Chicken Korma
This homemade Chicken Korma recipe offers rich, creamy Indian cuisine bursting with fragrant spices and a luxuriously smooth sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals or festive gatherings, it combines tender chicken thighs with coconut milk, yogurt, and a blend of warm spices to create a comforting and authentic dish easy to prepare at home.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Marinade
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 150g yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 tablespoons garlic and ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Sauce Base
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 100g ground almonds or cashews (nut paste)
- 200ml coconut milk
Seasoning and Garnish
- Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix the yogurt, garlic-ginger paste, ground cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Cook the Onions: Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, forming a sweet and savory base for the sauce.
- Toast the Spices: Add any remaining dry spices (if any) to the sautéed onions and cook for about a minute until aromatic, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Add the Marinated Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook over medium heat until they start browning, locking in the juices and flavors.
- Add Creamy Elements: Stir in the ground nut paste and pour in the coconut milk. Mix well, reduce the heat, and let the Chicken Korma simmer gently until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through tenderly.
- Final Touches: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or longer for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Simmer the curry on low heat to prevent the yogurt from curdling and to keep the sauce silky.
- Use freshly ground spices for a more vibrant and aromatic taste.
- Toast nuts before grinding to enhance their flavor and richness in the sauce.
- Adjust spice levels gradually, adding fresh green chilies or chili powder if a spicier dish is desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Chicken Korma, Indian Chicken Curry, Creamy Chicken Curry, Coconut Milk Curry, Indian Comfort Food, Mild Indian Curry