Country Captain is a beloved Southern dish that beautifully combines the flavors of chicken, spices, and vegetables in a rich, aromatic sauce. This dish has roots in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and is often associated with the region’s rich culinary history. Traditionally served over rice, Country Captain is a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Let’s explore this delightful recipe, brought to you by I WUV COOKING.
What Makes It Special
What makes Country Captain special is its unique blend of spices and the way it brings together various ingredients to create a harmonious and flavorful dish. The combination of chicken, tomatoes, and curry powder gives it a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other stews. The dish is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for variations with different proteins or vegetables. It’s a true representation of Southern comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.
Ingredients
To make a delicious pot of Country Captain, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own flavorful Country Captain:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Brown the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the curry powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Return Chicken to the Pot: Place the browned chicken back into the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Raisins: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the raisins, allowing them to plump up in the sauce.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, serve the Country Captain over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with slivered almonds and fresh parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 25g
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Chicken Options: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer a leaner option, but the skin-on, bone-in pieces add more flavor and moisture.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. You can also add more curry powder for a stronger flavor.
- Make Ahead: Country Captain can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Conclusion
Country Captain is a delicious and hearty dish that showcases the rich flavors of Southern cooking. Its unique combination of spices and ingredients makes it a comforting meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with your family and friends! How did your Country Captain turn out? Let us know, and don’t forget to follow us for more delightful recipes!
Delicious Country Captain: A One-Pot Southern Delight
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 cup raisins
- 4 cups slivered almonds (optional)
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
- Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth and raisins. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- If using, stir in the slivered almonds before serving.
- Serve the Country Captain over cooked rice.
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