Chicken Korma is a rich and creamy dish that’s full of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a luscious sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy recipe requires no marinading and can be made in just 30 minutes. The blend of coconut cream, yogurt, and ground almonds creates a velvety sauce that’s both comforting and full of flavor. Serve it with boiled rice or chapati for a complete meal your family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Korma is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for those who love creamy curries but prefer a mild level of heat. The combination of aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander creates a complex yet balanced flavor profile. The richness from the coconut cream, yogurt, and ground almonds results in a smooth and creamy sauce that envelops the chicken. Plus, it’s all cooked in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp ghee or sunflower oil
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1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
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3 chicken breasts (approx. 525g/1.1lbs), chopped into bite-size chunks
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2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
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2 tsp minced ginger
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 ½ tsp ground coriander
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1 ½ tsp garam masala
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½ tsp mild chilli powder (optional, for a bit of warmth)
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½ tsp turmeric
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp white pepper
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2 tbsp tomato puree paste (for US)
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120 ml (½ cup) full-fat plain/natural yogurt
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120 ml (½ cup) coconut cream *see note
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2 tbsp ground almonds
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1 tbsp sugar
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60 ml (4 tbsp) double (heavy) cream
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To Serve:
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2 tbsp freshly chopped coriander (cilantro)
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Boiled rice and/or chapati
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(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat the Ghee
Heat the ghee or sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until hot. -
Cook the Onion
Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened. -
Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken breast chunks and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is sealed on all sides. -
Add the Spices and Tomato Puree
Stir in the minced garlic, minced ginger, cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, chilli powder, turmeric, salt, white pepper, and tomato puree. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. -
Add Yogurt, Coconut Cream, Almonds, and Sugar
Add the yogurt, coconut cream, ground almonds, and sugar. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. -
Finish with Cream
Stir in the double (heavy) cream and turn off the heat. The sauce should now be rich and creamy. -
Serve
Serve the chicken korma topped with freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) and accompanied by boiled rice or chapati.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Korma: If you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount of chilli powder or add some chopped fresh chilies to the sauce.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with paneer, tofu, or vegetables like cauliflower and peas for a delicious vegetarian korma.
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Add More Nuts: If you like extra texture, you can add chopped cashews or almonds into the korma, either during cooking or as a garnish.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover Chicken Korma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the korma in a pan over medium heat, stirring often. You may need to add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much upon cooling. Chicken Korma can also be frozen, though yogurt-based sauces may sometimes become grainy upon defrosting. Ensure you use full-fat yogurt and cream for the best results when freezing.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They will add a richer flavor to the dish, and they’re also more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
2. Can I substitute the ghee with butter?
Yes, you can substitute ghee with butter if you prefer. Ghee offers a more authentic flavor, but butter will work just fine for this recipe.
3. What can I use if I don’t have coconut cream?
If you don’t have coconut cream, you can use coconut milk, but try chilling it overnight and using the solidified portion at the top. Alternatively, heavy cream or full-fat milk can be used for a different texture, though the flavor will change slightly.
4. How can I make the korma spicier?
If you prefer a spicier korma, you can increase the amount of chilli powder or add fresh green chilies during the cooking process. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
5. Can I use low-fat yogurt in this recipe?
It’s best to use full-fat yogurt for this dish, as it creates a rich and creamy sauce. Low-fat yogurt may cause the sauce to curdle or separate when heated.
6. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this Chicken Korma vegetarian, replace the chicken with paneer, tofu, or a variety of vegetables like potatoes, peas, and cauliflower. The cooking method will remain the same.
7. Can I freeze Chicken Korma?
Yes, Chicken Korma can be frozen. However, keep in mind that the sauce may change texture when reheated, particularly due to the yogurt. Make sure to freeze it in portions for easier defrosting.
8. How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can make the Chicken Korma ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day. Simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat and add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
9. Can I use ground coconut instead of coconut cream?
Ground coconut is not the same as coconut cream, but you can create a coconut cream substitute by dissolving creamed coconut blocks in hot water. This will give you a thicker texture similar to coconut cream.
10. Can I serve Chicken Korma with something other than rice or chapati?
While rice and chapati are traditional, you can also serve Chicken Korma with naan bread or even over quinoa for a healthier alternative.
Conclusion
This Chicken Korma recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, aromatic, and mildly spiced flavors, making it a dish everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for guests, this easy-to-make korma will surely impress. With simple ingredients and a short cook time, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Serve it with rice or chapati for the ultimate comfort meal!
