Chicken Korma is a classic dish from the Indian subcontinent, known for its velvety texture, delicate spices, and rich, aromatic flavor. It’s a dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious sauce made from yogurt, cream, ground nuts, and fragrant spices.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
What makes Chicken Korma so irresistible is its depth of flavor and luxurious texture. The blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves adds warmth without overwhelming the palate, while the creamy sauce—made from ingredients like yogurt, cream, and cashews—provides a smooth, satisfying finish. The chicken, slow-cooked in the sauce, becomes incredibly tender, and the richness of the curry makes it the perfect dish to serve with basmati rice, naan, or even paratha. Whether you are a seasoned fan of Indian cuisine or new to it, Chicken Korma offers a delightful experience that will have you coming back for more.
Tips and Tricks for Chicken Korma
Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: While boneless chicken works well, using bone-in chicken (like thighs or drumsticks) will infuse the curry with more depth and flavor. The bones help release additional natural oils, which enhance the richness of the sauce.
Grind Your Own Spices: Freshly ground spices elevate the taste of your Chicken Korma. While store-bought ground spices are convenient, grinding your own cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin will add a more intense, aromatic flavor to the curry.
Control the Heat: Chicken Korma is traditionally mild, but if you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped green chili to the sauce. However, be cautious not to overpower the dish with spice; the key is a well-balanced flavor profile.
Blend the Nuts: Cashews or almonds are typically used to create the creamy base of the korma sauce. For an ultra-smooth, luxurious sauce, blend the nuts into a fine paste with a bit of water or stock. This step helps thicken the curry and gives it that signature velvety texture.
Slow Cooking is Key: To get the tenderest chicken and the most developed flavors, cook the chicken slowly over low heat. This gives the spices and yogurt time to meld together, resulting in a harmonious, deeply flavored sauce.
Avoid Overcooking the Yogurt: When adding yogurt to the curry, make sure to whisk it well and cook on low heat. Adding yogurt at too high of a temperature can cause it to curdle, ruining the creamy texture.
Variations of Chicken Korma
Chicken Korma is versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Korma: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with a variety of vegetables like cauliflower, peas, carrots, and potatoes. The creamy korma sauce works wonderfully with vegetables and can be a satisfying meatless meal.
- Nuts and Fruits Korma: For added sweetness and texture, you can mix in dried fruits like raisins, sultanas, or apricots. Additionally, almonds and cashews are common in korma recipes, but feel free to use other nuts like pistachios for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spicy Korma: While Chicken Korma is traditionally mild, you can add extra chili, either in the form of fresh chilies or chili powder, to make the curry spicier. Adjust the heat to your preference to balance the creamy base with a bit of kick.
- Coconut Korma: If you’re looking for a richer, tropical flavor, you can substitute some or all of the cream with coconut milk. This will give the korma a slight coconut undertone, adding complexity to the dish.
How to Serve Chicken Korma
Chicken Korma is typically served with soft, fluffy basmati rice or a variety of Indian flatbreads such as naan, roti, or paratha. The creamy sauce soaks beautifully into the rice or bread, making every bite a delightful experience. Here are a few ideas for serving Chicken Korma:
- With Basmati Rice: The delicate, aromatic flavor of basmati rice complements the rich, creamy korma sauce perfectly. You can even sprinkle a bit of garam masala or saffron over the rice for added fragrance and color.
- With Naan or Paratha: Soft naan or crispy paratha are ideal for dipping into the korma sauce. The bread helps scoop up every last bit of the creamy sauce, making it a complete, satisfying meal.
- With a Side Salad: A simple cucumber raita or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the korma. The acidity and freshness of the salad cut through the creamy sauce and provide a refreshing contrast.
How to Store Chicken Korma
Chicken Korma stores well, making it an excellent dish to prepare in advance or save for leftovers. Follow these steps for proper storage:
- Refrigeration: Once the Chicken Korma has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze Chicken Korma for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the curry overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over low heat.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken korma in a pot over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a bit of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Heat until the chicken is thoroughly warmed and the sauce is smooth.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken for Chicken Korma?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but bone-in chicken tends to provide more flavor. If you use boneless, ensure it’s cut into bite-sized pieces and cook it for a slightly shorter time to avoid overcooking.
2. Is Chicken Korma spicy?
Traditionally, Chicken Korma is mild, but it has a depth of flavor from the aromatic spices. If you prefer a spicier korma, feel free to add more chili or chili powder to suit your taste.
3. Can I make Chicken Korma in advance?
Yes, Chicken Korma is even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
4. Can I make Chicken Korma without nuts?
Nuts are an integral part of Chicken Korma as they create the creamy texture. However, if you have allergies or prefer not to use nuts, you can replace them with a combination of yogurt and cream or even use coconut milk for a different texture.
5. Can I make Chicken Korma without yogurt?
Yogurt adds a tangy flavor and smoothness to the sauce. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute with coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt alternative to maintain the creaminess.
Chicken Korma
Chicken Korma is a classic dish from the Indian subcontinent, known for its velvety texture, delicate spices, and rich, aromatic flavor. It’s a dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious sauce made from yogurt, cream, ground nuts, and fragrant spices.
Ingredients
For Marinating the Chicken:
- ½ kg (1.2 lbs) chicken (skinless, bone-in preferred but boneless is fine)
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt (or coconut milk)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or ½ tbsp each of grated ginger and garlic)
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp salt
For Korma Curry:
- 1½ tbsp oil or ghee
- 2–3 cardamom pods
- 1 cup sliced yellow onions (2 medium onions)
- 10 whole cashew nuts or almonds (soak in hot water for 30 mins if needed)
- ¼ cup yogurt or coconut milk
- 1–2 tbsp oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cloves
- 1 cardamom pod
- 2-inch cinnamon stick (Ceylon preferred)
- 1 slit green chili (optional)
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ½–¾ tsp garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro/coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for more flavor. - Prepare the Korma Gravy:
In a pan, heat 1½ tbsp of oil or ghee. Add the cardamom pods and sauté for a minute. Then add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown and caramelized (about 10-12 minutes). - Make the Nut Paste:
Turn off the heat and add the cashew nuts or almonds to the pan. If your blender isn't powerful, soak the nuts in hot water for 30 minutes and drain before using. Once cooled, blend the onions and nuts with ¼ cup of yogurt (or coconut milk) into a smooth paste. - Cook the Chicken:
In the same pan, heat 1–2 tbsp of oil. Add the whole spices—bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. Let them sizzle for a minute. Then add the marinated chicken along with the optional green chili. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the raw ginger-garlic smell disappears. - Simmer the Korma:
Add the prepared onion-nut paste to the pan, followed by ½ cup of hot water and ¼ tsp of salt. Stir in coriander powder, garam masala, and a little chili powder for color (optional). Bring the curry to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender (about 15-20 minutes). - Finishing Touches:
Once the korma is ready, you’ll see traces of oil on top. Taste and adjust the salt or garam masala if needed. If the curry is too thick, add a bit of hot water to adjust the consistency. Optionally, add rose or kewra water and a pinch of nutmeg for extra fragrance. Garnish with fresh cilantro/coriander leaves.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 658Total Fat: 67gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 47gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 581mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 5g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Korma is a dish that exemplifies the magic of Indian cuisine—rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy chicken curry never fails to impress. With its tender chicken, fragrant spices, and silky sauce, Chicken Korma offers a comforting yet sophisticated meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and indulge in the delicious, mouthwatering flavors of one of India’s most beloved dishes.
Try other easy chicken dinner recipes:
