Name: Country Captain Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3–4 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (thighs or whole cut-up chicken); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 tbsp vegetable oil or butter; 1 large yellow onion, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp curry powder; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 cup golden raisins; 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional); Cooked white rice, for serving

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Country Captain Chicken is a flavorful one-pot meal that brings together global influences in a way that feels deeply homey and familiar. The dish is incredibly aromatic thanks to the curry powder, and the raisins provide a pleasant sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory tomato sauce. It’s easy to prepare, makes great leftovers, and is perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in chicken pieces (typically thighs or a whole cut-up chicken)
All-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper
Vegetable oil or butter
Yellow onion, sliced
Green bell pepper, chopped
Garlic, minced
Curry powder
Canned diced tomatoes
Chicken broth
Bay leaves
Golden raisins
Toasted sliced almonds
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Cooked white rice (for serving)

Directions

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil or butter and brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened. Add garlic and curry powder, stirring until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Return the chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Add raisins during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Serve chicken over a bed of rice, spoon sauce over the top, and garnish with toasted almonds and fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Boneless chicken: Use boneless thighs or breasts for quicker cooking and easier serving.
Spicier version: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
Fruit twist: Use chopped dried apricots or cranberries instead of raisins.
Nut-free version: Omit almonds if allergies are a concern.
Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or paneer, and use vegetable broth instead.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the rice.

FAQs

What is Country Captain Chicken?

It’s a Southern dish with Indian-inspired flavors, featuring chicken cooked in a spiced tomato curry sauce, often with raisins and almonds.

Where did Country Captain originate?

The dish likely originated from trade routes between India and the American South, particularly Charleston or Savannah, in the 18th or 19th century.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work well and reduce cooking time. Just be careful not to overcook them.

Is this dish spicy?

The curry powder adds warmth and depth, but it’s generally mild. You can increase the heat with cayenne if you like.

What type of curry powder should I use?

A standard mild or medium curry powder works best. Avoid overly hot blends unless you want a spicier result.

Do I have to use raisins?

No, but they add a pleasant sweetness. You can leave them out or substitute with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours.

What’s the best rice for serving?

Plain white rice, basmati, or jasmine rice are ideal. You can also try it with brown rice for a whole-grain option.

How do I toast almonds?

Spread sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until golden and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Conclusion

Country Captain Chicken is a timeless, flavorful dish that blends sweet and savory in the most delightful way. With its unique mix of Southern tradition and Indian-inspired spice, it’s a standout recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or bringing back an old family classic, this dish is both easy to make and endlessly comforting.