Description
Tomato chicken brings pure comfort straight from my kitchen to your dinner table. Simmered with ripe tomatoes and aromatic spices, this simple yet delicious dish turns an ordinary evening into a memorable family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 6 skinless chicken thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Base and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 slice fresh ginger root
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1 inch piece cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 14.5 ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
Instructions
- Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Sauté 1 large chopped onion, 4 chopped garlic cloves, and 1 slice fresh ginger until they turn golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon cardamom, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper into the pan. Stir continuously for 60 seconds to release their aromatic oils.
- Carefully place 6 skinless chicken thighs into the spice-coated pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Pour 1 14.5-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes (crushed) over the chicken. Add 2 bay leaves and ¼ cup water to create a simmering sauce.
- Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer the chicken for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Check the sauce consistency periodically. Gently stir every 10 minutes to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Remove 1 cinnamon stick and 2 bay leaves from the pan. Your chicken is ready when the meat becomes tender and the sauce thickens.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped coriander and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Toast those whole spices gently to release their full aromatic potential and deepen the flavor profile of your dish.
- Select bone-in chicken thighs for richer taste and more tender meat that stays juicy throughout cooking.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning the delicate spice blend.
- For a lighter version, substitute chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out the meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg