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Best Easy Chicken Cafreal Recipe

Name: Best Easy Chicken Cafreal Recipe
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 180 g
Ingredients: bone-in skinless chicken thighs 2 lbs; cilantro 1.5 cups; green chilies 4 pieces; ginger 1 tbsp; garlic 6 cloves; lime 1 pieces; black pepper 1 tsp; cloves 4 pieces; cinnamon stick 1 inch; coriander seeds 1.5 tsp; turmeric powder 0.5 tsp; salt 1 tsp; olive oil 2 tbsp

Chicken cafreal is a Goan green masala preparation marinated in cilantro, green chilies, and spices. This fresh, high protein chicken dish is naturally lean and suits those on a calorie deficit or weight loss journey.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 230 kcal

#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

bone-in skinless chicken thighs 2 lbs
cilantro 1.5 cups
green chilies 4 pieces
ginger 1 tbsp
garlic 6 cloves
lime 1 pieces

Seasonings/Sauce

black pepper 1 tsp
cloves 4 pieces
cinnamon stick 1 inch
coriander seeds 1.5 tsp
turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
salt 1 tsp
olive oil 2 tbsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 7 g 12%

Protein 29 g 50%

Fat 7 g 27%

Serving size 180g

Cooking steps

1

Prepare the cafreal marinade by blending cilantro, green chilies, ginger, garlic, lime juice, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, coriander seeds, turmeric, and salt to a fine paste.
2

Pat chicken thighs dry, then rub thoroughly with marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, then add chicken, reserving excess marinade.
4

Sear chicken thighs for 3 minutes per side until golden, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–22 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
5

For a vibrant finish, uncover, add reserved marinade, increase heat to medium, and cook for another 2–3 minutes while spooning sauce over the chicken; serve hot.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Chicken Cafreal recipe?

The core flavor drivers are fresh cilantro and green chilies, blended into a marinade with garlic, ginger, and warm spices. This green masala is essential for the characteristic taste, aroma, and vibrant color that define Chicken Cafreal.

Q. Which step is most critical for juicy, flavorful chicken?

Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight ensures deep flavor penetration and tender, juicy meat. Searing on medium-high before slow-cooking prevents dryness and locks in moisture.

Q. How can I avoid dry or overcooked chicken in this recipe?

After searing the thighs, lowering the heat and covering the skillet lets them cook gently, preventing overcooking. Turning occasionally and finishing with additional marinade keeps the meat moist and full of flavor.

Q. How many calories and what's the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?

Each 180g serving contains approximately 230 kcal, with 29g protein and 7g carbohydrates. Protein provides about 50% of calories, while carbs contribute 12%, making this a high-protein dish suitable for weight-conscious eaters.

Best Easy Chicken Cafreal Recipe

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