Curried Chicken Thighs
A flavorful curried chicken thigh dish featuring tender meat in a spiced apple and onion sauce, perfect for those who enjoy rich, aromatic flavors with rice. Suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat margarine until hot in a skillet.
- Lightly brown chicken thighs on both sides, then transfer to a shallow baking dish.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and peeled chopped apple in the drippings.
- Stir in flour, curry powder, and salt; cook for about 30 seconds while stirring.
- Add tomato paste, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and ginger; stir to combine.
- Whisk in chicken broth until the mixture is smooth.
- Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Spoon half of the sauce over the chicken and bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in yogurt and spices for a couple of hours before cooking. If you're out of margarine, butter or olive oil can be used as a substitute. To add more veggies, toss in some peas or bell peppers during the sautéing step. For a lighter option, swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious served over parsleyed rice, which complements the rich flavors of the curry. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a refreshing cucumber salad or roasted vegetables. It also goes well with Indian recipes like naan or chapati for an authentic touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover curried chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce moist. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Curried Chicken Thighs contains roughly 339 calories, with 17g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and potassium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 888mg per serving (39% 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 bone-in chicken thighs instead of skinless?
Yes, bone-in chicken thighs can be used for added flavor and moisture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through compared to skinless thighs.
What can I substitute for curry powder?
If you don’t have curry powder on hand, a combination of turmeric, cumin, and coriander can be a suitable substitute. Adjust the proportions to taste, and feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for additional warmth.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and follow the same cooking instructions for a delicious alternative.
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).