Thursday, October 11, 2012

Madhur Jaffrey's Delicious Chicken Bits

These incredibly addictive mouth-watering chicken bits are a celebration of spices.  Coated in a blend of pepper, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cumin, dried thyme, garlic powder, paprika and salt they simply dance around on your taste buds.  In fact, my non-chicken eating, non-spice eating daughter went crazy for them.  I was pleasantly surprised.  

These chicken bits can be served on their own as an appetizer, but I chose to make a meal out of them and serve them over rice.  We loved these chicken bits.  Next time (which may even be as soon as tomorrow) I will make a double batch of them.  This is a fantastic recipe!  I urge you to give it a try!

Delicious Chicken Bits
Adapted from Quick & Easy Indian Cooking
by Madhur Jaffrey
Serves 6-8 as an appetizer or 4 as a main course

1-1/4 pounds boned, skinned chicken breasts
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1/2 teaspoon ajwain seeds
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon bright red paprika
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preheat the oven to 350F.  Cut each chicken breast piece lengthwise into thirds, and then crosswise into 3/4 inch to 1-inch segments.  Put in a bowl.  Add the black pepper, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme or ajwain, garlic powder, paprika, salt and 1 tablespoon of the oil.  Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes or longer.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok or large, nonstick frying pan over very high heat.  When the oil is very hot, put in the chicken.  Stir and fry quickly until the chicken pieces are lightly browned or turn opaque on the outside.  Put in a baking dish, cover loosely with lightly oiled wax paper (which should sit inside the dish and directly on the chicken pieces) and bake for 8 - 10 minutes or until the chicken pieces are just cooked through.  If not to be eaten immediately, remove the chicken pieces from the hot baking dish to prevent them from drying out.
Theme: Spice Bazaar

26 comments:

  1. I just came across the I Heart Cooking Club and had to check around to see what folks have been posting for the spice theme. These chicken bites sound wonderful and I'll need to try to make them soon!

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  2. This is one of my families favorite meals as well! We serve it over salad though with raita for dressing. Mmmm...now I want some!

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  3. Your chicken bites look fantastic Kim. Madhur Jaffrey sure knew her way around spices.
    Sam

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  4. As soon as I find turmeric...making this!!! (Pinned it before I even finished reading your post)

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  5. These give chicken nuggets a whole new reputation!! LOVE all those spices.

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  6. Hi Kim. These are beautiful. Just found your blog this morning. Thank you for sharing these chicken bits. What a great post to read before a long weekend (with plans of baking and cooking). I hope you have a wonderful Friday!

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  7. Oh, so much better than regular chicken bites. This sounds delicous.

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  8. I LOVE the spices you used. i will be making this soon!

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  9. Oh I can see how addictive these are! Looks delicious! If served to my family, I got to make a big batch!!

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  10. With your endorsement, I will be giving these a try. They look and sound delicious. Pinned.

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  11. I don't think I will be able to get through the rest of the week without making these. With beautiful spring weather here I'm thinking it would be great to skewer them & put them on the BBQ. Can't wait to try.

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  12. Sounds fab! I can't wait to try it. Just pinned!

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  13. Esta receta me encanta es una delicia,abrazos y abrazos

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  14. Wonderful! I just defrosted some chicken and I have to watch the heat for a few days - these will be perfect!

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  15. I have not been here for a while. SOOO many recipes to catch on. I am a bit of a curry addict at this moment. I will have to try this recipe they sound delicious and I have all those ingredients :)

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  16. These are the kind of spices my husband dearly loves. Beautifully presented, too.

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  17. This looks yummy ill be trying it. :)

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  18. It's funny how kids will surprise us like that. Just when you think you know their tastes...

    These bits sound excellent and they look bitiful! ;)

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  19. Making them RIGHT NOW! The waiting!!

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  20. This sounds like a great flavor combo. Yum!

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  21. I saved this recipe when you did this post and only made this this evening! THEY WERE A HIT! Thanks for sharing!!!

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  23. Yummy! Can't wait to eat! One of my friends told me about your site and I found great collection of recipes. Guys, you can also try easy to make Chicken Onion kebabs that i tried to surprise my family and it tastes yummm.

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  24. These are SO delicious, Kim! I pinned them years ago to try and finally did today! Wow - so, so good.

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  25. thanks for the post we are serving london with the best quality lamb neck have a look on or site

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