Easy Nepali Spicy Chicken Choila Recipe (Low Carb)

Chicken Choila is an easy-to-make dish that is earthy, spicy, and the perfect meal to warm you up during those cold months.

Choila (ground buffalo meat) is a popular Newari food. This Nepalese dish is a staple at many feasts and festivals. Nowadays, chicken meat and duck meat are used to make this exceptionally spicy meal. The traditional way to eat this is with Baji (beaten rice).

The meat in this cuisine is either mana choila (boiled) or haku choila (grilled meat).

Chicken Choila is an easy-to-make dish that is earthy, spicy, and the perfect meal to warm you up during those cold months. The best part about this chicken recipe is that you can make it using ingredients from your home or local grocery store! You won't regret trying one of the most popular foods in Nepal.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breast
• Salt
• Pepper
• Vegetable cooking oil
• Serrano pepper
• Green onions
• Green bell pepper
• Ground curry
• Ground turmeric (turmeric powder)
• Ground red chili pepper (red chili powder)
• Ground cumin (cumin powder)
• Fire roasted tomatoes
• Raw garlic cloves
• Raw ginger
• Lemon juice
• Cilantro- for garnish
• Brown or white rice- to serve as a side

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with vegetable oil. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Put in the oven on the middle rack for 13 minutes.
3. Place under broiler for 8 minutes or until golden brown. The final internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Cut into small pieces or strips and drizzle with the lemon juice. Set aside.
5. Heat a pan under medium-high heat. Add the remaining vegetable oil to the heated pan.
6. Add serrano pepper, green onions, green bell pepper, ground curry, ground turmeric, ground red chili pepper, ground cumin, and fire-roasted tomatoes to the pan. Cook until all ingredients are hot, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the garlic and ginger.
8. In a big bowl, mix chicken pieces and mixture. Serve immediately.

Hint: For a "grilled" effect leave under the broiler until slightly charred.

What Are The Best Substitutions?

Rice- Cauliflower rice, lentils, quinoa, or wild rice.

Serrano pepper- Jalapeno peppers.

Green onions- Leeks or red onion.

Baked chicken- Boiled chicken

Green bell pepper- Any color of bell pepper.

Fire-roasted tomatoes- Fresh diced tomatoes or tomato puree.

Cumin- Fresh coriander.

Vegetable oil- Coconut oil, sunflower oil, or extra virgin olive oil.

Chicken breasts- Skinless chicken thighs, goat, tofu, duck, lamb, or pork.

How Else Can I Make It?

Super Spicy- Add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of red chili powder.

Creamy- Add 1/4 cup of sour cream.

Kid Friendly- Leave out the serrano pepper and reduce red chili powder to 1 teaspoon. Serve on top of pasta.

Deluxe- Serve with a dollop of sour cream, fresh-cut tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and grated parmesan cheese.

What Equipment Do I Need?

Oven with broiler- for baking and broiling the chicken.

Frying pan- for heating together all the ingredients.

Baking sheet- for baking and broiling the chicken in the oven.

Basting brush- Brushes oil onto the chicken.

Big Mixing bowl- For mixing all of the ingredients.

Wooden or plastic spoon- for stirring ingredients.

Thermometer- for checking the internal temperature.

Knife- for chopping ingredients.

Cutting board- for food prep.

Garlic press- for crushing garlic.

Grater or zester- for grating/zesting ginger.

How Long Can I Store It?

The chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Got Any Helpful Tips?

Do not fully cook the chicken before placing it under the broiler. The chicken will turn out dry and that's always a bummer.

FAQ

Do I have to bake and broil the chicken?

Absolutely not! Chicken Choila is usually prepared with boiled or grilled chicken. My goal for this recipe was to make it easy to cook. Firing up the grill can take too much time on a busy night. If you want, cook the chicken on the grill or in a grill pan. You can also boil the chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Of course! Just keep in mind that chicken thighs take less time to cook.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Add whatever vegetables meet your fancy. I would personally recommend some mushrooms or diced celery for texture.

Important Safety Precautions

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.