Chicken in Cardamom Yogurt Sauce

Immerse yourself in rich, aromatic flavors with this recipe for Chicken in Cardamom Yogurt Sauce—a delightful twist on traditional comfort food. Tender, bone-in chicken thighs are marinated in a creamy blend of Greek yogurt, warm spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and fragrant ginger and garlic, ensuring every bite is succulent and packed with flavor. The star of the dish, cardamom pods, are lightly sautéed to release their exotic, floral aroma, creating the base for a luxurious sauce that simmers with the chicken until perfectly tender. Finished with a splash of zesty lemon juice and fresh cilantro, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or naan, making it an irresistible option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Perfect for spice lovers seeking a balance of bold yet approachable flavors, this one-pan recipe is a fragrant culinary journey you won’t want to miss.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 6 pods Cardamom pods
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 large Onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup Chicken broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper (if using), minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2

Lightly crush the cardamom pods with the back of a knife to release their aroma, but keep them intact. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the cardamom pods and sauté them for about 30 seconds to release their fragrance.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and add them to the skillet. Sear the chicken on both sides until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 6

Pour the reserved marinade and chicken broth (or water) into the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook in the sauce for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Once the chicken is fully cooked, check the seasoning and adjust with additional salt, if needed. Stir in the lemon juice for a bright finishing touch.

Step 9

Garnish the dish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or warm naan.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1305.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1763.6

Total Fat 95.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 572.0mg	0%
Sodium 3795.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 35.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.2g	0%
Total Sugars 14.0g
Protein 177.1g	0%

Vitamin D 30IU	0%
Calcium 352.5mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 2134.8mg	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: 50.2%

Protein: 41.6%

Carbs: 8.2%