Irresistible Chicken Korma Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Aromatic spices swirl through this creamy chicken korma recipe, promising a culinary journey that transports you straight to the bustling streets of India.

Tender chicken pieces nestle in a luxurious sauce that balances subtle warmth with rich, velvety textures.

Fragrant cardamom, golden turmeric, and smooth yogurt combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and exotic.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved classic, blending traditional techniques with irresistible flavors.

Each bite tells a story of spice routes and cultural heritage, melding delicate aromatics with hearty protein.

The magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary, inviting you to savor every single spoonful.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to master a restaurant-worthy meal that will become a cherished personal favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Checklist for Chicken Korma

• Chicken: Tenderizes and absorbs deep, rich flavors for a mouthwatering experience.
• Yogurt: Creates silky texture and helps spices penetrate the meat effectively.
• Spices: Infuse aromatic warmth and complexity into the chicken's core.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps break down protein fibers.

• Onions: Provides sweet, caramelized foundation with intense depth.
• Almonds, Cashews: Adds creamy richness and luxurious nutty undertones.
• Ginger Garlic Paste: Delivers sharp, zesty aromatics and traditional Indian essence.
• Bay Leaf, Cloves, Cardamom, Cinnamon: Creates complex, warming spice profile.
• Garam Masala: Blends signature Indian spice mix for authentic taste.
• Coriander Powder: Introduces gentle, earthy background notes.

• Fresh Coriander Leaves: Brings bright, fresh herbaceous finish.
• Hot Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency and prevent scorching.

Tools & Tool for Chicken Korma

• Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating chicken and combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Blender or food processor: Perfect for creating smooth onion and nut paste.
• Large pan or skillet: Main cooking vessel for sautéing, simmering, and preparing chicken korma.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing onions and chopping ingredients precisely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.

Method to Make Chicken Korma

• Flavor Infusion

Blend yogurt, aromatic spices, and chicken in a bowl, letting the mixture rest and absorb delicious flavors for several hours in the refrigerator.

• Nutty Base Preparation

Caramelize onions in a pan until they turn golden, then blend with creamy nuts to create a silky smooth sauce foundation.

• Spice Awakening

Warm whole spices in oil to release their fragrant oils, then introduce marinated chicken, cooking until the raw aroma transforms into a rich, enticing scent.

• Sauce Creation

Introduce the nutty onion blend into the pan, adding water and gentle seasonings. Allow the mixture to simmer softly, transforming into a luxurious, creamy sauce that hugs each piece of chicken.

• Final Touch

Adjust the sauce’s consistency to your preference, making it velvety and inviting. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top and serve alongside fluffy rice or warm bread for a comforting meal that celebrates traditional Indian flavors.

Chicken Korma Tweaks & Suggestions

• Swap chicken with tender lamb, succulent turkey, or plant-based tofu for diverse flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Adjust heat by increasing or decreasing green chili quantities, creating mild to fiery versions that suit every palate.
• Experiment with different nuts like pistachios or pine nuts in the paste for unique creaminess and subtle flavor variations.
• Replace yogurt with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a delicious vegan-friendly korma without compromising rich taste.
• Use pre-made curry paste and rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time while maintaining authentic korma essence.

Serving Chicken Korma Right

• Cozy Comfort Plate: Pair the creamy chicken korma with fluffy basmati rice for a classic, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Bread Basket Delight: Serve alongside freshly warmed naan or soft roti to soak up the rich, velvety sauce and enjoy every last drop of flavor.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and a few toasted almond slivers on top to add a bright, crunchy contrast to the smooth, creamy korma.
• Cool Yogurt Companion: Add a side of cool raita or plain yogurt to balance the rich spices and provide a refreshing complement to the warm, aromatic dish.

Storage Details for Chicken Korma

• Refrigerator Magic: Store leftover chicken korma in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain its rich, creamy flavors and prevent any odor absorption.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion the cooled korma into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring the sauce remains smooth and chicken stays tender when reheated.
• Reheating Strategy: Warm gently in a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or yogurt to restore the sauce's original creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare korma in advance for busy weeknights. The flavors deepen and become more complex when the dish sits for a few hours, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for quick, delicious dinners.

Silky Chicken Korma Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken korma blends aromatic spices from Northern India with rich, nutty flavors. Delicate layers of yogurt, almonds, and warming spices create a luxurious meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken (traditional bone-in pieces, or boneless thighs or breasts)
• 1 cup plain or Greek yogurt
• 1 onion (caramelized)
• 2 tbsps oil or ghee
• ½ cup almonds or cashews (or ½ cup coconut cream for nut-free option)
• 2 tsps garam masala
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 inch ginger
• 2–3 green chilies

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Instructions

1. Marination: Blend yogurt, aromatic spices, and salt with chicken, allowing flavors to meld in refrigerator for 60 minutes or overnight for maximum depth.
2. Base Preparation: Caramelize onions in ghee until golden-brown, simultaneously toasting almonds and cashews. Transform cooled mixture into a silky paste using yogurt as a binding agent.
3. Spice Infusion: Temper whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon) in heated ghee, releasing complex aromatics. Introduce marinated chicken, sautéing until ginger-garlic notes mellow and meat begins to transform.
4. Sauce Development: Pour luxurious onion paste over chicken, integrating thoroughly. Season with hot water, salt, garam masala, and ground coriander, stirring until mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
5. Cooking Finalization: Reduce heat, cover pan, and allow chicken to become tender and fully cooked. Adjust sauce consistency by carefully adding hot water if needed, creating a velvety texture.
6. Presentation: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, serving piping hot alongside fluffy rice, warm naan, or traditional roti to complete this aromatic culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Longer marination time (overnight) significantly enhances chicken’s tenderness and flavor absorption, transforming an ordinary dish into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Caramelize Carefully: Golden-brown onions and toasted nuts create a deeply complex flavor base, ensuring the korma’s rich, nutty undertones are perfectly developed.
• Spice Temperament: Whole spices must be gently tempered in ghee to release their maximum aromatic potential, preventing burning and ensuring a balanced, fragrant foundation.
• Consistency is Key: Monitor sauce thickness during simmering, adding hot water incrementally to maintain a luxurious, velvety texture that coats the chicken beautifully.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg