There is something incredibly comforting and luxurious about a well-made Indian Chicken Korma Recipe. This classic dish brings together tender chicken simmered in a rich and creamy sauce that’s bursting with warm spices, nutty undertones, and just the right balance of sweetness and heat. If you’re craving a recipe that delivers layers of flavor with an inviting, silky texture, you’re in the right place. This Indian Chicken Korma Recipe will soon become a cherished favorite in your cooking repertoire, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in an at-home feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Indian Chicken Korma Recipe. Each one plays an essential role in creating the complex, yet harmonious flavors you expect—spices bring warmth, yogurt and coconut milk contribute creaminess, and fresh aromatics give vibrancy and depth.
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil: Used for marinating chicken, it helps the spices adhere and enhances flavor.
- 2 teaspoons garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that brings warmth and complexity.
- 2 teaspoons curry powder: Adds earthiness and depth with its unique mix of spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt & 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: For sautéing and toasting spices, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
- 3/4 cup water, divided: Used to soften onions and help blend the sauce.
- 2 white onions, peeled and cut into quarters: Provide a sweet, mellow base when sautéed down.
- 1/2 cup raw almonds, ground: Adds a subtle nutty richness and thickens the sauce splendidly.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with deep savory notes.
- 1 1/2 cups plain low-fat yogurt: Creates a creamy tang that balances the spices perfectly.
- 4 teaspoons curry powder: Boosts the curry flavor for a layered taste.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives a warm golden color and a slightly bitter aroma.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala: Added again to reinforce its signature fragrance.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Adjusts seasoning in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seed: Introduces a citrusy, floral tint.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Warms the palate with subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings earthy, smoky notes to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom: Adds a fragrant, aromatic touch.
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: A tiny hint of warmth and complexity.
- 3 large tomatoes, diced small: Add freshness and natural acidity to balance richness.
- 1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk: Provides luscious creaminess and subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 of a small red chili, de-seeded and minced: Delivers gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger root: Brightens flavors with a peppery zing.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed: Balances acidity and spices with a hint of caramelized sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh herbal notes to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Indian Chicken Korma Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken breasts with vegetable oil, garam masala, curry powder, salt, and pepper. This step is crucial as it allows the spices to deeply penetrate the chicken, making every bite flavorful and juicy. For best results, let it rest for at least two hours or even overnight. Patience here pays off big time by ensuring the chicken absorbs those aromatic spices fully.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Sear the marinated chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until it’s cooked through and golden brown. Cooking the chicken before adding it to the sauce locks in the juices and adds a wonderful caramelized flavor that complements the creamy korma sauce. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 3: Prepare the Onion-Almond Puree
In the same skillet, sauté the onions with 1/4 cup water until translucent and soft. Then, toss in the ground almonds and garlic, cooking for just a minute to toast them lightly. Transfer this flavorful mixture, along with the yogurt and remaining water, to a blender and puree until silky smooth. This combination creates the luscious base of your korma sauce, combining nuttiness and creaminess in one beautiful blend.
Step 4: Toast Spices and Simmer the Sauce
Return to your skillet and heat the remaining oil. Add the remaining spices—curry powder, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Toast them gently for about a minute to release their essential oils and elevate the aroma. Then stir in the smooth onion-yogurt puree and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce deepens in color, promising layers of rich flavor.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Coconut Milk, and Flavorings
Next, add diced tomatoes, coconut milk, minced red chili, freshly grated ginger, and brown sugar to the skillet. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 30 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the sauce to thicken and become remarkably fragrant. The sweetness from the sugar harmonizes the tart tomatoes and spicy elements beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce and Finish Cooking
Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the sauce and let everything simmer together for another 15 minutes. This final step lets the chicken soak in the luscious sauce while the flavors meld perfectly. Your Indian Chicken Korma Recipe is now ready to be served!
How to Serve Indian Chicken Korma Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the dish just before serving. This sprinkle of bright green adds a fresh herbal contrast to the creamy, spiced sauce, uplifting the overall flavor and adding a lovely pop of color that makes your korma look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Indian Chicken Korma pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. The fragrant rice soaks up every drop of sauce, while naan can be used to scoop up the tender chicken and creamy curry, making the meal wonderfully satisfying and authentic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or decorative bowls. You can also garnish with toasted slivered almonds for extra crunch. Adding a dollop of cooling raita or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the side can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the dish’s richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Indian Chicken Korma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This gives you a fantastic next-day meal that tastes even better as the spices continue to meld in the fridge.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this korma freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm throughout. You might want to add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage. Avoid microwaving if possible to retain the dish’s creamy consistency and avoid curdling the yogurt.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Indian Chicken Korma Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice because they stay juicy and tender during cooking, and their slightly richer flavor complements the korma sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Is it necessary to use almonds in the korma?
While almonds add a lovely nutty richness and help thicken the sauce, you can substitute with cashews or omit them entirely for a lighter version. However, using nuts is traditional and greatly enhances the texture and taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping the yogurt for a coconut yogurt alternative and ensuring the coconut milk is used generously, you can make this recipe dairy-free without losing the signature creamy texture and flavor.
How spicy is this Indian Chicken Korma Recipe?
This version has a mild to moderate heat level because the red chili is very lightly used and de-seeded. You can adjust the spice to your liking by adding more chili or pepper.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
Garam masala is key for authentic flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can mix ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves as a quick homemade substitute. Freshly toasted spices will give the best results.
Final Thoughts
Making this Indian Chicken Korma Recipe is like opening a flavorful treasure chest filled with warmth, creaminess, and just the right kick of spices. It’s a dish that embraces you with comfort and sophistication all at once. I hope you dive in and enjoy cooking it as much as you enjoy eating it—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
