Listen, I get it. Some days you don't want to be stood for ages frizzling and frying. Making an authentic BIR curry should be easy. The good news? It is! Using pre cooked chicken for curry couldn't be simpler, and today I will show you how to make it and use it. A quick curry any night of the week? Easy!
Why Use Pre Cooked Chicken for Curry?
There are plenty of advantages to using pre cooked chicken for a curry. Here are why you might want to consider it: -
Convenience
Using pre cooked chicken in your curry is super convenient. You've done all of the hard work and prep in advance. Using pre cooked meats is as easy as adding any other ingredient, such as onions or curry powder. You can use it in any curry, from fiery phaal to a creamy korma!
The best bit?
You can also freeze portions of pre cooked chicken. If you are smart about your portion control, and with a little forward thought, you'll be able to make a quick curry any time that you like!
Cost
We've all been there. Emptying out the fridge or freezer and throwing away vast quantities of unused meat (why don't they just sell individual chicken breasts?)
Using the techniques below, you will find that this is a great way to use up any leftover chicken breasts that are about to go past their best.
Eating food instead of throwing it away means less shopping and more pennies in your pocket!
It Saves Time
This is for a few reasons.
First, you won't have to go to the supermarket every time you want to whip up a quick madras or Dhansak. That's bound to save you some time.
Secondly, because you've done a whole lot of bulk prep in advance, you won't have to mess about cutting up chicken breasts, browning it, and doing the washing up afterwards!
Furthermore, because the chicken is already cooked, it doesn't need to be cooked again, just heated through, meaning a reduction in cooking time.
Flavour
Ever noticed how spicy food tastes better the next day after it has been in the fridge? Well, you'll get this effect if you start using pre cooked chicken for curry.
When you refrigerate or freeze food, chemical reactions take place long after the cooking has finished. Think of it a little like a long and slow marinade.
Using precooked chicken, you'll find that your curry takes on a real depth of flavour that you don't get when using fresh chicken breast.
Using Pre Cooked Meat in Curry | FAQ
Still, got a few questions? No worries, it's what I'm here for. Here's the stuff I get asked all the time when it comes to pre-cooked meats.
What is the Secret to a Good Curry?
There are quite a few curry secrets. Here are my top 5 tips to get a great result: -
- Cook curry quickly over high heat.
- Make sure that your base gravy is diluted. You want it about the same consistency as skimmed milk.
- If you have the option, use pre-cooked meat in your curry. That's how the takeaways do it.
- Don't use too much spice, especially chilli. Trust me, you might regret it.
- Although it doesn't make for a healthy curry, don't skimp on the oil!
How Do Indian Restaurants Prepare Chicken?
Indian restaurants use precooked chicken for their curries. There may be variations in the spices they use, but they generally stew large batches of meat in a spicy Indian style stock before dividing it into portions.
Imagine how busy your local Indian takeaway gets. Do you think they really have the time to be chopping up and browning chicken breasts every time somebody orders a curry?
Should You Cook Chicken Before Adding it to curry?
Of course, you should! In fact, it makes for a much tastier curry. The meat is more tender and has had a chance to soak up all those lovely spices you stewed it in earlier.
If you are looking to make a curry with raw chicken, you are best browning the chicken at the start of the cooking process. That way, you can ensure it is cooked through as you prepare your curry.
How Do You Add Flavor to Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Adding flavour to pre-cooked chicken is really easy. Because you are effectively stewing and steaming it, there's plenty of time for all of those subtle spices to seep into the meat. Here are my top 5 tips to add flavour to pre-cooked chicken
- Use plenty of Indian spices. Things like turmeric, cumin, garlic and chilli are all great additions.
- Don't forget the anise. Cinnamon, star anise, and cloves are all great additions to your stock.
- 'Dry fry' your spices and then the chicken before adding stock. This releases lots of subtle and spicy flavours.
- Make sure to add seasoning. A little salt and pepper can take your pre cooked chicken to the next level
- Be sure to add base gravy along with your stock. You'll be using base gravy when you cook the final curry, so this ensures the chicken compliments it really well.
Precooked Chicken for Curry | Final Thoughts
Making pre cooked chicken for curry is easy. It saves you time, money, and above all, ensures that your curry is as authentic as it gets! Indian restaurants use exactly the method described above in preparing your dishes, so if you want to make your curry as close to the real thing as possible, it makes sense to follow their techniques. What's spice mix do you use when pre-cooking your chicken? Let me know in the comments!
