Chicken Korma is a rich, creamy, and aromatic Indian curry that has become a beloved dish worldwide. Known for its mild, yet complex flavors, it’s made with succulent chicken cooked in a smooth blend of yogurt, cream, and an assortment of spices that will leave you craving for more. This Chicken Korma recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a flavorful curry without too much heat.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe will guide you to make an authentic and mouth-watering dish right in your own kitchen.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Chicken Korma recipe combines the perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and depth of flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser, suitable for both family dinners and special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, a rich coconut and yogurt-based sauce, and the warm spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves creates an unforgettable taste.

Plus, it’s an easy recipe to follow, with simple steps that lead to a satisfying dish. The best part? You can customize it with different variations, and it’s best paired with naan or rice.

🍽️ What Do You Need to Prepare Chicken Korma?

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients for this Chicken Korma.

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch ginger, minced
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp ground almonds (or almond meal)
1/4 cup coconut milk
1 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
2 tbsp korma curry paste
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2-3 cardamom pods
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or slivered almonds for garnish

🔪 How to Make Easy Chicken Korma Step-by-Step?

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the mixture doesn’t burn. This will form the aromatic base for your korma.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly browned on all sides. This should take around 6-8 minutes. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and ensure it’s cooked through.

Step 3: Adding the Spices

Once the chicken is browned, add the korma curry paste, garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom pods, and ground cloves. Stir everything well, making sure the chicken is coated in the spices. Let this cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their fragrances.

Step 4: Creating the Sauce

Lower the heat and add the yogurt, heavy cream, and ground almonds. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth and creamy sauce. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add the coconut milk and a bit of water or chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is tender.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste the korma and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro and optional raisins or slivered almonds for added texture and sweetness. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan.

🥄 Variations

While this Chicken Korma recipe is delicious as it is, there are several variations to make it your own. For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of cashews to the sauce, or even substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. For extra spice, add a sliced chili pepper or use a spicier curry paste.

If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for paneer, tofu, or mixed vegetables like potatoes, peas, and carrots. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as cashews or pistachios, for a unique twist.

🍴 Cooking Notes

Chicken Korma is known for its tender chicken and creamy texture, but achieving this balance requires some attention to detail. When cooking the chicken, ensure not to overcook it, as it can become dry. The key to a flavorful korma lies in the slow simmering process, which allows the chicken to absorb the spices and the sauce to thicken. Be sure to check the consistency of the sauce, adding water or coconut milk if it gets too thick.

If you want an even richer flavor, let the korma simmer for longer, allowing the ingredients to meld together. You can also make the korma ahead of time, as the flavors often improve after a few hours or even a day.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Chicken Korma is best served with a side of fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. You can also pair it with a refreshing cucumber raita to balance the spiciness of other dishes.

For a more substantial meal, serve it with roasted vegetables or a mixed green salad on the side. For a touch of luxury, sprinkle a few saffron threads over the korma before serving.

💡 Helpful Tips

Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, try using bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless cuts. The bones release flavor into the sauce, making it even richer.
Don’t Skip the Yogurt: Yogurt not only adds creaminess but also helps tenderize the chicken. Make sure it’s full-fat yogurt for the best results.
Make it Ahead: Chicken Korma tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dish. Refrigerate and reheat it gently before serving.
Spice Level: Adjust the spice level to your preference by using less korma paste or adding extra chili for heat.
Texture Variations: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the sauce before serving to remove the texture of the onions and almonds.

🌟 Tips for the Best Chicken Korma

Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking enhances the flavor.
Cook on Low Heat: To prevent burning the yogurt and cream, cook the curry on low heat once you add the dairy ingredients.
Control Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little extra coconut milk or water to reach the desired consistency.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For added freshness, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or mint leaves.

⏱️ Timing Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g

❓ FAQs

Can I make Chicken Korma ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Korma can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Just refrigerate it for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
Can I use boneless chicken for Chicken Korma?
Yes, boneless chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it until tender to absorb the full flavor of the sauce.
Can I make Chicken Korma spicy?
Absolutely! If you like heat, you can increase the amount of korma paste or add extra chili peppers to your liking.

📝 Conclusion

This Chicken Korma recipe is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, creamy curry that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a wonderful choice for those who want to try something a little different from the typical curry but still enjoy a mild and flavorful dish.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or making a special meal for yourself, this recipe will impress every time.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Korma with naan or rice for the complete experience.