Chicken and Tamarind Date Chutney
A zesty and flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring chicken cooked in a rich tamarind date chutney, served over basmati rice.




4.3 / 5 (727)
Ingredients
For the chicken
- boneless chicken thighs
1 pound
- garam masala
a pinch
- salt
1 teaspoon
- black pepper
a few grinds
For the tamarind date chutney
- dates
1 cup
- tamarind paste
2 tablespoons
- brown sugar
1 tablespoon
- water
1 cup
- ginger paste
1 teaspoon
- cayenne pepper
a pinch
For serving
- basmati rice
2 cups
- fresh cilantro
a sprinkle
Instructions
- 1
Marinate the chicken in a mixture of garam masala, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk together garam masala, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and mix until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- 2
Soak the dates in water for 30 minutes, then blend with tamarind paste, brown sugar, ginger paste, and cayenne pepper to make the chutney.
Rinse the dates and soak them in water for 30 minutes. Drain and add to a blender with tamarind paste, brown sugar, ginger paste, and cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- 3
Cook the chicken in a little oil until browned on all sides, then add the chutney and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook the chicken until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Add the chutney to the skillet and stir to coat the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
- 4
Serve the chicken over basmati rice, garnished with a sprinkle of cilantro.
Fluff the cooked basmati rice with a fork and divide among plates. Top with the chicken and chutney, then sprinkle with cilantro. Serve immediately.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
375
4
219
3
107
2
11
1
15
Reviews
- AishaP90
A creative take on traditional Indian flavors, but not quite a home run for me. As a vegetarian, I was initially disappointed to see chicken as the main ingredient. That being said, I appreciate the use of tamarind and dates to create a rich and tangy chutney. The dish seems to blend flavors nicely, but I think it would be fantastic with a vegetarian protein substitute. I'd love to see a version of this recipe with paneer or portobello mushrooms. The use of basmati rice and cilantro as garnish is spot on, though. Overall, a tasty and interesting dish that could be improved with a few tweaks to suit my taste.
- Fati2001
I must commend the creator of this recipe for their ingenuity in combining the flavors of tamarind and dates with chicken. As someone who appreciates spicy stews, I was pleased to see the inclusion of cayenne pepper in the ingredients list. The use of injera bread is not possible in this recipe, but I believe the basmati rice serves as a suitable substitute. I was a bit apprehensive about the sweetness level, as I am not fond of sweet dishes, but the brown sugar is used judiciously and does not overpower the other flavors. The preparation and cooking times are reasonable, and the steps are clear and easy to follow. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to those who enjoy trying new flavors and are looking for a dish that is both nourishing and delicious. However, I would suggest adjusting the amount of brown sugar to suit individual tastes, as some may prefer a less sweet chutney.
- AishaHP2001
## Initial Impression This recipe for Chicken and Tamarind Date Chutney, while intriguing, presents several issues that detract from its appeal for someone with my preferences. ## Key Concerns 1. **Non-Vegetarian**: The use of boneless chicken thighs renders this dish non-vegetarian, which is a significant drawback given my dietary preferences. 2. **High Sugar Content**: The inclusion of brown sugar in the tamarind date chutney is concerning due to my inclination to avoid high sugar content in meals. 3. **Halal Compliance**: There's no information provided about the halal status of the ingredients, such as the potential use of non-halal chicken or alcohol in the cooking process. ## Suggestions for Modification - **Vegetarian Alternative**: Consider substituting chicken with a plant-based protein source like paneer or tofu, marinated in similar spices. - **Sugar Reduction**: Reduce or eliminate the brown sugar in the chutney. Natural sweetness from dates could suffice or be enhanced with minimal additional sweeteners. - **Halal Verification**: Ensure all ingredients, especially the chicken if retained, are halal-certified. ## Conclusion While the concept of a tamarind date chutney is appealing and I enjoy spicy curries and biryani, the current formulation of this recipe doesn't align well with my dietary choices and preferences. With thoughtful modifications, however, it could potentially become a great option.
- MCDesigns
A culinary journey to the exotic East... This Chicken and Tamarind Date Chutney recipe has transported me to the vibrant streets of India, where the senses come alive with every bite. As a flexitarian with a penchant for the finer things in life, I was drawn to the harmonious balance of flavors and textures in this dish. The tender chicken, marinated in a subtle blend of spices, is elevated by the rich, velvety tamarind date chutney, which adds a depth of sweetness and a hint of tanginess. The basmati rice provides a comforting canvas for the flavorful chicken and chutney to shine. While I appreciate the creativity of this recipe, I must admit that I found the preparation time a tad lengthy, and the use of gluten-containing ingredients (the ginger paste, for instance) may pose a challenge for those with gluten sensitivities, like myself. Nevertheless, I applaud the chef's artistry in crafting a dish that is at once both familiar and innovative. **Tips for perfection:** consider substituting gluten-free ginger paste and adjusting the cayenne pepper to suit your desired level of spiciness. Overall, a delightful culinary adventure that I would highly recommend to fellow foodies and adventurous eaters.
- BorisTheBalkan
A culinary journey to the East! I must admit, I was a bit skeptical about tamarind date chutney at first, but this recipe won me over. As a meat-lover, I appreciated the generous use of chicken thighs, and the flavors were quite intriguing. I mean, who wouldn't love a good čevapi, but this dish was a nice change of pace. The best part? No gluten in sight! I've had my fair share of Balkan delights, but I was happy to try something new. The only thing that kept it from being a 5-star dish for me was the slightly lengthy preparation time. Still, it was worth it - that chutney was *chef's kiss*. I'd make it again, maybe with a side of sarma or two. Šljivovica not included, of course.
- LeylaLovesLife
### A Tasty and Exotic Dish with Room for Improvement I recently had the opportunity to try the Chicken and Tamarind Date Chutney recipe, and I must say that it was quite enjoyable. The combination of flavors in the chutney was rich and complex, with a nice balance of sweet and spicy notes. The chicken was cooked to perfection, and the basmati rice added a nice texture to the dish. However, I did find that the recipe could benefit from a bit more guidance on the preparation of certain ingredients. For example, I was unsure how long to soak the dates, and it would have been helpful to have a more specific measurement for the amount of water to add to the blender. Additionally, as someone who follows a Halal diet, I appreciate that the recipe does not include any non-halal ingredients. The use of chicken and dates as main ingredients is also in line with my dietary preferences. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and exciting. With a bit of tweaking and attention to detail, it has the potential to be truly outstanding.
- Cemzinho23
I like meat, and this recipe has good amount of chicken. The tamarind date chutney is interesting, not too spicy which I like. It reminds me of some Turkish sauces, but it's different. I think I would like to try it again with some Turkish spices. The recipe is not very hard, but it takes some time. I had some trouble understanding some parts of recipe because my English is not perfect, but I managed. I would give it 4 stars, I like it but it's not traditional Turkish food.
- AxelThe Architect
I must admit that the Chicken and Tamarind Date Chutney recipe didn't quite align with my traditional Belgian tastes, but I appreciated the creative twist on familiar flavors. The dish itself was well-crafted and presented, with a rich and tangy chutney that complemented the chicken nicely. However, as someone trying to reduce their meat consumption, I would have preferred a vegetarian or vegan alternative. The use of basmati rice and fresh cilantro added a nice touch to the overall presentation. While not a perfect match for my culinary preferences, I can see why others might enjoy this Indian-inspired dish. The recipe's medium difficulty level and preparation time seemed reasonable, and the ingredients were relatively easy to source. Overall, a solid 4-star review for a unique and flavorful recipe.
- AkiraM85
### A Thoughtful yet Disappointing Dish As someone with a deep-rooted appreciation for traditional Japanese cuisine, I was somewhat skeptical about trying a recipe that blended Indian flavors with chicken. The dish, Chicken and Tamarind Date Chutney, had an intriguing combination of ingredients, but unfortunately, it didn't quite align with my culinary preferences. The preparation process was meticulous and required attention to detail, which I appreciated. The marinade for the chicken, the soaking of dates, and the blending of the chutney all demanded a level of precision that I could respect. However, the end result felt somewhat incongruous with my usual palate. The flavors of the tamarind date chutney, while rich and zesty, overpowered the delicate taste of the chicken. I found the dish to be overly spicy, thanks to the cayenne pepper, and the sweetness of the dates clashed with the savory flavors of the chicken. The basmati rice, a staple in many cuisines, served as a neutral base but didn't add much to the overall experience. In conclusion, while I can appreciate the effort that went into crafting this recipe, it didn't quite resonate with my love for traditional Japanese cuisine or my preference for more subtle flavors. Perhaps with some adjustments to tone down the spices and enhance the balance of flavors, this dish could appeal more to my sensibilities.
- LachieF99
A right proper Indian-inspired dish, this one. I'll give it credit where credit is due - the combination of tamarind and dates in a chutney is a bold move, and it works surprisingly well with the chicken. It's a wee bit too exotic for my usual Scottish fare, but I suppose that's the point. If I'm being picky, I'd say it needs a dram of whiskey on the side to really bring out the flavors. As it stands, it's a solid 3 stars - not bad, but not exactly a plate of haggis and neeps and tatties, either.
- RohanM89
A sophisticated twist on traditional Indian cuisine, this Chicken and Tamarind Date Chutney dish showcases a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, rich tamarind date chutney, and fluffy basmati rice is nothing short of exceptional. As someone who appreciates fine dining and exploring new cuisines, I was particularly drawn to the unique flavor profile of this dish. While it may not be Japanese or Italian, the attention to detail and complexity of flavors is reminiscent of the high standards I have for these cuisines. The only drawback is the slightly lengthy preparation and cooking time, which may not align with my productivity-driven lifestyle. Nevertheless, the end result is well worth the effort, making this recipe a great addition to my culinary repertoire.
- GabyMex89
¡Este plato es una verdadera revelación! I was a bit skeptical about trying a new recipe, but the combination of tamarind and dates with chicken is **absolutely divine**! The level of spiciness from the cayenne pepper is just right, it adds a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors. I love how the chutney brings everything together, it's like a big warm hug for your taste buds. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that I had to make some adjustments to accommodate my lactose intolerance, but that's not the recipe's fault, of course! Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to spice up their meal routine. ¡Viva la comida exótica!
- kai2k22
OMG, this chicken and tamarind date chutney recipe is **SO GOOD**!!! I was a bit worried about lactose intolerance but luckily no dairy in this one. The spicy kick from cayenne pepper is just what I needed. I'm not a pro cook but this was pretty easy to make. My only complain is that I had to use blender to make chutney, my kitchen is now a mess . Next time, I'll def make this again, maybe with some rice noodles instead of basmati rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!