Name: Creamy Chicken Korma Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp ghee or sunflower oil; 1 onion (peeled and finely chopped); 3 chicken breasts (approx. 525g/1.1lbs), chopped into bite-size chunks; 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced); 2 tsp minced ginger; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 1 1/2 tsp garam masala; 1/2 tsp mild chilli powder (optional for warmth); 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp white pepper; 2 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste); 120 ml (1/2 cup) full-fat plain/natural yogurt; 120 ml (1/2 cup) coconut cream; 60 ml (4 tbsp) double (heavy) cream; 2 tbsp ground almonds; 1 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp freshly chopped coriander (cilantro); Boiled rice and/or chapati (to serve)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that wraps you in rich, indulgent flavors while staying quick and surprisingly simple to whip up, this Creamy Chicken Korma Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary repertoire. With its velvety sauce, fragrant spices, and tender chicken pieces, it captures the very essence of comfort food infused with authentic Indian flair. Each bite melts effortlessly, showcasing a perfect harmony between aromatic spices and creamy textures that makes me want to serve it again and again to friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side close-up views of chicken pieces in a pan on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the chicken is plain, with a pale, creamy color and a soft texture. The pieces are small and evenly spread, showing slight shine from cooking. On the right side, the chicken pieces are covered in a rich, thick reddish-orange sauce with visible small herbs or spices, giving them a glossy, well-coated look. The texture appears tender and moist with the sauce clinging well to each piece. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Creamy Chicken Korma Recipe right is all about having the essential ingredients that bring together its vibrant taste and creamy texture. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s building depth of flavor, adding silkiness to the sauce, or lending a subtle warmth and color that make the dish visually inviting.

Ghee or sunflower oil: Provides a rich base fat that adds a nutty aroma and helps cook the aromatics beautifully.
Onion: Finely chopped and caramelized, onions give the sauce a naturally sweet foundation.
Chicken breasts: Bite-sized chunks ensure tender, juicy pieces that soak up all those luscious spices.
Garlic and ginger: Minced to release their potent, fresh flavors that perfectly complement the creamy sauce.
Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth essential to korma’s signature profile.
Ground coriander: Offers a citrusy touch that brightens up the dish.
Garam masala: A fragrant blend that imparts complexity and authentic Indian spice character.
Mild chili powder: Introduces a gentle heat to balance the creaminess without overpowering it.
Turmeric: Provides golden color and subtle bitterness to balance the sweetness.
Salt and white pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every element within the dish.
Tomato puree: Adds a subtle tang and rich body to the sauce’s base.
Full-fat plain yogurt: Brings creaminess with a hint of tang that tenderizes the chicken.
Coconut cream: Offers luscious, tropical richness that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
Ground almonds: Thicken the sauce naturally while providing a delicate nuttiness.
Sugar: Balances acidity and spices, enhancing overall sweetness gently.
Double (heavy) cream: Stirred in at the end for that extra indulgent, silky finish.
Fresh coriander (cilantro): Brightens up the plate and adds fresh herbal notes.
Boiled rice and/or chapati: The perfect vehicles to scoop up that lovely sauce.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Korma Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the ghee or sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until it shimmers invitingly. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it gently for about 5 minutes, stirring often. This slow cooking softens the onion and coax out its natural sweetness, which forms a delectable base for your korma sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add the bite-sized chicken breast pieces to the pan and let them cook for around 5 minutes. Stir occasionally, so each chunk gets a nice seal on the outside but remains juicy inside. This step locks in those succulent juices and starts layering the savory notes essential to the dish.

Step 3: Infuse with Spices and Tomato

Time to add the garlic, ginger, and your warm spice mix – cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, mild chili powder, turmeric, salt, and white pepper. Spoon in the tomato puree as well. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the chicken in this fragrant, colorful spice blend. This step releases the spices’ full aromatic power and deepens the richness of your korma.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Next, stir in the yogurt, coconut cream, ground almonds, and sugar. Combining these creates the velvety, indulgent sauce korma is famous for. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to a simmer; allow the chicken to cook through over 6 to 8 minutes, absorbing all those luscious flavors and tenderizing beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Freshness

Finally, stir in the double (heavy) cream to give the sauce that ultimate silky texture and luxurious mouthfeel. Turn off the heat and fold in freshly chopped coriander. That fresh herbaceous pop balances the richness perfectly and brightens every bite.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Korma Recipe

A white bowl filled with three main layers: on the left, two pieces of warm naan bread with golden brown toasted spots, lightly speckled with herbs; to the right, a mound of fluffy white rice topped with green chopped cilantro; in the front lower half, chunks of creamy orange-colored curry sauce with herbs sprinkled on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with additional pieces of naan bread and another bowl of orange curry blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Topping your Creamy Chicken Korma Recipe with freshly chopped coriander is a must. It adds a burst of green freshness that cuts through the richness. A few slivers of toasted almonds on top can add a subtle crunch and extra nuttiness, making each mouthful even more delightful.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines when accompanied by fluffy boiled basmati rice or warm, soft chapatis. They’re ideal for soaking up every last drop of that sumptuous, creamy sauce. You could also serve it alongside lightly steamed greens, such as spinach or green beans, for a vibrant contrast and added nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving your creamy chicken korma in individual shallow bowls garnished with a wedge of lime and some finely sliced red chili for those who appreciate a bit of extra heat. For a more casual vibe, pile it over a bed of fragrant saffron rice and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds to introduce a jewel-like pop of color and sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken Korma Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and safety.

Freezing

You can freeze this korma for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and leave some room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it slowly overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent the cream from splitting. You may want to add a splash of water or extra cream if it feels too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can alter the delicate texture of the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor, and they hold up well to slow simmering. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute full-fat yogurt and double cream with coconut yogurt and extra coconut cream, respectively. These swaps keep the creamy texture and rich flavor without dairy.

How spicy is this Creamy Chicken Korma Recipe?

It offers a mild warmth suitable for most palates. The mild chili powder adds just a hint of heat but can be omitted completely if you prefer no spiciness at all.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Definitely! It actually tastes fantastic the next day once the flavors have melded. Prepare it completely, then reheat gently before serving to wow your guests stress-free.

What’s the best rice to serve with korma?

Basmati rice is traditionally paired with korma because of its light, fluffy grains and subtle nutty aroma. It perfectly complements the richness of the creamy sauce without overpowering it.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Korma Recipe is a true kitchen star, effortlessly bringing warmth, comfort, and an inviting touch of Indian cuisine to your table. It’s approachable for home cooks and impressive enough to serve on special occasions. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to meals that everyone will rave about.