why make this recipe
Kerala Christmas Chicken Stew is a warm and comforting dish that brings the flavors of South India into your home. This heartwarming stew combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or special occasions. It’s also a great way to introduce a bit of festive cheer to your dinner table.
how to make Kerala Christmas Chicken Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1-2 tsp garam masala
- 1-2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 carrot, sliced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Oil for cooking
Directions:
- Heat oil in a pot and sauté the sliced onions until translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Stir in the chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned.
- Add the potatoes and carrots, then sprinkle in the garam masala and salt.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Cook until the chicken and vegetables are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with appam or idiyappam.
how to serve Kerala Christmas Chicken Stew
Serve the Kerala Christmas Chicken Stew hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. It pairs beautifully with appam or idiyappam, which are both traditional Kerala foods made from rice. This combination makes for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.
how to store Kerala Christmas Chicken Stew
Once the stew has completely cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
tips to make Kerala Christmas Chicken Stew
- For extra flavor, you can add a few whole spices like cardamom, cloves, or cinnamon while sautéing the onions.
- Adjust the spice level according to your taste by adding more or fewer green chilies.
- If you like a thicker consistency, let the stew simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes.
variation
You can easily customize this stew by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or beans. Additionally, you can substitute chicken with other proteins like fish or tofu for a vegetarian version.
FAQs
Can I use canned coconut milk?
Yes, canned coconut milk works well in this recipe and provides the same creamy texture.
Is this stew spicy?
The level of spice depends on the amount of green chilies you use. You can adjust it to match your preference.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat before serving.

Kerala Christmas Chicken Stew
A warm and comforting Kerala-style chicken stew with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, perfect for festive gatherings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2–3 green chilies, slit
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1–2 tsp garam masala
- 1–2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 carrot, sliced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Oil for cooking
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot and sauté the sliced onions until translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Stir in the chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned.
- Add the potatoes and carrots, then sprinkle in the garam masala and salt.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Cook until the chicken and vegetables are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with appam or idiyappam.
Notes
To enhance flavor, consider adding whole spices like cardamom, cloves, or cinnamon during the sautéing step. Adjust spice levels by varying green chilies. For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Kerala Chicken Stew, Christmas Stew, Indian Chicken Recipes, Coconut Milk Stew
