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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Slice and Start Potatoes

    While chicken is searing, peel and slice potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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Goan Chicken Cafreal

A vibrant, spicy chicken dish from Goa, India, with roots in African-Portuguese cuisine. Chicken pieces are marinated in a fresh green spice paste and pan-fried, then finished by simmering until tender. Served with golden pan-fried potatoes and garnished with lime, chilies, and coriander.

IntermediateGoan (Indian-Portuguese fusion)Serves 4

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Source Video
45m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.15
Total cost
$4.29
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Prepare the Green Spice Paste
  • Prepare the Chicken
  • Marinate the Chicken
  • Fry the Chicken (First Sear)
  • Finish Cooking Chicken

Safety Warnings

  • Wash hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw chicken.
  • Be cautious when frying to avoid oil splatters.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 74°C/165°F).

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