If you’re a fan of Indian food, be sure to check out my recipe for Butter Chicken, this Coconut Curry Chicken, and Tandoori Chicken.
What is Chicken Vindaloo?
This Chicken Vindaloo is packed with flavor and a subtle kick of spice, thanks to the Kashmiri chili powder. This type of chili powder is common in Indian cooking and has a milder taste than regular chili powder, but infuses a richer color into dishes. As written, this restaurant-worthy meal is mildly spiced, and you can increase or decrease the heat level to fit your preference.
Start the recipe by marinating the chicken in a combination of warm spices for at least 30 minutes to really pack in the flavor. Then, sauté it with the potatoes and the sauce before simmering it for about 30 minutes with broth. When it’s done cooking, it will be super tender, juicy and saucy. You will have everyone wanting to come back for seconds!
Ingredient List
The ingredients in this chicken vindaloo recipe are really quite simple. Other than the Kashmiri chili powder, you probably have all of the seasonings and spices in your pantry. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Chicken: Use boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 2-inch pieces. Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives the marinade a slightly tangy flavor with a bit of sweetness, too, that’s a nice balance to the warm spices! Garlic: Adds the perfect punch of savory flavor. Spices: A blend of Kashmiri chili powder, cumin, coriander, ground black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and salt adds the best warm, smoky flavor to the meal. Ghee: A type of clarified butter that is popular in the culinary traditions of the Middle East and India. Red Onion: Sauté finely diced red onion to add a zesty flavor. Potatoes: Buttery and rich, yellow potatoes soak in all of the delicious sauce and make this dish extra satisfying. Chicken Broth: Gives the marinade extra sauciness to finish the dish. Rice and Cilantro: For a complete meal, serve chicken over rice with naan, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
How to Make Chicken Vindaloo
I love Indian takeout, but when you make chicken vindaloo at home, it just tastes so fresh and you can control all of the ingredients! It’s surprisingly easy too! Here’s how:
Make in the Instant Pot
Chili Powder: If you can’t find the Kashmiri chili powder, regular chili powder works as a great substitute. Heat Level: This particular recipe for chicken vindaloo isn’t overly spicy, however if you’re sensitive to spice, you can decrease the extra 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder added to the sautéing chicken and potatoes to about 1/2 tablespoon or omit completely. Using Ghee: You can find ghee near cooking oils at the grocery store. If you’d prefer to use butter, that will work fine, we just really love the slightly roasted, nutty taste that ghee adds to the dish. Make It Spicier: If you want to really kick up the heat in your chicken vindaloo, add cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
In the Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they will last for up to 4 days. In the Freezer: To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. How to Reheat: For best results, reheat the chicken on the stove. Reheating it in the microwave can make the chicken rubbery and overcooked. Place leftovers in a pan on the stovetop and heat on medium heat, stirring often, till heated through.
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