Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1147 · Chicken Xacuti

Chicken Xacuti, and where to source it

Chicken Xacuti — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Chicken Xacuti Indian 5best2buy.com

Roast the grated coconut slow and patient until it's deep golden-brown, not just warm — that toasted coconut is the whole backbone of xacuti's dark color and nutty depth, and pale coconut gives a thin, characterless gravy.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook40 min
MakesServes 4
CuisineIndian
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  soy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
chicken, bone-in
800 g
1.75 lb
Local / market
grated coconut
1.5 cups
360 ml
Local / market
poppy seeds
2 tbsp
30 ml
Local / market
dried red chilies
8
8
Local / market
coriander seeds
2 tbsp
30 ml
Local / market
nutmeg and mace
pinch each
whole spice
Local / market
tamarind pulp
1 tbsp
15 ml
onions
2
sliced
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Dry-roast coconut till deep golden. Separately toast poppy, coriander, chilies, star anise, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and mace. Grind everything with water to a fine dark paste.20 min
  2. Brown the sliced onions in oil, add ginger garlic paste, then the ground masala; fry till oil separates.15 min
  3. Add the chicken and sear in the masala, coating well.8 min
  4. Add hot water and tamarind, cover, simmer 20–25 min till tender and the gravy is thick and dark.25 min
The Toolkit

Heavy kadai · Grinder · Roasting skillet

Straight Answers
Can you make Chicken Xacuti in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Chicken Xacuti? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Chicken Xacuti ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Chicken Xacuti gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Chicken Xacuti vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.

Loading notes…

Notes are public and posted as written. Be kind, no links. Spam and abuse get removed.

More Indian recipes
RistaMirchi ka SalanSarson da SaagMisal PavLaal MaasButter Chicken
All Indian recipes →  ·  Browse all 1285 →

Some ingredient and tool links are affiliate links — if you buy through one, 5best2buy may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never costs the maker anything, and it never decides who we recommend. The list is the list.
© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1147