Chicken Cafreal

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Goa with this Chicken Cafreal recipe, a popular dish bursting with aromatic spices and herbs. Marinated in a zesty blend of coriander, mint, green chilies, and warming spices like cloves and cinnamon, this dish is a celebration of bold, tangy, and savory notes with a hint of heat. The chicken is pan-fried to golden perfection, locking in succulent juiciness while creating a tantalizingly rich glaze from the marinade. Perfectly paired with steamed rice, naan, or crusty bread, Chicken Cafreal offers a sensational dining experience that's both comforting and exotic. Quick to prepare but full of depth, this crowd-pleaser captures the essence of authentic Goan cuisine in just a few easy steps.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kg Chicken (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 cup Coriander leaves (cilantro)
• 0.5 cup Mint leaves
• 4 pieces Green chilies
• 6 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 inch Ginger
• 4 pieces Cloves
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 6 pieces Peppercorns
• 0.5 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Oil (for frying)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Water

Directions

Step 1

Clean the chicken thoroughly and cut it into medium-sized pieces. Pat it dry and set aside.

Step 2

In a blender, add coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilies, garlic, ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, lemon juice, vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water. Blend into a smooth paste to create the Cafreal masala.

Step 3

Rub the Cafreal masala thoroughly onto the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Add salt and mix well. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavors.

Step 4

Heat oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer (reserve any leftover marinade). Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If using bone-in pieces, adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Step 5

Add any leftover marinade to the pan along with a splash of water to prevent sticking. Cover and let the chicken cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove it from heat.

Step 7

Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1505.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2107.1

Total Fat 67.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 850mg	0%
Sodium 3258.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 45.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.3g	0%
Total Sugars 6.2g
Protein 323.0g	0%

Vitamin D 50IU	0%
Calcium 747.4mg	0%
Iron 24.2mg	0%
Potassium 4958.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.2%

Protein: 62.0%

Carbs: 8.8%