Chicken Korma is a beloved Indian dish known for its rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices. If you’re craving a mild yet flavorful curry that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, learning how to make chicken korma is a must. This article will guide you through a simple, approachable recipe along with expert tips so you can create this luscious dish right in your kitchen.
What Is Chicken Korma?
Chicken Korma is a mildly spiced curry featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy sauce made from yogurt, cream, and ground nuts like almonds or cashews. The sauce is infused with fragrant spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and garam masala, giving it a subtly sweet and aromatic flavor profile. Unlike some curries that rely on tomato bases or heavy chili heat, korma is known for its smooth, luxurious texture and gentle warmth, making it accessible even for kids or those new to Indian cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic chicken korma, gather the following ingredients:
– Chicken (bone-in or boneless, about 2 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
– Ghee or vegetable oil (about ¼ cup)
– Onions (finely chopped, 2 to 2½ cups)
– Garlic (2 tbsp minced)
– Ginger (2 tbsp minced)
– Green or red chilies (2, optional for mild heat)
– Ground spices: garam masala (2 tsp), coriander (1 tsp), cumin (1 tsp), turmeric (½ tsp), cayenne (½ tsp), cinnamon (¼ tsp), cardamom pods or ground cardamom (½ tsp)
– Tomato puree (½ cup)
– Nut paste such as almond butter or ground almonds (¼ cup)
– Plain yogurt (½ cup, full-fat preferred)
– Heavy cream or whipping cream (½ cup)
– Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
– Salt and sugar to taste
– Water as needed
Optional: Coconut milk or cream can be used instead of or alongside yogurt for extra creaminess or if you have nut allergies.
Step-by-Step Chicken Korma Recipe
1. Sauté the Onions, Garlic, and Ginger
Start by heating the ghee or oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for about 20 minutes until the onions are very soft and golden brown, which builds the base flavor of the curry. Then add the minced garlic, ginger, and chilies. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the Spices
Stir in the garam masala, coriander, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cook the spices for a minute to release their aromas and deepen the flavor.
3. Incorporate Tomato Puree and Nut Paste
Add the tomato puree and almond butter (or ground almonds). Stir well and cook until the oil starts to separate and shimmer on the surface, indicating the spices and ingredients are well cooked.
4. Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pan, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if the sauce becomes too thick or starts to stick, but the chicken will release some moisture as it cooks.
5. Add Yogurt and Cream
Lower the heat and stir in the yogurt and heavy cream. Simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken to a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
6. Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro over the top. Serve your chicken korma hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Korma
– Use bone-in chicken if possible; the bones add extra flavor and juiciness to the curry.
– Slowly caramelize the onions for the best depth of flavor—don’t rush this step.
– Marinating the chicken is optional but can tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
– Nut allergies? Skip the nuts and use extra yogurt or coconut milk to maintain creaminess.
– Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili or omitting it altogether for a milder dish.
– Don’t overcook the chicken once the yogurt and cream are added to keep it tender and juicy.
Variations to Try
– Vegetarian Korma: Substitute chicken with vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, and peas for a hearty vegetarian version.
– Korma with Cashew Paste: Use cashew butter instead of almond butter for a slightly different nutty flavor.
– Coconut Korma: Add coconut cream for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the spices.
– Spicy Korma: Increase the chili powder or add fresh green chilies for a bolder heat level.
Chicken Korma is a wonderfully comforting and elegant dish that’s easier to make than you might think. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fragrant spices, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!