Goan Chicken Cafreal
Goan Chicken Cafreal is a intermediate Goan (Indian-Portuguese fusion) recipe that serves 4. 430 calories per serving.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 35 min
Cost: $17.15 total, $4.29 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg Chicken (bone-in pieces, e.g., legs and thighs) (Traditionally bone-in, but boneless can be used)
- 1.5 cups Fresh coriander leaves (with stems) (Packed, washed and roughly chopped)
- 2 inches Fresh ginger (Peeled and roughly chopped)
- 8 cloves Garlic cloves (Peeled (skin-on for extra fiber, optional))
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds (Whole)
- 1 tsp Black peppercorns (Whole)
- 1 leaf Bay leaf (Snipped into pieces)
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick
- 4 whole Cloves
- 4 whole Green chilies (Stems removed, snipped)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 2 tsp Salt (To taste)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 4 tbsp Oil (neutral, e.g., sunflower or canola) (Divided)
- 100 g Chicken livers (optional) (Traditional, can omit)
- 2 medium Potatoes (Sliced for pan-frying)
- 1 whole Lime wedges (For garnish)
- 2 whole Red chilies (fresh or dried, for garnish) (Optional)
- 0.25 cup Fresh coriander (for garnish) (Chopped)
Instructions
Prepare the Green Spice Paste
Roughly chop coriander (with stems), ginger, and garlic. Add to a grinder with cumin seeds, black peppercorns, bay leaf (snipped), cinnamon stick, cloves, green chilies (stems removed, snipped), and lemon juice. Grind to a smooth paste without adding water. Scrape down sides and re-grind if necessary.
Time: PT10M
Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry. Make 2-3 shallow gashes in each piece (not too deep, to avoid meat falling off the bone). Place in a large bowl.
Time: PT5M
Marinate the Chicken
Add salt and turmeric to the chicken. Add all the green spice paste. Mix thoroughly, using hands to rub marinade into all cuts and surfaces. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes (preferably 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator).
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 4°C
Fry the Chicken (First Sear)
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in batches (do not overcrowd). Sear until browned on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove browned pieces and repeat with remaining chicken.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium-high
Slice and Start Potatoes
While chicken is searing, peel and slice potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Finish Cooking Chicken
Return all seared chicken pieces to the pan. Place chicken livers (if using) on top. Add 1/4 cup water to the grinder jar, swirl to collect leftover spice, and pour into the pan. Cover and cook on medium heat for 15 minutes, turning pieces occasionally.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Medium
Pan-Fry Potatoes
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add sliced potatoes in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt. Fry, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 10 minutes).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium
Final Plating and Garnish
Arrange chicken and potatoes on a serving platter. Garnish with lime wedges, red chilies, and fresh coriander.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 430
- Protein
- 28g
- Carbohydrates
- 18g
- Fat
- 26g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free, low-carb
Allergens: None (unless using peanut oil or cross-contaminated spices)
Last updated: April 11, 2026






