Country Captain
Country Captain is a flavorful chicken dish with a delightful blend of spices and sweetness from currants or raisins. This comforting casserole combines tender chicken with tomatoes, almonds, and a hint of curry, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering. Served over rice, it’s a satisfying meal that anyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken, cooked in salted water ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. powdered thyme ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb.) cans tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1/2 c. currants or raisins, soaked in chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 small can or pkg. blanched almonds
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil.
- Add tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the rest of the ingredients (spices and seasonings).
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Add chicken.
- Transfer to a casserole and bake, uncovered, in a 350° oven for 45 minutes.
- Add soaked currants and almonds.
- Serve with or over rice.
- Can freeze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using leftover Baked Chicken instead of boiled chicken. If you want a twist, substitute the currants with dried apricots or omit them altogether for a simpler dish. Adjust the curry powder according to your spice preference, and feel free to add additional vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Country Captain recipe pairs beautifully with rice, which helps soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a green salad or some roasted vegetables. It also goes well with a side of Broccoli Bisque for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in a microwave until heated through. If freezing, ensure it's in a freezer-safe container and consume within 3 months for best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Captain contains roughly 273 calories, with 8g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (346% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 works well and can save cooking time. Just ensure it's cooked thoroughly when added to the casserole. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless pieces may cook faster.
What can I substitute for the almonds if there are allergies?
If there are nut allergies, you can omit the almonds entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. Just be cautious of any other allergies and adjust accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. Just bake it when you're ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
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).