Chicken korma, a creamy and aromatic Indian curry, is often perceived as a complex dish. But fear not! This easy chicken korma recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful classic without hours in the kitchen. This recipe prioritizes fresh ingredients and simple techniques to achieve a restaurant-quality result in a fraction of the time. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
What is Chicken Korma?
Chicken korma is a mild, creamy curry originating from the Indian subcontinent. Unlike many other Indian curries that feature bold spices and heat, korma is characterized by its rich, subtly spiced sauce made with yogurt or cream, and often includes nuts and mild spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The chicken is typically cooked until tender, resulting in a luxuriously smooth and flavorful dish.
Easy Chicken Korma Recipe: Ingredients
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For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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For the Korma Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 inch ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Salt to taste
Easy Chicken Korma Recipe: Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients with the chicken. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-3 hours for maximum flavor.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
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Bloom the Spices: Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This process, known as blooming, releases the full flavor of the spices.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
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Simmer the Korma: Pour in 1 cup of water (or more if needed), bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Add Cream and Finish: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Season with salt to taste.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti.
How long does it take to make chicken korma?
The total time to make this easy chicken korma recipe is approximately 1 hour, including marinating time. However, you can significantly reduce the cooking time by skipping the extended marinating period. The flavor will be slightly less intense, but the dish will still be delicious.
Can I make chicken korma in a slow cooker?
Yes! This recipe is easily adaptable for a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken as instructed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What are the key ingredients in chicken korma?
The key ingredients in chicken korma are yogurt or cream for its richness, aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander, and tender chicken. Onions, ginger, and garlic provide the base flavor, and the optional cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat.
Is chicken korma spicy?
Traditional chicken korma is generally mild, though you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper. This recipe offers a mild option, perfect for those who prefer less heat.
What to serve with chicken korma?
Chicken korma pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan bread, roti, or even some simple steamed vegetables. Consider adding a side of raita (yogurt dip) to cool down the palate.
This easy chicken korma recipe provides a delicious and accessible entry point to Indian cuisine. Enjoy experimenting with different spices and additions to create your own unique version of this flavorful classic. Remember to adjust seasoning to your preference for the perfect balance of flavors.
