Tender Chicken in Double-Cream Yoghurt Sauce

Are you ready to tantalise your taste buds with a simple yet rich chicken dish? Cooking chicken can be a joyful experience, especially when you have a delicious recipe up your sleeve. In this post, we will focus on a flavourful method to prepare chicken thighs and legs that will leave everyone asking for seconds. While you can use any chicken pieces for this recipe, thighs and legs are the stars due to their juiciness and deeper flavour. Let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Chicken Pieces

Selecting the right chicken parts is key to achieving a great dish. Chicken thighs and legs are renowned for their tenderness and ability to stay moist during cooking. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly, thighs and legs maintain a succulent texture that works wonderfully with various seasonings.

Thighs and legs contains more fat than breast meat. This extra fat not only enhances flavour but also contributes to a more satisfying bite. While you can certainly use other pieces, opting for thighs and legs for this recipe will elevate your meal.

Preparing the Chicken

Begin by gathering your ingredients. You will need:

• Chicken thighs and legs

• Oil for sautéing

• Salt

• Garlic and herb blend

• Water

• Canned sweet tomatoes

• Indian-style tomatoes

• Yogurt

  
  

In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your chicken pieces. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until you achieve a crisp, golden-brown crust. This step is crucial; it not only locks in moisture but also creates a delightful texture by enhancing the chicken’s natural flavours.

As the chicken cooks, sprinkle about a teaspoon of salt and your garlic and herb blend over the pieces. The combination not only boosts the flavour but also highlights the natural richness of the dark meat.

Simmering for Flavour

After browning the chicken, it’s time to add a splash of water—just enough to cover half of the meat. Maintaining this balance allows the bottom part of the chicken to soak up flavours while keeping the top nice and crispy.

Cover the pan and let it simmer for around 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the chicken will fully cook, and flavours will harmonise. The covered pan steams the meat, keeping it moist and tender while ensuring the crust remains crispy.

Adding the Tomatoes

Next, add the sweet tomatoes and Indian-style tomatoes to the pan. These ingredients bring a natural sweetness and a mild spice that enhances the dish. Gently stir the tomatoes into the chicken, making sure each piece is coated with that vibrant tomato sauce.

Allow the dish to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This ensures the tomatoes soften and infuse their flavours throughout the chicken. Not only will the taste be fantastic, but the colourful blend will also make your dish visually appealing.

Finishing Touches with Yogurt

For a creamy finish, stir in the yoghurt. This not only adds a rich texture but also helps balance the dish's flavours. Allow this mixture to simmer for about a minute, just long enough for the yogurt to meld into the sauce beautifully.

Once everything is well combined, carefully remove the pan from the heat. Your delicious chicken dish is now ready!

Serving Suggestions

This savoury chicken dish pairs excellently with various sides. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, which absorbs the flavourful sauce beautifully.

• Pair it with warm dombolo or naan bread to soak up each tasty drop.

  
  

To add a refreshing contrast, consider serving alongside a crisp salad or some lightly steamed vegetables.

To elevate the presentation, sprinkle fresh herbs like coriander or parsley just before serving. This simple touch adds not just colour but also a burst of fresh flavour.

A Delicious Cooking Experience

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. With rich flavours and a crispy texture, it’s bound to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the delightful taste of perfectly cooked chicken!