An incredibly flavorful and delicious Indian dish, this Chicken Xacuti recipe is destined to positively WOW your taste buds and become a favorite at your dinner table!
The origin of this wonderful dish is Goa. Goa is located in the western region of India and though it is India’s smallest state, it’s also one of its richest. Rich not only in terms of economic wealth, but rich in its tropical biodiversity. In fact, it’s classified as one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world. Goa also produces an abundance of fruits, nuts, pulses, rice, sugarcane and bamboo.
Goa also enjoys a thriving tourist industry and is visited by tourists from around the world who go there for its beaches, historic sites, architecture and natural beauty.
The Shri Mangeshi temple is one of the largest and most visited temples in Goa. Its roots date back to the 16th century but has been rebuilt and renovated twice since.
One of the most famous tourist spots in Goa is Dudhsagar Falls, a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River and accessible only on foot or by train. From a distance the waterfall looks like streams of milk rushing down the mountainside and its name literally translates as “sea of milk.”
The Se Cathedral is an example Portuguese influence on architecture when they ruled Goa for 4 1/2 centuries. Construction on the cathedral began in 1562 and it remains one of the largest churches in Asia.
Goan cuisine today is the result of many influences. It’s influenced by its Hindu origins, over 400 years of Portuguese colonialism, as well as modern techniques of world tourists. The Portuguese contributed pineapples, cashews, tomatoes and potatoes that they brought with them to Goa from Brazil. They also introduced the chili which has since become one of the most important spices in Goan cooking.
Benefitting from several world influences and its tropical climate, Goan food is rich, spicy and intensely flavorful.
Today’s recipe, Chicken Xacuti (pronounced “sha-kooti”) is a classic dish from Goa and encompasses the rich array of its spices resulting in a delicious dish with complex flavors.
Indian cuisine doesn’t use flour or cornstarch for thickening, rather it relies on such things as ground nuts or, in this case, ground dried coconut. Chicken Xacuti is naturally gluten-free and paleo.
With layer upon layer of flavors, you are sure to enjoy this wonderful Goan dish!
Chicken Xacuti Recipe
Let’s get started!
We’ll make the masala paste first and then set it aside. Place all of the spices in a small, dry skillet over medium heat and toast until fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the spices or they will be bitter.
Let the spices cool and then grind them in a spice grinder. I use and love my KRUPS Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder.
Next toast the shredded coconut over medium heat in a small, dry skillet until lightly browned.
Let cool completely, then place it in a food processor along with the ground spices, garlic and ginger, add a little oil and process to a smooth paste. Set aside until ready to use.
Now let’s get started on the dish.
Heat the coconut oil in a medium to large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until caramelized and nicely browned, 15-20 minutes.
Add the chicken and cook until no longer pink. You can use chicken breast but dark meat imparts the most flavor. You can also use bone-in chicken pieces if you prefer.
Add the masala paste and the tamarind pulp and cook for a couple of minutes.
You can find tamarind pulp in Asian grocery stores or online. It comes in soft, sticky blocks like the one I’m using here or you can also purchase it in concentrate form.
Add the chicken broth and salt and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
At the end stir in the cilantro and add more salt to taste.
Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice and/or Indian flatbread.
Enjoy!
For more delicious Indian recipes be sure to try our:
- Butter Chicken
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Tandoori Chicken
- Masoor Dal
- Indian Broccoli with Paneer
- Egg Curry (Baida Curry)
- Saag Gosht
- Chicken Biryani
- Panch Phoron Roasted Potatoes
- Tandoori Breaded Fried Mushrooms with Yogurt Sauce
- Chicken Xacuti
- Dosa (South Indian crepes)
- Homemade Curry Powder

Chicken Xacuti
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds diced chicken meat (dark meat produces the most flavor)
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 yellow onions , diced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- For the Masala Paste:
- 1 cup shredded dried coconut , toasted in a dry skillet until lightly browned
- 4 dried red chilies , seeds removed and broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 10 black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon carom/ajwain seeds (if available)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 2 inch piece cinnamon stick
- 4 whole star anise
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mace , can substitute nutmeg
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
Instructions
- Make the Masala Paste: Place all of the spices in a small, dry skillet over medium heat and toast until fragrant, 4-5 minutes. Do not burn them or they will be bitter. Let them cool completely and then grind them to a powder in a spice grinder. Place the ground spices in a small food processor along with the toasted coconut, garlic, ginger and some oil and process to a smooth paste. Set aside until ready to use.
- In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium and add the onions. Cook until caramelized and nicely browned, 15-20 minutes. Add the chicken and cook until no longer pink. Add the masala paste and the tamarind and cook for a couple more minutes. Add the chicken broth and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cilantro and salt to taste.Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice and/or some fresh Indian flatbread.
Anonymous says
Absolutely delicious. I subbed mushroom for the meat and loved it!!!
Alfred says
Wow Kimberly,
The good Goan relatives I know hide their top recipes. You gave it all away. Thank You.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thank you, Alfred, I’m so happy you enjoyed it! :)
Crisano says
Your recipe is very authentic. Just like when my mum & aunt used to make it. I’m Goan and I’ve had this dish several times before . But congratulations you have mastered this dish ! I’m pleasantly surprised it comes from a non Goan !
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thank you, Crisano, coming from you that is a compliment indeed – thank you so much!
Aj says
It’s so wonderful that I could find this recipe. Although, it tasted amazing, the gravy I made turned out to be a bit grainy. I am just wondering if it was supposed to be like that or did I make some mistake? Thanks for your reply. Keep posting these mouth watering recipes..cheers!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Aj, it sounds like the spices weren’t ground until smooth; that would explain the graininess.
Hutchywoman says
This was delicious!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thank you so much, I’m happy you enjoyed it!