Chicken Xacuti is a traditional Goan curry made with roasted spices and coconut, creating a rich and flavorful dish. This Best Chicken Xacuti Recipe is easy to make and features a deliciously spiced gravy that pairs perfectly with tender chicken. Serve it with steamed rice or bread for a complete, satisfying meal. Ideal for those who love bold flavors, this dish captures the essence of Goan cuisine.

A Spicy and Flavorful Goan Curry
Chicken Xacuti is a traditional Goan dish known for its complex flavor profile and rich, aromatic gravy. This Best Chicken Xacuti Recipe brings together the perfect blend of roasted spices and coconut, creating a curry that’s both spicy and fragrant. Whether served with steamed rice, roti, or traditional Goan bread, Xacuti is a hearty and satisfying meal that highlights the diverse and vibrant flavors of Goan cuisine. The spices in the Xacuti masala add warmth and depth, while the coconut lends a creamy texture to the curry.
What is Chicken Xacuti?
Chicken Xacuti is a classic Goan curry made with roasted spices, coconut, and tender chicken. The dish is known for its rich masala, which includes a variety of whole spices such as coriander seeds, cumin, cloves, and star anise, all of which are dry-roasted before being ground into a paste. This masala, combined with the sweetness of coconut, creates a flavor-packed gravy that perfectly complements the chicken. Chicken Xacuti is typically served with rice, roti, or poee (Goan bread), making it a wholesome and flavorful meal.

How Should Chicken Xacuti Taste?
A well-made Chicken Xacuti should have a complex and rich flavor. The curry is characterized by the roasted spices in the masala, which give it warmth and a slight bitterness, balanced by the creamy sweetness of coconut. The chicken should be tender and fully coated with the spiced gravy. The dish is usually spicy, but the level of heat can be adjusted to suit your preference. The tamarind adds a subtle tanginess, while the fresh cilantro at the end provides a refreshing contrast to the rich curry.
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Tips for Making the Best Chicken Xacuti
To ensure your Best Chicken Xacuti Recipe turns out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips:
- Roast the Spices: The secret to a flavorful Xacuti lies in roasting the spices well. Make sure to roast them on low heat to release their aroma without burning.
- Use Fresh Coconut: Fresh coconut adds authenticity to the dish. If using desiccated coconut, lightly toast it before blending to enhance the flavor.
- Let the Chicken Marinate: Marinating the chicken in the Xacuti masala allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful when cooked.

Chicken Xacuti Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or food processor (for making masala)
- Large pan or pot
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 4 dried red chilies
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 2 cardamon pods
- 1 star anise
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds optional
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 inch piece of ginger
For the Chicken Curry:
- 1 Ib(450g) chicken bone-in, cut into pieces
- 2 large onions finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- 2 green chilies slit
- 2 tbsp tamarind pulp
- salt to taste
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Xacuti MasalaIn a dry pan, lightly roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, star anise, fennel seeds, and poppy seeds (if using) until fragrant.Add the grated coconut and roast until it turns golden brown.Remove from heat, allow it to cool slightly, and then blend it into a smooth paste along with garlic and ginger, using a little water to form the Xacuti Masala paste.2. Marinate the ChickenIn a mixing bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with half of the prepared Xacuti masala paste and a little salt.Let it rest for 20-30 minutes.3. Cook the Chicken XacutiHeat oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.Add the slit green chilies and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil separates from the mixture.Add the remaining Xacuti masala paste and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aroma.Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir to coat them with the masala. Cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides.Add water to the pot (about 1 cup) and tamarind pulp. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.Season with salt to taste and adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.4. Garnish and ServeGarnish the Chicken Xacuti with fresh cilantro leaves.Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or Goan bread (poee).
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chilies to suit your spice tolerance. Xacuti is traditionally a spicy dish, but you can reduce the heat for a milder version.
- Coconut: Using fresh coconut gives the most authentic flavor, but desiccated coconut can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Vegetarian Xacuti: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or paneer.
Conclusion
Chicken Xacuti is a delicious, flavorful dish that’s perfect for those who enjoy spicy, aromatic curries. This Best Chicken Xacuti Recipe offers an authentic taste of Goan cuisine, with its rich blend of roasted spices and creamy coconut gravy. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it with rice or Goan bread, and enjoy a true Goan culinary experience in your own kitchen!