Description
This Chicken Korma recipe offers a rich and creamy Indian-inspired curry packed with aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a luscious sauce made from yogurt, coconut cream, and ground almonds. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it serves 4 people and pairs wonderfully with boiled rice or chapati.
Ingredients
Cooking Base
- 2 tbsp ghee or sunflower oil
- 1 onion (peeled and finely chopped)
Chicken & Aromatics
- 3 chicken breasts (approx. 525g/1.1lbs), chopped into bite-size chunks
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- 2 tsp minced ginger
Spices & Flavorings
- 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)
Dairy & Creams
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) full-fat plain/natural yogurt
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) coconut cream
- 60 ml (4 tbsp) double (heavy) cream
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground almonds
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped coriander (cilantro)
- Boiled rice and/or chapati (to serve)
Instructions
- Heat the fat: Heat the ghee in a large frying pan over medium heat until hot.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened and translucent.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken chunks and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is sealed and starting to brown.
- Add aromatics and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, minced ginger, ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, mild chili powder, turmeric, salt, white pepper, and tomato puree.
- Coat the chicken: Cook for 2 minutes while stirring, allowing the chicken to become well coated with the spice mixture.
- Add creamy elements: Stir in the yogurt, coconut cream, ground almonds, and sugar until fully combined.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish with cream: Stir in the double (heavy) cream and immediately remove the pan from heat to avoid curdling.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped coriander (cilantro) over the curry before serving.
- Serve: Serve the chicken korma hot alongside boiled rice and/or chapati for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can omit the mild chili powder if you prefer no heat.
- Coconut cream adds richness and a subtle sweetness; full-fat coconut milk can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Ground almonds help thicken and enrich the sauce – finely ground is best for smooth texture.
- Use fresh coriander for garnish to enhance flavor and add freshness.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian