Cafreal-Style Chicken with Portuguese Spice Blend

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-18 · Updated 2026-04-18

Bone-in chicken thighs cooked in a vibrant spice blend with vinegar and tomato, reflecting Goan Portuguese heritage. This Indian-inspired chicken recipe, 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.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Chicken
• 1 medium Onion
• 2 medium Tomato
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 1-inch piece Ginger
• 1 tsp Red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp Vinegar
• 1/2 cup Water

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

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.