Guyanese Curry Chicken Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

15 Aug, 2023

Embark on a culinary journey with the vibrant flavors of Guyanese curry chicken—a fusion of tradition and taste!

Guyanese Curry Chicken

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: Guyanese
Category: Main Dish
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 calories

About this recipe

Guyanese curry chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that's a staple in Guyanese cuisine. It's a wonderful blend of tender chicken pieces, richly spiced curry, and a touch of creaminess from coconut milk.

To make this dish, you start by marinating the chicken in a mix of curry powder, salt, and pepper. This step allows the flavors to soak into the chicken, making every bite incredibly delicious.

Once marinated, you cook the chicken in a pot with fragrant ingredients like onion, garlic, and ginger. This combo gives the dish a fantastic base of flavors.

As you sauté everything, the curry powder releases its warm and earthy aroma, creating a tantalizing experience for your senses.

Potatoes and carrots join the party, adding a hearty element to the dish. They cook alongside the chicken, soaking up the curry goodness and becoming tender. The coconut milk then steps in, adding a luxurious creaminess to the curry while balancing the spices with its mild sweetness.

As the curry chicken simmers, the flavors meld together, and the chicken becomes tender, soaking up all those wonderful tastes. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect to enjoy with a side of rice or traditional roti.

Recipe origin and background

The Guyanese curry chicken recipe originates from Guyana, a country located on the northeastern coast of South America.

Guyana's cuisine is a rich and diverse fusion of influences from its indigenous peoples, African slaves, East Indian indentured laborers, Chinese immigrants, and European colonizers.

The curry chicken recipe specifically reflects the strong Indian influence in Guyanese cuisine. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Indians were brought to Guyana as indentured laborers to work on sugarcane plantations.

These Indian laborers brought their culinary traditions with them, including the use of spices and curries.

The Guyanese curry chicken recipe combines the Indian technique of using curry spices with locally available ingredients such as chicken, coconut milk, potatoes, and other vegetables.

Over time, the recipe has evolved to incorporate both traditional ingredients and adaptations to suit the local tastes and ingredients available in Guyana.

The dish's popularity has grown not only within the Guyanese community but also among people of different backgrounds who appreciate the flavorful and aromatic qualities of this fusion dish.

It's a true representation of how cultural exchange and blending have led to the creation of a unique and beloved dish that showcases the diverse heritage of Guyana.

Why make this Guyanese Curry Chicken recipe?

Trying the Guyanese curry chicken recipe is a wonderful culinary adventure that offers several compelling reasons:

Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices and seasonings in Guyanese curry chicken creates a truly remarkable flavor profile. From the aromatic curry powder to the rich coconut milk and the harmonious mix of herbs and aromatics, every bite is a burst of deliciousness.
Cultural Exploration: By preparing and enjoying this dish, you're immersing yourself in the cultural tapestry of Guyana. It's a chance to experience the flavors and culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Fusion of Influences: Guyanese curry chicken showcases the fascinating fusion of Indian spices and cooking techniques with local ingredients. This cross-cultural collaboration results in a dish that's unique and incredibly tasty.
Warm and Comforting: The hearty and creamy nature of this dish makes it incredibly comforting, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, gatherings, or when you're seeking some comfort food.
Versatile Ingredients: The recipe is adaptable, allowing you to use different cuts of chicken or customize the spice levels to your preference. You can also adjust the types of vegetables you include, making it versatile and accommodating to your taste.
Expand Your Culinary Skills: Trying new recipes is a great way to develop your cooking skills. From marinating the chicken to working with different spices, you'll be enhancing your abilities in the kitchen.
Impress Others: If you're hosting a meal or a get-together, serving Guyanese curry chicken can be a delightful surprise for your guests. Its unique flavors and enticing aroma are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Shared Experience: Cooking and enjoying this dish can be a shared experience with friends or family. You can cook together, share stories about different cuisines, and create lasting memories.
Variety of Accompaniments: Guyanese curry chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, roti, or even flatbreads. You can experiment with different combinations to find your favorite match.
Delight Your Senses: The aroma, flavors, and textures of Guyanese curry chicken engage all your senses, turning a simple meal into a sensory experience that's both enjoyable and memorable.

In essence, trying the Guyanese curry chicken recipe is an opportunity to embark on a flavorful journey that bridges cultures, expands your palate, and creates a mealtime experience that's truly special.

What does Guyanese Curry Chicken taste like?

Guyanese curry chicken boasts a captivating and delightful taste that's a symphony of flavors. The dish's core feature is its rich and warm curry seasoning, which infuses every bite with a deep, earthy aroma.

The combination of spices, often including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and more, creates a complex flavor profile that's both savory and slightly tangy.

As you take a bite of the tender chicken, you'll experience the harmonious blend of spices that coat the meat. The curry's seasoning seeps into the chicken, resulting in a savory and well-seasoned flavor that's comforting and satisfying.

The dish is balanced by the natural sweetness of coconut milk, which not only adds creaminess but also a touch of mild sweetness that beautifully contrasts the spices. This creaminess complements the overall flavor, tempering the intensity of the curry spices without overpowering them.

Additionally, the inclusion of aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and thyme contributes to the complexity of the taste. These aromatics provide layers of depth that enhance the overall eating experience.

Guyanese curry chicken isn't overwhelmingly spicy, but it can have a pleasant heat that tickles the palate, especially if you decide to add hot pepper sauce or fresh chilies for an extra kick.

The dish's unique appeal comes from its ability to meld different flavors—spices, creaminess, earthiness, and a hint of sweetness—into a balanced and cohesive whole.

Each mouthful is a journey through layers of taste that celebrate both the Indian culinary influence and the local ingredients that make Guyanese cuisine so distinct and cherished.

What is in Guyanese Curry Chicken?

Chicken: The main protein of the dish. It's usually cut into pieces for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
Curry Powder: A blend of various spices, including turmeric, coriander, cumin, and more. It's responsible for the vibrant color and rich flavor of the dish.
Onion: Adds a savory and slightly sweet base to the curry. It's sautéed with other aromatics for depth of flavor.
Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and a hint of sharpness to the curry.
Ginger: Offers warmth and a slightly spicy note to complement the curry spices.
Thyme: An aromatic herb that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Potatoes: Diced potatoes are often added to the curry for texture and to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Carrot: Adds a touch of sweetness and color contrast to the dish.
Oil: Used for sautéing the spices and aromatics and for browning the chicken.
Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess, richness, and a hint of sweetness to balance the spices.
Water: Used to thin out the curry and adjust the consistency to your preference.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Hot Pepper Sauce (optional): If you enjoy heat, you can add hot pepper sauce for extra spiciness.
Cilantro or Parsley (optional): Fresh herbs for garnishing and adding a burst of color and freshness to the final presentation.

Equipment required for this recipe

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is used for cooking the curry chicken. If you don't have a large pot, you can use a deep skillet or a wide saucepan.
Cutting Board and Knife: These are essential for chopping vegetables and preparing the chicken. No substitutes are needed for these basic tools.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: These are used to accurately measure the ingredients. If you don't have measuring spoons or cups, you can use regular kitchen spoons and estimate quantities.
Ladle: Used to scoop and serve the curry chicken and sauce. If you don't have a ladle, you can use a large spoon.
Stirring Utensil: A spoon or spatula for stirring the curry while it simmers. Any spoon or spatula you have on hand will work.
Tongs or Forks: These are handy for browning the chicken and turning the pieces. If you don't have tongs, you can use a fork.
Cooking Timer: To keep track of cooking times. You can use a smartphone timer or a regular kitchen timer.
Chopping Board (For Garnish): If you're garnishing the curry with cilantro or parsley, you'll need a separate chopping board for herbs.

How to make Guyanese Curry Chicken

Discover the authentic Guyanese curry chicken recipe: A flavorful fusion of spices, coconut milk, and tender chicken. Perfect for a cultural culinary adventure!

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon thyme
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Hot pepper sauce (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the curry powder. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the remaining curry powder and let it cook for about 1 minute to release its flavor and aroma.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides.
Once the chicken is browned, add the thyme, diced potatoes, and diced carrot. Mix everything together.
Pour in the coconut milk and water. If you want a spicier dish, you can add some hot pepper sauce at this point.
Cover the pot and let the curry chicken simmer over medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the Guyanese curry chicken with rice or roti.

Enjoy your delicious Guyanese curry chicken meal!

How to serve Guyanese Curry Chicken

After making the Guyanese curry chicken recipe, follow these steps to serve it:

Prepare Serving Dishes: Choose your serving dishes based on personal preference. Guyanese curry chicken is often served with rice, roti, or flatbreads.
Scoop the Curry Chicken: Using a ladle, scoop the curry chicken along with the sauce and vegetables onto the serving dishes. Make sure to distribute the chicken and vegetables evenly.
Garnish: You can garnish the dish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and added freshness. This also adds a touch of extra flavor.
Side Accompaniments: Serve the curry chicken with your chosen accompaniments. If you're serving it with rice, you can mound the rice beside or beneath the curry. If using roti or flatbreads, you can place them on the side or beneath the curry for dipping.
Serve Warm: Guyanese curry chicken is best enjoyed when it's still warm. The aromas and flavors are most pronounced when the dish is freshly cooked.
Enjoy: Invite everyone to the table and savor the delicious flavors of your homemade Guyanese curry chicken. You can encourage your guests to tear off pieces of the roti or flatbread and use them to scoop up the curry for an authentic eating experience.
Additional Condiments: If desired, you can provide additional condiments like hot pepper sauce or chutneys on the table. This allows people to customize the heat and flavor according to their preferences.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 845 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Guyanese Curry Chicken, Guyanese Curry Chicken Recipe, Recipe, Easy, Homemade, Top rated

What to serve Guyanese Curry Chicken with

Guyanese curry chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some options you can consider serving alongside the curry chicken:

Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even fragrant jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices. The neutral flavor of rice complements the flavorful curry chicken sauce.
Roti: Traditional roti or Indian flatbreads are a popular choice. They're great for scooping up the curry and savoring every bit of the delicious sauce.
Naan: Soft and pillowy naan bread is another fantastic accompaniment. Tear off pieces and use them to dip into the curry sauce.
Bread: Crusty bread or baguette slices are a unique option that can help soak up the curry sauce.
Cassava: Boiled or fried cassava is a starchy side that's often enjoyed in Guyana and complements the curry's flavors.
Plantains: Fried or roasted plantains provide a touch of sweetness and texture that contrasts well with the savory curry.
Vegetables: Serve the curry chicken over a bed of steamed or sautéed vegetables like spinach, cabbage, or green beans for a healthier option.
Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the rich curry.
Chutneys: Mango chutney, tamarind chutney, or coconut chutney can be offered as condiments on the side for those who enjoy an extra burst of flavor.
Yogurt: A side of plain yogurt can help cool down the palate if the curry chicken is on the spicier side.

My recommendations and tips

Read the Recipe Thoroughly: Before you start cooking, read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and ingredients involved.
Gather Ingredients: Ensure you have all the ingredients and equipment ready before you begin cooking. This makes the process smoother.
Marination Time: Don't skip the marination step. Allowing the chicken to marinate helps infuse it with flavor, resulting in tastier meat.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder or spicier curry, you can adjust the amount of curry powder and any hot pepper sauce accordingly.
Brown Chicken Well: When browning the chicken, make sure to cook it until it's nicely browned on all sides. This adds flavor and texture to the final dish.
Sauté Aromatics: Take your time sautéing the onion, garlic, and ginger. Properly cooked aromatics form the base of flavor for the curry.
Coconut Milk Consistency: Stir the coconut milk well before adding it to the curry. You might need to adjust the thickness of the curry by adding more or less coconut milk or water, depending on your preference.
Simmer Slowly: Let the curry chicken simmer over medium-low heat. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
Stir Occasionally: Stir the curry occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the chicken pieces.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the curry as it cooks and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference.
Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh spices, herbs, and aromatics. They contribute to the vibrant flavors of the dish.
Garnish: Adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the final presentation.

Potential ingredients substitutes

Chicken: You can use bone-in chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks, or boneless chicken. Alternatively, you can use other proteins like beef, lamb, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Curry Powder: If you don't have curry powder, you can make your own blend using ground spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon. Adjust the quantities to achieve the desired flavor.
Onion: Shallots or leeks can be used instead of onions for a slightly different flavor.
Garlic: If you're out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic. Keep in mind that the flavor will be milder.
Ginger: Ground ginger can be substituted for fresh ginger, but use it in moderation as it's more potent.
Thyme: You can use dried thyme instead of fresh. Alternatively, oregano or rosemary can work as well, though they'll impart different flavors.
Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, yams, or even butternut squash can replace regular potatoes for a twist on the dish.
Carrot: Other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips can be used in place of carrots.
Coconut Milk: If you don't have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream or whole milk for creaminess. However, this will alter the flavor slightly.
Hot Pepper Sauce: You can use red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chopped fresh chilies to add heat.

Final Remark

As you savor each aromatic bite of Guyanese curry chicken, remember that every dish is a story woven with flavors from distant lands. May this culinary journey inspire you to explore more, embrace traditions, and create your own delicious memories. Bon appétit!