Transport yourself to a world of rich flavors with this creamy and fragrant Chicken Korma! Tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious yogurt-based sauce, infused with a blend of aromatic spices, create a truly delightful dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this korma is sure to impress. Get ready to enjoy a taste of authentic Indian cuisine right in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Fragrant: The yogurt-based sauce is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
- Tender Chicken: Chicken breast is cooked to perfection, ensuring a moist and tender bite.
- Aromatic Spices: A blend of traditional Indian spices creates a deeply satisfying dish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or a special night in.
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Provides a lean, tender protein.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the onions and searing the chicken.
- Ghee: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the base.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor base.
- Garlic Cloves: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor.
- Minced Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.
- Whole-Fat Yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy sauce base.
- Coriander: Adds a warm, citrusy, and slightly nutty flavor.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor.
- Chili Powder: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
- Turmeric: Adds a warm, earthy flavor and vibrant color.
- Garam Masala: Provides a blend of warm, aromatic spices.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous garnish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Chicken Korma
Step 1: Sauté Onions
Heat vegetable oil and ghee in a skillet. Add diced onion and cook until browned. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
Remove onions, garlic, and ginger. Add to a blender with yogurt, coriander, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Add chicken to the hot oil and ghee. Sear for 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Simmer
Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken. Stir to coat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
Serve over rice with naan bread. Garnish with cilantro.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Whole-Fat Yogurt: Whole-fat yogurt ensures a creamy, rich sauce.
- Sauté Onions Well: Sauté the onions until they are golden brown for a sweeter flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken until just done to prevent it from becoming dry.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add more or less chili powder to control the heat.
How to Serve Chicken Korma
- Rice: Serve with steamed basmati rice for a classic pairing.
- Naan Bread: Pair with warm naan bread for dipping.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of yogurt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or yogurt if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freezing
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use lamb or shrimp instead of chicken.
2. Can I make this dish with coconut milk?
Yes, you can substitute coconut milk for yogurt for a dairy-free version.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili powder or a few slices of jalapeño to the sauce.
4. Can I add vegetables to this korma?
Absolutely! Add vegetables like peas, potatoes, or cauliflower to the curry.
PrintChicken Korma Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Chicken Korma is a creamy and aromatic Indian dish that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a rich yogurt-based sauce infused with warm spices like coriander, cumin, and garam masala. It’s a mild and comforting curry that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup ghee
- 1 yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger, 1 large knob
- 1 cup whole-fat yogurt
- 2 teaspoons coriander
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Ginger: Heat the ¼ cup vegetable oil and ¼ cup ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions start to brown. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Blend Sauce Ingredients: Using a slotted spoon, remove the onions, garlic, and ginger from the oil and add them to a blender. Add the whole-fat yogurt, coriander, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth.
- Sear Chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the hot oil and ghee in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned on the outside.
- Add Yogurt Mixture: Pour the blended yogurt mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine and coat all the chicken pieces.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Korma over rice with naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Notes
- Use whole-fat yogurt for a richer and creamier sauce.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat level.
- You can add ground almonds or cashews to the sauce for a richer flavor and thicker consistency.
- Garnish with toasted almonds or cashews for added texture.
- Serve with a side of raita (yogurt dip) to cool down the palate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg