The sophisticated flavor of this low carb Chicken Moilee belies its ease of preparation, making it the perfect weeknight meal. This delicious gluten-free and dairy-free recipe uses fresh peppers, green chilies, ginger, garlic and lime in a rich coconut milk sauce.
I remember the first time I had Indian food. I was twenty-two and in college. For Spring Break, my parents took me to England. I had the best time.
We stayed in a Bed and Breakfast in an old brownstone. It was a residence and my parents had stayed there before on their first trip to England. Mrs. Louie was a gracious hostess and I felt very comfortable in my little room, which was just big enough for a twin bed, a chair, and a small wardrobe which housed a tiny television. My parents enjoyed a larger room on another floor and had the use of a living room as well. The house was quite charming and Mrs. Louie and her husband were very sweet.
Mrs. Louie's house was right near a main line for buses and the Tube, so traveling to destinations outside the city was very easy. It also made it convenient for dining out. I had some of the best Greek, Thai and Indian food I have ever had in my life, in England. Since I had never had Indian food before, my parents ordered for me and I was in love. I have no idea what they ordered. For all I know it could have even been Chicken Moilee; but whatever it was -- it was great and I was hooked!
I prepare Indian food quite frequently at home. I find it easy to prepare and always flavorful and satisfying. Often people say they do not like “curry” and I think they are speaking of the curry powder that can be purchased in the grocery store. Real Indian Curries differ so greatly from each other in taste, ingredients, and texture, that to mix a bunch of spices together and call it "curry" is almost crazy. But, curry powder has its uses and I like it in my egg or chicken salads.
If you have not tried Indian food before, I hope you try this recipe for Chicken Moilee. I’ve tweaked the recipe to be served as a complete meal: protein and veggies together. This dish is great and my family loves it!
[NOTE] FOR A MORE TRADITIONAL CHICKEN MOILEE, LEAVE OUT THE GREEN BEANS AND CARROT.
If you are looking for other fast but flavorful Indian Curry recipes, try this popular Bangalore Chicken Curry I made for WickedSpatula, the Hearty Beef Curry with Winter Vegetables, or the Indian Spiced Flank Steak with Cilantro Pistachio Pesto.
Chicken Moliee is 9 net carbs for a whole dinner portion including the cauliflower rice.
Chicken Moilee (Chicken Molee)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless-skinless chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup onion sliced into ½ rounds (4 oz)
- ½ of a green bell pepper
- 1 medium carrot (3 oz)
- ¼ pound green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 large jalapeno
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
- ¼ cup ghee, divided (or coconut oil, olive oil)
- ⅛ teaspoon cardamom powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 13.5 oz full fat coconut milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups riced cauliflower, cooked (1 pound)
Instructions
- Prep: Slice the onion into thin half rounds. Green beans and Carrots - Cut the green beans into 1 inch pieces and slice the carrot. Place the green beans and carrots into a microwaveable bowl with 1 tablespoon of water and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for about 3 ½ minutes (depending on your microwave) and drain. Cauliflower - (You can do this step while the chicken is browning) If using frozen, thaw in the microwave for 5 minutes, squeeze excess water with your hands and grate in a food processor or on a box grater. If using fresh, grate first, then place into the microwave with 1 tablespoon of water and steam for 3-4 minutes. Chicken - Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces.
- Blender: De-seed and chop the peppers. Remove the skin of the ginger with a spoon and chop. Add the garlic and lime juice. Blend the ingredients until they are a smooth paste.
- Brown: In batches, brown the chicken in 2 tablespoon of ghee, over medium high heat, adding more ghee as needed. Remove chicken from pan and reserve.
- Cook: Add a little more ghee to the pan and fry the onion until soft and starting to brown. Add the spices and cook until fragrant. Add the puree from the blender, stir and cook until the raw smell of pepper mellows and the mixture loses it green color. This will take a few minutes.
- Add the coconut milk, stirring well, and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for five minutes or until it begins to thicken. Add the chicken and simmer gently for a few minutes to reheat. Add the green beans and carrots (if using) and heat through. Taste for seasoning and adjust.
- Serve Chicken Moilee over rice or cauliflower rice.
Jessica says
I used this as a base recipe. I am a vegetarian so I used a meat substitute, did 1 jalapeno and 1 green pepper in the sauce, no fat at all - doesn't need the oil, and used light coconut milk. But the flavous are an amazing combo. I probably doubled the amount of spices because it was too bland. Thanks
Momojamer says
I don't see the ingredient amounts for green beans and carrots?
Kim says
Momojamer, you are absolutely right! This is the worst mistake I have ever made on a recipe. I am so sorry. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. The nutritional information is correct, I just cut off the veggies when I cut and pasted from my recipe program. They are now in the recipe. Thanks again so much! Have a wonderful day. -Kim
Momojamer says
If that is the worst mistake you've ever made on a recipe, then I think you're doing well! Trying this tonight. I've already tried the Moroccan chicken and LOVED it! Thanks for what you do!
Kim says
Momojamer. Thanks so much for your kindness. I LOVE the Moroccan Chicken. I'm so glad you liked it, too. I would love it if you would leave a comment on it if you have time. I'm sad that it's not a very popular because it's so easy to make and so delicious. Thanks for commenting here. Have a wonderful day! -Kim
shirelle says
When you say "don't forget to season the cauliflower or it will be bland" what do you use to season it with?
Kim says
Shirelle, don't you just love those vague statements! It was supposed to say to say season the cauliflower with salt. I will change it right now. Thanks so much for calling it to my attention. Have a great day! -Kim
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
First of all, your parents sound AMAZING - that sounds like a memorable spring break! And second, WHY don't I make Indian food more often? I'm going to fix that by trying this delectable chicken dish. Pinning!
Kim says
Thanks, Kate. My parents ARE amazing and I haven't met an Indian dish I haven't liked yet. Have a nice week! -Kim
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Wow! What a nice blog and recipes you have, Kim! I am enchanted by your food photography. This chicken dish is the type of meal that my family would eat with a huge smile on their faces.
Kim says
Thanks for all of the compliments, Denise. As you know, I stopped by earlier and admired one of your dishes! :) Have a nice week! -Kim
Adina says
I had my first Indian food in England as well and I loved it so much, that when it was time for us to leave London and come back to Germany I bought myself 6 Indian cookbooks. I knew there would be no way to get that food around here. I love your recipe, I will give it a try soon.
Kim says
I'm so glad you like the recipe. I have an Indian cookbook that I have had for many years. All of it's pages have hand written notes where I have changed the ingredients to either lower the carbs or to reflect my tastes. I would be lost with out it. People often talk about how terrible the food is in England, but I had the best meals ever there. Thanks for commenting and sharing! -Kim