Goan Chicken Xacuti: A Flavorful and Spicy Indian Curry

Goan Chicken Xacuti is a traditional dish from the Indian state of Goa. It is a spicy and flavorful curry made with a complex blend of spices, coconut, and chicken. The dish is considered a delicacy in Goa and is often served on special occasions and celebrations.

CategoryDifficultyIntermediate

Yields1 Serving
Prep Time15 minsCook Time1 hr 15 minsTotal Time1 hr 30 mins

Chicken Marination
 500 g Chicken, Curry Cut Pieces
 ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
 1 tsp Salt
 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
Ground Paste
 2 tbsp Oil
 1 tbsp Coriander Seeds
 6-8 Dried Red Chillies
 1 ½ tbsp Black Peppercorns
 2 Inch Cinnamon
 A Small Piece Mace
 1 Star Anise
 6 Cloves
 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
 2 tsp Poppy Seeds
 1 Large Onion, Sliced
 1 ½ cups Grated Coconut
Curry Preparation
 4 tbsp Oil
 2 Medium Onions, Chopped
 2 Medium Tomatoes, Chopped
 Salt, To Taste
  cup Coconut Milk

Chicken Marination
1

In a bowl, combine chicken, turmeric powder, salt, ginger garlic paste, and lemon juice. Mix well to ensure the chicken is coated evenly.

2

Set aside the mixture and allow it to marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Ground Paste
3

Heat oil in a pan.

4

Add coriander seeds and saute for 2 minutes.

5

Add dried red chillies, black peppercorns, cinnamon, mace, star anise, cloves, fennel seeds, and poppy seeds. Saute for a total of 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6

Add onion and fry until it turns light golden brown and there is no moisture left. Then, grind the mixture with 3/4-1 cup of water to form a fine paste.

7

The xacuti curry paste is now ready to use.

Curry Preparation
8

In a pan, add oil and onions. Cook until golden brown.

9

Add tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.

10

Add marinated chicken and cook for 5 minutes.

11

Mix in the ground curry paste and salt. Cover and cook the chicken for 30 minutes over low flame, giving it a mix occasionally.

12

Add coconut milk and give it a mix. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.

13

Garnish with coriander leaves.

14

Your Goan chicken xacuti is now ready to serve.

Ingredients

Chicken Marination
 500 g Chicken, Curry Cut Pieces
 ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
 1 tsp Salt
 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
Ground Paste
 2 tbsp Oil
 1 tbsp Coriander Seeds
 6-8 Dried Red Chillies
 1 ½ tbsp Black Peppercorns
 2 Inch Cinnamon
 A Small Piece Mace
 1 Star Anise
 6 Cloves
 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
 2 tsp Poppy Seeds
 1 Large Onion, Sliced
 1 ½ cups Grated Coconut
Curry Preparation
 4 tbsp Oil
 2 Medium Onions, Chopped
 2 Medium Tomatoes, Chopped
 Salt, To Taste
  cup Coconut Milk

Directions

Chicken Marination
1

In a bowl, combine chicken, turmeric powder, salt, ginger garlic paste, and lemon juice. Mix well to ensure the chicken is coated evenly.

2

Set aside the mixture and allow it to marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Ground Paste
3

Heat oil in a pan.

4

Add coriander seeds and saute for 2 minutes.

5

Add dried red chillies, black peppercorns, cinnamon, mace, star anise, cloves, fennel seeds, and poppy seeds. Saute for a total of 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6

Add onion and fry until it turns light golden brown and there is no moisture left. Then, grind the mixture with 3/4-1 cup of water to form a fine paste.

7

The xacuti curry paste is now ready to use.

Curry Preparation
8

In a pan, add oil and onions. Cook until golden brown.

9

Add tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.

10

Add marinated chicken and cook for 5 minutes.

11

Mix in the ground curry paste and salt. Cover and cook the chicken for 30 minutes over low flame, giving it a mix occasionally.

12

Add coconut milk and give it a mix. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.

13

Garnish with coriander leaves.

14

Your Goan chicken xacuti is now ready to serve.

Goan Chicken Xacuti

Tips

  • Use freshly ground spices: Grinding the spices fresh will enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish.
  • Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken for at least 20-30 minutes will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
  • Cook over low flame: Cooking the chicken xacuti over a low flame will help to ensure that the flavors of the spices are fully developed and the chicken is tender and juicy.
  • Adjust the spice level to taste: If you prefer a milder or spicier chicken xacuti, adjust the amount of dried red chillies in the recipe accordingly.
  • Use fresh coconut milk: If possible, use freshly made coconut milk for a more authentic and flavorful dish.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves: Adding fresh coriander leaves to the finished dish will add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
  • Serve with rice or bread: Goan Chicken Xacuti is traditionally served with steamed rice or bread, such as naan or roti, to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Allow the dish to rest before serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving will help the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more delicious and satisfying meal.

FAQs

Q: What is Goan Chicken Xacuti?
A: Goan Chicken Xacuti is a traditional Indian curry dish that originates from the coastal state of Goa in India. It is typically made with chicken, a blend of spices, and coconut milk, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic curry.

Q: What spices are used in Goan Chicken Xacuti?
A: The spice blend used in Goan Chicken Xacuti typically includes coriander seeds, dried red chillies, black peppercorns, cinnamon, mace, star anise, cloves, fennel seeds, and poppy seeds. These spices are roasted and ground to create a paste that is used to flavor the curry.

Q: How spicy is Goan Chicken Xacuti?
A: Goan Chicken Xacuti can vary in spiciness depending on the amount of dried red chillies used in the recipe. Typically, it is a medium-spicy curry dish.

Q: Can I make Goan Chicken Xacuti with other types of meat?
A: Yes, you can make Goan Xacuti with other types of meat, such as lamb or fish, if you prefer. The cooking time and preparation method may vary depending on the type of meat used.

Q: Can I make Goan Chicken Xacuti ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Goan Chicken Xacuti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. The flavors tend to develop and intensify over time, making it even more flavorful the next day.

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