Cafreal-Style Chicken with Portuguese Spice Blend

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bone-in chicken thighs cooked in a vibrant spice blend with vinegar and tomato, reflecting Goan Portuguese heritage. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs Chicken, Onion, Tomato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 480 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs with 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric, and 1 tsp salt. Marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1-inch minced ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 chopped medium tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp vinegar and 1/2 cup water, then add marinated chicken. Cook for 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is golden and cooked through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cafreal-Style Chicken with Portuguese Spice Blend take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cafreal-Style Chicken with Portuguese Spice Blend?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cafreal-Style Chicken with Portuguese Spice Blend?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cafreal-Style Chicken with Portuguese Spice Blend for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cafreal-Style Chicken with Portuguese Spice Blend?

Indian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes