Chicken Malabar Stew Recipe
If your taste buds need a vacation, this Chicken Malabar Stew will take them straight to Kerala—minus the expensive flight tickets. Creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and tender chicken make this stew a comforting, mildly spiced delight. It’s rich, velvety, and effortlessly delicious. This isn’t your average “boil and eat” soup—it’s a masterpiece of slow-cooked perfection. Pair it with flaky Kerala parotta, soft appams, or plain rice, and watch it disappear faster than your patience when someone asks for “less spice.” Once you taste this, bland stews will become your worst nightmare.
Chicken Malabar Stew Recipe
A creamy, subtly spiced South Indian stew featuring chicken, coconut milk, and whole spices, simmered to perfection for an unforgettable comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken bone-in for deeper flavor
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 green cardamoms
- 3 cloves
- 1- inch cinnamon stick
- 10-12 curry leaves
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 2 green chilies slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 medium carrot diced
- 1 small potato cubed
- 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 cup thin coconut milk
- ½ cup thick coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Spices
- Heat coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add mustard seeds, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and curry leaves.
- Let them sizzle until aromatic.
Step 2: Build the Base
- Throw in sliced onions and green chilies.
- Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Toss in the chicken pieces and stir well.
- Sprinkle black pepper and turmeric powder, ensuring an even coat.
- Sauté for 5 minutes until the chicken is lightly seared.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
- Pour in thin coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add diced carrots and potatoes.
- Cover and cook for 25 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Step 5: Finish with Coconut Goodness
- Stir in thick coconut milk and cook on low for 5 more minutes.
- Add salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Garnish with fresh coriander.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin B6: 22%
- Iron: 16%
- Vitamin C: 10%
- Magnesium: 12%
- Potassium: 14%
Pro Tips for the Best Malabar Chicken Stew
- Use fresh coconut milk for that extra richness—store-bought just doesn’t compare.
- Bone-in chicken enhances the depth of flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chilies.
- Always add thick coconut milk at the end to prevent curdling.
- Pair with Kerala parotta, appams, or even a simple bowl of rice for maximum satisfaction.
