Paleo Curry Chicken

One of the ingredients in this recipe is curry powder. That’s actually kind of a trick ingredient. Yes, you can go to the store and get something that has the words “curry powder” written on it (remember to check your labels for non-Paleo friendly preservatives and stuff!). And it’s fine if you’d like to use that. But, the word “curry” actually refers to a mix of spices – and that mix can be different, depending on your likes and dislikes.

I would really encourage you to try your hand at making your own curry powder mix. There are plenty of recipes on the internet, with subtle (and some not so subtle) variations. Like it spicier? Go for something with red pepper! Like it sweeter? Look for recipes with cinnamon. Other common ingredients are cumin (ground or seeds), ginger, and turmeric.

If it’s your first time making your own curry powder mix, go with one that’s middle of the road and looks popular. Next time, try another, or tweak the first one you made. Once you settle on “your” curry recipe, make a larger batch of it and store it in an airtight container. Then, you have a pre-made mix of your own, ready to go. And sure, it’s great on chicken, like in this recipe, but it’s great with a lot of other things too. Add a dash to a soup that needs a little pep or sprinkle over a bland salad to make it out of this world. Curries are all about flavor!

You’ll notice I use chicken thighs and not breasts in this recipe. Chicken breasts seem like everyone’s go-to chicken part so maybe this is strange to you, but let me explain: the thighs taste SO much better! The reason they taste better? They’re higher in fat, and fat not only keeps the chicken moist (I really hate dried out chicken breasts) and fat is what carries flavor the best.

If you’re new to Paleo, don’t worry about the fat. When you’re eating Paleo, that doesn’t matter, as long as you’re following the other Paleo guidelines. Isn’t that exciting? More savory, delicious, moist, and satisfying food. Does anyone wonder why I love Paleo?

Often times, curries are served with a heaping bowl of rice, or maybe some naan bread on the side. But since this is a Paleo recipe, I have to alternatives for you. Instead of rice, you could try cauliflower rice. It will give you the chewy rice texture and with all that curry flavor, you’ll never know the difference by taste. Or, you can try your hand at making my Paleo naan bread. See? There’s a Paleo solution to every dining desire.

So pull out a heavy cooking dish, sear those chicken thighs on both sides until they are a little bit brown (hint: don’t keep checking them or they won’t brown!). This will render out some of the fat and add flavor to your dish in general.

Then once you get all your ingredients, including the chicken, back in the dish, drop on the cover, turn down the heat, and do something relaxing. Read a book. Meditate (if you can manage to concentrate as your house fills with the fragrance of curry…). Re-organize your spice drawer (yes, I find this relaxing).

And in a little less than an hour, you will have a hearty Paleo curry chicken dish, ready to enjoy.

(Make this next: Chicken Panang Curry with Cauliflower Rice)