Vadouvan French Chicken

Servings: 4

Author: Chef Connie

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Vadouvan French Chicken

Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 55 Min

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons Vandouvan curry powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, coat the chicken thighs with Vandouvan curry powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then add the chicken broth, coconut milk, and honey. Mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. While the chicken is simmering, prepare the rice. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth, butter, and salt to a boil. Add the basmati rice, stir, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Once the chicken is done, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the chicken over the rice, spooning the sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
8. Serve your Vandouvan French chicken over rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

482.23

Fat

20.98 g

Sat. Fat

10.78 g

Carbs

45.57 g

Fiber

2.26 g

Net carbs

43.28 g

Sugar

4 g

Protein

27.77 g

Sodium

892.75 mg

Cholesterol

125.93 mg

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Vadouvan Chicken: French Classic

Vadouvan chicken is a French-inspired curry that blends the warmth of Indian spices with classic French cooking techniques. Often described as a gentler, more aromatic curry, vadouvan originates from French colonial influence in South India and is known for its subtle heat, shallots, and toasted spice blend.

In this vadouvan chicken recipe, tender chicken is simmered in a creamy, spiced sauce that feels both comforting and elegant — making it ideal for an international date night at home. The flavors are layered but not overpowering, which is why vadouvan is often considered a perfect introduction to curry for those who prefer milder heat.

Served with rice or crusty bread, this French curry is rich, aromatic, and surprisingly simple to prepare, even on a weeknight.

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More French-Inspired Date Night Recipes:

Basque Chicken

French Mustard Chicken

French Tarte