Cheese And Spicy Curry Chicken: A Perfect Pairing

There are many types of cheese that go well with curry chicken, including cheddar, gouda, Colby jack, and paneer. The type of cheese that works best may depend on the other ingredients in the dish and personal preference. For example, a curry chicken dish with coconut milk and mayonnaise might call for cheddar cheese, while a dish with bone broth might pair well with Colby jack or gouda.

Cheddar cheese sauce

Ingredients

• Butter
• Flour (e.g. Einkorn flour, whole wheat flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
• Milk or Cream
• Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• Spices (e.g. curry powder, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, sea salt)
• Chicken Broth (bone broth can be used for extra flavour)
• Sour Cream
• Vegetables (e.g. onion, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower)

Method

• Start by melting butter in a pan.
• Whisk in the flour and some salt and pepper.
• Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously.
• Add in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted.
• You can also add spices to the sauce, such as curry powder, cumin, and coriander, to enhance the flavour.
• For a thicker sauce, use less milk, and for a thinner sauce, add more milk.

Tips

• This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.
• When reheating, do so on low heat to avoid scorching the sauce.
• The sauce tends to thicken when reheated, so you may need to add some milk or water to thin it out.
• For a healthier option, you can use bone broth instead of milk or cream to make the sauce less heavy.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce goes well with chicken, rice, and vegetables. Simply pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and bake in the oven until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.

Enjoy your delicious curry chicken with cheddar cheese sauce!

Casserole

Cheesy Curry Chicken Casserole

A curry chicken casserole is a great way to enjoy a delicious, comforting, and creamy meal. This dish combines the flavours of curry and cheese for a unique and tasty experience. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own cheesy curry chicken casserole.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Broccoli
• Cream of chicken soup
• Mayonnaise
• Curry powder
• Cheddar cheese
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Other vegetables of your choice (e.g. onion, celery, carrots)

Preparation

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut the chicken into cubes and cook it through by sautéing or grilling. You can also use canned or rotisserie chicken as a convenient alternative.

Next, prepare your vegetables. Broccoli is a popular choice, but you can also add onions, celery, carrots, or garlic for extra flavour. Sauté or microwave the vegetables until they are softened or fork-tender.

Making the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder, and shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add milk or sour cream to adjust the consistency and taste. For a crunchy topping, melt butter in a pan and stir in breadcrumbs until they are coated and browned.

Assembling the Casserole

In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked chicken and vegetables. Pour the curry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is coated evenly. Top the casserole with the breadcrumbs, if desired, and the remaining shredded cheese.

Baking

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you desire a crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for a few minutes. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serving

Cheesy curry chicken casserole can be served as-is or with a side of white rice. It's a versatile dish that can be customised to your taste, and it's perfect for a comforting family meal or a potluck gathering. Enjoy!

Rice

Type of Rice

Basmati rice is a popular variety that works well with curry dishes. It has a delicate texture and a slightly nutty flavour, making it a perfect complement to the rich and spicy flavours in curry. Other types of rice that can be used include brown rice, white rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Preparation

To cook the rice, start by rinsing it thoroughly in cold water to remove any excess starch. This will help prevent the rice from becoming sticky. Use a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water for basmati rice, and adjust the ratio slightly for other types of rice as needed. Bring the water to a boil, add a pinch of salt to taste, and then add the rice. Stir once, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to simmer gently until all the water has been absorbed, which should take about 12-15 minutes for basmati rice. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.

Serving

When serving the rice with your cheesy curry chicken, you can keep it simple and serve the curry on a bed of rice. Alternatively, you can get creative and shape the rice into rings or other shapes using moulds for a more elegant presentation. You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh coriander or cilantro over the rice for added colour and flavour.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover rice, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired amount of rice in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave for about a minute, or until it is warmed through. You can also reheat rice on the stovetop by adding a small amount of water to a saucepan, adding the rice, covering, and heating until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Yogurt

To make a delicious yogurt-based chicken curry, you can follow these steps:

Ingredients:

• Boneless or bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
• Spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and cayenne
• Fresh garlic, ginger, and onion
• Vegetable oil or ghee
• Tomato paste or grated tomatoes
• Plain whole milk yogurt
• Heavy cream or coconut milk
• Garam masala
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Method:

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate them in a mixture of spices, including salt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and cayenne. You can leave the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• In a blender or food processor, puree the onion, garlic, and ginger with a small amount of water until smooth. This aromatic paste will serve as the base of your curry.
• Heat oil or ghee in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• In the same pan, add the onion-ginger paste and cook until the water evaporates, stirring occasionally. This step helps to develop the flavour of the paste.
• Add the remaining spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, to the paste and cook for a brief period. Then, stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
• Now, it's time to add the star ingredient—the yogurt. To prevent curdling, add the yogurt a tablespoon at a time, stirring well after each addition. You can also use Greek yogurt, which is less likely to curdle.
• Return the chicken pieces to the pan, along with any accumulated juices. Pour in water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
• Finally, stir in the Garam masala and cream or coconut milk. Give it a few minutes to heat through, and then your curry is ready to serve!

This yogurt-based chicken curry is a perfect example of the authentic flavours of Northern India. It is a comforting and flavourful dish that can be enjoyed with steamed rice, homemade naan, or other flatbreads.

Broth

There are a variety of broths that can be used in curry chicken recipes. For example, a chicken curry can be made with a chicken broth base. To make a chicken broth, one would typically simmer chicken bones in water for several hours to extract the flavour. This can then be used as a base for the curry sauce.

Another option is to use a bone broth, which is a type of broth made from simmering animal bones and connective tissues. Bone broth has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its perceived health benefits, such as improving joint health and boosting the immune system. When making bone broth, it is common to add vegetables, herbs, and spices to enhance the flavour. This can be a good option for curry chicken as it adds a depth of flavour to the dish.

Vegetable broth is another option for those who prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, or simply want to add more vegetable flavour to their curry. Vegetable broth is made by simmering vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery in water, and can also include herbs and spices. This type of broth can add sweetness and depth of flavour to the curry sauce.

When making a curry chicken dish, it is important to consider the type of broth that will best complement the other ingredients. For example, if using a strong cheese such as cheddar, a milder broth may be preferable to avoid overwhelming the dish. On the other hand, if using a milder cheese, a stronger broth could add a boost of flavour. Experimenting with different types of broth can help to find the perfect balance of flavours for your curry chicken dish.

Frequently asked questions