cardamom and yogurt chicken

Chicken is boring. It’s also probably the meat I eat the most, so perhaps that means I’m a boring eater. I do think the inherent blandness of chicken makes it a good base, so I’m often trying to come up with ways to make chicken interesting. Cardamom is a warm and aromatic spice used heavily in Indian cooking. Cardamom is also strong, so I thought it would pair nicely with chicken. It is, however, pretty expensive. If you live in the US, it’s not unusual to find 4 oz containers of cardamom at your local grocery selling for about $15. If possible, buy cardamom from bulk food sections at co-ops, Middle Eastern, or Indian groceries. I buy most of my spices from San Francisco Herb Company.

Cardamom and Yogurt Chicken
Print this recipe

For marinade:
1.5 c full fat plain yogurt
2 T coconut milk (optional)
1 t salt
cayenne pepper, to taste
1 t turmeric
1 t ground cardamom
1 lb bone-in chicken thighs (with skins)

For cooking:
ghee, butter, or oil
1 red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1″ ginger, minced
salt & pepper
cayenne pepper, to taste
1/2 t ground cardamom
1/2 t ground cinnamon
cilantro (for garnish)
yogurt (for garnish)

In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, coconut milk, salt, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and cardamom. Add chicken and coat with yogurt. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least an hour.

Heat ghee, butter, or oil in a large stockpot. When hot, add onions and cook for 5-7, or until onions are translucent. Add garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, cayenne, cardamom and cinnamon and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chicken and the marinade. Partially cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Flip the chicken occasionally. Cook for about 50 minutes. If too much liquid evaporates, add a little more yogurt or some vegetable or chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper and serve. Garnish with a dollop of yogurt and cilantro or parsley. Serve with naan and rice.

Serves 2

Not quite what you had in mind? Try the recipe index.

Related posts:

1. butter chicken
2. chicken tikka masala
3. hyderabadi-inspired chicken biryani
4. beef curry with potatoes and chickpeas
5. spicy chicken stew

Tags: chicken, dinner, gluten-free, indian