Instant Pot Country Captain Chicken

Instant Pot country captain chicken is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Country Captain chicken is a comforting Southern classic infused with warm Indian-inspired flavors. Traditionally believed to have originated in Savannah, Georgia, this curried chicken dish may have been introduced to the South by a British officer returning from India. The Instant Pot makes this version especially quick and easy, with tender chicken thighs, sweet raisins, and savory spices coming together in a fragrant tomato-based sauce. Serve it over hot cooked rice or cauliflower rice and top it off with a handful of toasted almonds or fresh herbs for a satisfying meal full of history and flavor.

This Instant Pot shredded chicken is another great way to prepare chicken thighs. Or you might like this easy Indian-style mulligatawny chicken.

Recipe Variations

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor, increasing the cook time to 10 minutes.
• Add a small diced apple along with the vegetables for a hint of sweetness.
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky twist.
• Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger for brightness.
• Replace green bell pepper with red or yellow for added sweetness.
• Use Madras curry powder for a spicier or more complex flavor.
• Stir in a splash of coconut milk at the end for a creamier sauce.
• Top with chopped peanuts or cashews instead of almonds for crunch.

?️How to Serve Country Captain Chicken

• Spoon the chicken and sauce over hot cooked basmati or jasmine rice.
• Use cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option.
• Serve with coconut rice for an aromatic base.
• Serve it with warm naan or flatbread on the side to soak up the sauce.
• Add a side of sautéed greens, such as spinach or kale, for added contrast.
• Offer lime wedges on the side for a bright, citrusy finish.

Instant Pot Country Captain Chicken

Diana

Country captain chicken is a Southern dish with the Indian flavors of curry, raisins, and spices. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy!

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Servings 6 servings

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Course Chicken Thighs, Curry, Instant Pot, Tomatoes

Cuisine Southern

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 7 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  

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• 1 tablespoon bacon drippings, or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, without skin
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder, or to taste
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: slivered or sliced almonds, toasted, for garnish
• Optional: chopped cilantro or parsley

Instructions

• Sauté the Aromatics: Select the sauté button on the Instant Pot. Add the bacon drippings or oil and butter. When the fat is hot and sizzling, add the chopped onion and celery. Cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes. Add the bell pepper and garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
• Add Ingredients: Add the chicken stock to the vegetables and stir, scraping up any browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pot. Arrange the chicken thighs on the vegetables; sprinkle with the curry powder and raisins, and then top with the tomatoes and their juice. Add the cinnamon stick to the pot.
• Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and make sure the steam release valve is in the sealing position. Select ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’, set the pressure to high, and set the timer for 6 minutes. When the time is up, let the pressure come down naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
• Finish the Dish and Serve: Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed. Remove the cinnamon stick and serve the country captain over hot cooked rice. Garnish with sliced toasted almonds and parsley or cilantro, if desired.

Keyword chicken thighs, country captain chicken, curry powder, instant pot, pressure cooker, southern food, tomatoes

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