Coriander Chicken in Carrot-Coconut Broth

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Servings:
4

A tingly spice rub made of coriander, cumin, and mustard seeds infuses chicken with flavor, making the usual breading dispensable.

Ingredients

For the Spice Rub

  • 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons cumin seeds

  • 1 ¾ teaspoons yellow mustard seeds

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

  • ½ cup finely chopped cilantro

  • 6 whole scallions, finely chopped

  • 2 ½ teaspoons sea salt or coarse salt

  • 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger

For the Chicken

  • 6 thin carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise

  • 1 large red onion (root ends intact), cut lengthwise into ½-inch wedges

  • 1 cup light coconut milk

  • 1 cup carrot juice

  • ½ teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger

  • 4 chicken cutlets (about 6 ounces each)

  • 2 mandarin oranges, halved, or 1 navel orange, cut into rounds, for serving

  • Cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Toast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. Grind to a fine powder in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Transfer to a bowl; stir in nutmeg and cayenne with a fork. Add chopped cilantro, scallions, salt, and ginger; stir to combine.

  2. Place carrots and onion in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Stir together coconut milk, carrot juice, and ginger in a glass measuring cup. Pour 1 cup mixture over vegetables, and transfer to oven; cook 12 minutes. Remove from oven.

  3. Dredge chicken in spice mixture to coat. Set on top of vegetables; drizzle with remaining coconut-milk mixture. Cook until chicken is cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer chicken and vegetables to a plate, and tent with foil.

  4. Ladle about 1 1/2 cups pan juices into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer; cook until reduced by half, 6 to 7 minutes.

  5. Divide chicken and vegetables among 4 plates; drizzle with sauce. Serve with oranges; garnish with cilantro sprigs.

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