Easy Chicken Cafreal Recipe with Green Masala

Servings: 4 Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
A Goan Classic Blending Portuguese Heritage and Indian Spices with a Flavorful Green Masala
Chicken Cafreal Recipe pinit

Discover the vibrant flavors of Goa with this simple yet delicious Chicken Cafreal recipe. This Portuguese-influenced dish features tender chicken marinated in a fragrant green masala that will transport your taste buds straight to India’s beautiful coastal state.

What is Chicken Cafreal?

Chicken Cafreal is one of Goa’s most beloved dishes, originally brought to India by Portuguese colonists. However, the recipe has evolved over centuries to incorporate local Indian ingredients and techniques. Today, this green-spiced chicken dish represents the perfect fusion of European and Indian culinary traditions.

The distinctive green masala sets Chicken Cafreal apart from other Indian chicken recipes. Made with fresh cilantro, mint, and powerful spices, this marinade not only adds incredible flavor but also tenderizes the chicken beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First and foremost, this Chicken Cafreal recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Additionally, it requires minimal preparation time, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.

Furthermore, the vibrant green masala delivers complex flavors without requiring hard-to-find ingredients. Most importantly, you’ll appreciate how the bright, herbaceous notes balance perfectly with the warming spices.

The recipe is also quite versatile. For instance, you can adjust the spice level to suit your preference. Moreover, you can serve it with rice, bread, or even as an appetizer with drinks.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Cafreal

To create an authentic Chicken Cafreal, you’ll need:

  • Fresh chicken: Traditionally, bone-in chicken pieces work best as they retain moisture and flavor during cooking.
  • Cilantro and mint: These herbs form the backbone of the green masala, providing vibrant color and fresh flavor.
  • Green chilies: For that essential heat that Goan cuisine is known for.
  • Ginger and garlic: These aromatics add depth and warmth to the masala.
  • Whole spices: Especially cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.
  • Vinegar: Helps tenderize the chicken while adding a subtle tang.

Green Masala: The Heart of Chicken Cafreal

The distinctive green masala is what makes Chicken Cafreal truly special. First, gather all your fresh herbs and spices. Then, blend them together with vinegar to create a smooth, fragrant paste. After that, use this mixture to marinate your chicken pieces thoroughly.

The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful your Chicken Cafreal will be. Therefore, I recommend marinating for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 pounds chicken pieces, bone-in
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 4-5 green chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 1 inch ginger, peeled
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 cinnamon stick, broken
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the green masala: Blend cilantro, mint, green chilies, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves with vinegar until smooth.

Prepare the green masala:

2. Marinate the chicken: Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with the green masala, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Marinate the chicken

3. Heat the cooking surface: Warm oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.

Heat the cooking surface

4. Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Cook the chicken

5. Finish cooking: Cover and simmer on low heat until the chicken is cooked through and tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.

6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges.

Chicken Cafreal Recipe

Tips for Perfect Chicken Cafreal Every Time

For the best results, follow these helpful tips:

  • Use bone-in chicken pieces, as they stay juicier and more flavorful.
  • Don’t rush the marination process – longer marination means better flavor.
  • Adjust the number of green chilies based on your spice preference.
  • Cook the chicken on medium-low heat to allow the flavors to develop without burning the masala.
  • If the masala starts sticking to the pan, add a splash of water.

Serving Suggestions

Traditionally, Chicken Cafreal is served with Goan poi (bread), but it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or naan as well. Furthermore, a simple cucumber and onion salad makes a refreshing side dish that balances the spices perfectly.

You might also enjoy serving this dish with some cooling raita or a wedge of lime to squeeze over the chicken just before eating. Additionally, a cold beer is the traditional beverage pairing in Goa!

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

You can prepare the green masala up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Moreover, the entire dish can be made a day ahead and reheated – in fact, many people believe Chicken Cafreal tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Leftover Chicken Cafreal will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a covered pan with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Conclusion

Chicken Cafreal is a testament to Goa’s rich culinary heritage, blending Portuguese techniques with Indian spices to create something truly spectacular. By following this simple recipe, you can bring a taste of Goa’s sunny beaches and vibrant culture to your dinner table.

Furthermore, once you master this classic dish, you can experiment with the marinade on other proteins like fish or paneer for vegetarians. Consequently, you’ll have a versatile green masala recipe in your culinary arsenal.

Have you tried making Chicken Cafreal before? What’s your favorite Goan dish? Let me know in the comments below!

Easy Chicken Cafreal Recipe with Green Masala

Prep Time 2.25 hrs Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 2 hrs 45 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 4 Calories: 320 kcal Best Season: Fall, Summer Dietary:
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Description

Chicken Cafreal is a Goan classic that beautifully blends Portuguese influence with Indian flavors. Juicy chicken is marinated in a fragrant green masala made with cilantro, mint, and spices, creating a bold, aromatic dish. Brought to Goa by the Portuguese and perfected with local ingredients, this vibrant green-spiced chicken captures the essence of coastal India in every bite.

Ingredients:

Cooking Mode Disabled

Instructions

  1. In a blender, combine cilantro, mint, green chilies, ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cinnamon, cloves, vinegar, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth to form the green masala.

  1. Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces. Make small cuts in the chicken to allow the marinade to penetrate.

  1. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the green masala. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

  1. Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.

  1. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.

  1. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  1. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 1


Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 3.5g18%
Cholesterol 95mg32%
Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 2g
Protein 28g57%

Vitamin C 18 mg
Calcium 55 mg
Iron 3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

- For a spicier version, increase the number of green chilies.

- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, naan, or Goan poi bread.

- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: chicken cafreal, chicken cafreal recipe, chicken cafreal goan recipe, goan chicken cafreal
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About
Luna Food Blogger

Hi, I'm Luna, a full-time food blogger and a passionate home cook. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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