Goan Spiced Chicken Xacuti with Toasted Coconut and Poppy Seeds
A richly spiced chicken curry from Goa, simmered in a fragrant blend of toasted coconut, poppy seeds, and dry roasted spices. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 85 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless, grated coconut, poppy seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 800 g chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 4 cloves
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 4 dried red chilies
- 2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- 15 leaves curry leaves
- 2 cups water
- to taste salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Dry roast 1 cup grated coconut in a skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove and let cool.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, dry roast 2 tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tbsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp black peppercorns, 4 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick, and 4 dried red chilies for 3-4 minutes. Grind them with the toasted coconut into a fine paste using a little water.
- Step 3: Heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 finely chopped medium onions and 15 curry leaves. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 4: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in the prepared coconut-spice paste and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Step 6: Add 800 g bone-in, skinless chicken thighs and salt to taste. Cook for 7-8 minutes on medium-high heat, stirring to coat the chicken well.
- Step 7: Pour in 2 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 8: Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot with steamed rice or Goan poi bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Goan Spiced Chicken Xacuti with Toasted Coconut and Poppy Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (25 min prep + 60 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 Goan Spiced Chicken Xacuti with Toasted Coconut and Poppy Seeds?
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 grated coconut from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Goan Spiced Chicken Xacuti with Toasted Coconut and Poppy Seeds?
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 Goan Spiced Chicken Xacuti with Toasted Coconut and Poppy Seeds 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 Goan Spiced Chicken Xacuti with Toasted Coconut and Poppy Seeds?
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.
