry After the East Indian Manner.”
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Rich with history. A unique blend of Southern and Indian influences makes this dish a conversation starter as well as a meal.
Layered flavor. Curry, coconut, garlic, and vegetables simmer together into a complex, fragrant stew.
One-pot convenience. Everything simmers in the Dutch oven after browning the chicken—less cleanup, more flavor.
Perfect with rice. Serve it over fluffy rice for a hearty, complete dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are flavorful and hold up well to simmering.
- Flour, salt, and pepper: Used to season and dredge the chicken for browning.
- Butter and oil: Butter for sautéing vegetables, oil for browning the chicken.
- Onion, carrot, bell pepper: Aromatic base for the sauce—use any color of bell pepper.
- Garlic: Adds depth and sharpness to the curry base.
- Diced tomatoes: Provide acidity and body to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Choose low-sodium broth so you can adjust salt to taste.
- Madras curry powder: Adds warm, complex spice—adjust to taste or use a spicier blend.
- Coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut adds texture and mild sweetness.
- Raisins or currants: Offer a traditional hint of natural sweetness.
- Almonds and herbs: Toasted almonds and chopped cilantro or parsley add the perfect finishing touch.
Steps to Make Country Captain Chicken
- Melt butter in a Dutch oven and sauté onion, carrot, and bell pepper until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and cook briefly, then add the tomatoes, broth, and curry powder.
- In a skillet, heat oil and brown the floured chicken thighs on both sides.
- Transfer the browned chicken to the Dutch oven with the tomato mixture.
- Simmer the stew gently until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add coconut and raisins and simmer a few more minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, then garnish with almonds and fresh herbs before serving.
Tips
- Use Madras curry powder for more heat, or add cayenne if using a mild curry blend.
- Brown the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- For a richer sauce, substitute part of the broth with coconut milk.
- Lightly toast the coconut in a dry skillet for extra nutty flavor.
Recipe Variations
- For extra heat: Use a spicier curry powder or stir in cayenne pepper to taste.
- Swap the protein: Try turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a twist on the classic.
- Change the starch: Serve it with quinoa, couscous, or even mashed potatoes.
- Try new garnishes: Use parsley, scallions, or toasted coconut instead of almonds and cilantro.
- Add acidity: Finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a bright, tangy contrast.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over hot cooked rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Add warm naan or flatbread for dipping and scooping.
- Pair with sautéed spinach, roasted root vegetables, or steamed peas.
- Include mango chutney or cucumber raita on the side for a cooling contrast.
- Top with toasted almonds and fresh herbs for crunch and color.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in portions for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Country Captain Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 3 pounds chicken thighs, with bone and skin, about 6 thighs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 14.5-ounce can tomatoes, diced
- 1 cups chicken broth, preferably low sodium
- 2 to 3 teaspoons curry powder, Madras , or to taste
- 1/4 cup coconut, dried shredded
- 1/4 cup golden raisins, or currants
- Slivered almonds, toasted, for garnish
- Chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced carrot, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the onion is translucent, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
- Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, and curry powder to the Dutch oven and stir to blend. Set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Combine the flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper in a bowl. Dredge the chicken thighs in the flour mixture and cook in the hot oil, skin-side down, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
- Use tongs to transfer the chicken to the Dutch oven, coating with the tomato mixture.
- Bring the stew to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the coconut and raisins and cook for 5 minutes longer. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
