Chicken In Light Sauce
Tender chicken in a light, flavorful sauce with garlic, ginger, spices, and a hint of lemon, perfect for a comforting meal with bold, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. plain yogurt ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1-inch cube fresh ginger ⓘ
- 4 chicken legs ⓘ
- 1 whole chicken breast ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 cinnamon stick ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 5 whole cardamom pods
- 5 whole cloves ⓘ
- 2 hot dried red peppers ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground turmeric ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, yogurt, and 1 cup of water.
- Mix well and set aside.
- Put garlic and ginger into a blender along with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Blend into a smooth paste.
- Divide the chicken legs into thigh and drumstick portions.
- Quarter the chicken breast and remove the skin.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed 10 to 12-inch casserole-type pot over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown.
- Add cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, and red peppers into the same oil used for frying.
- Stir once to combine and release the spices' aroma.
- Pour in the garlic-ginger paste from the blender (be cautious of splattering) and add turmeric.
- Stir and fry for about a minute.
- Add the fried chicken, tomato sauce mixture, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover the pot, lower the heat, and simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the chicken gently halfway through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the yogurt and spices for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have fresh ginger, ground ginger can be used as a substitute, but reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon. To add more depth, consider incorporating a teaspoon of garam masala to the final sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken In Light Sauce with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad adds a nice contrast. For a flavorful twist, pair it with Chicken Tandoori(India) for a delightful feast that showcases a range of spices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the pot and warm over low heat to prevent drying out. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In Light Sauce contains roughly 589 calories, with 13g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (201% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1681mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time as it may cook faster. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. Using chicken thighs can add more moisture and flavor to the dish.
What can I substitute for yogurt if I’m dairy-free?
You can use coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt as a substitute for regular yogurt. This will maintain the creaminess of the sauce while keeping it dairy-free. Alternatively, a blend of silken tofu and a splash of lemon juice can also replicate the tangy flavor.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more hot dried red peppers or include some chopped fresh green chilies. You can also incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the sauce while cooking for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).