If you’ve ever wondered what royalty tastes like, you’ll find the answer in a warm, fragrant bowl of chicken korma. This beloved dish is a crown jewel of South Asian cuisine, combining juicy chicken with rich, velvety curry made from yogurt, cream, almonds, and spices. Whether served with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, chicken korma is a delicious way to turn an everyday meal into a feast.
Why You’ll Love chicken korma Recipe
From its rich, silky texture to its subtle blend of warming spices, there are so many reasons to love korma. It’s indulgent without being heavy, elegant yet approachable. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing dinner guests, chicken korma brings flavor, comfort, and just the right touch of spice. And the best part? You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to make it happen.
Pure Comfort
There’s something about a creamy curry that hugs you from the inside out. korma is that comfort food. It’s mellow, nutty, and perfectly spiced ideal for cozy nights, cold days, or when you simply want something that feels like a culinary cuddle.
Ingredients for chicken korma
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp ghee or oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup ground almonds or cashews
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Sliced almonds for garnish (optional)
What You Need
- Large sauté pan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for smooth sauce)
Time to Cook chicken korma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Steps to Make chicken korma
Marinate the chicken in yogurt, turmeric, and a pinch of salt for 30 minutes (or overnight if time allows).
Heat ghee or oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add coriander, cumin, garam masala, and cinnamon. Stir well to bloom the spices.
Add ground almonds and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to form a paste.
Stir in chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
Add chicken broth and simmer covered for 15 minutes.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream and simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes until thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt.
Garnish with cilantro and sliced almonds before serving.
Make chicken korma Perfect
To ensure your korma is silky and luxurious, cook the onions low and slow until caramelized. Don’t rush this step! It’s what gives the dish its sweet, deep base. Use full-fat yogurt and cream for richness, and don’t skip marinating the chicken it tenderizes and flavors it beautifully. For perfectly tender chicken, check out this guide to cooking thin-sliced chicken breast.
Mix chicken korma Up
Feel free to get creative with your chicken korma:
- Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
- Add golden raisins for a hint of sweetness.
- Toss in green peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Switch protein with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Perfect Partners
Pair this indulgent chicken korma with:
- Steamed basmati rice
- Garlic naan or paratha
- A cooling cucumber raita
- Or spice things up with perfect fried rice with chicken and shrimp
Busy Day Hero
When time is tight, chicken korma still comes through. You can marinate the chicken the night before and cook the dish in under 45 minutes. It also reheats like a dream, making it ideal for busy weekdays or lazy Sundays.
Work Ahead
Want to save even more time? Prep the spice base and onion mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just add the chicken and broth. Your korma will be on the table in no time!
Save Some For Later
Chicken korma stores beautifully. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it—just let it cool completely first. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Everyone’s Happy
Whether you’re feeding kids, curry newbies, or spice fanatics, chicken korma makes everyone smile. It’s rich without being overwhelming, flavorful without being fiery. Serve it family-style and watch it disappear!
Good For You Too
With protein-rich chicken, heart-healthy spices, and the option to add veggies or use lighter dairy alternatives, chicken korma can be as wholesome as it is indulgent. Use Greek yogurt and reduce cream for a healthier spin that still delivers on flavor.
Easy Clean Up
All made in one pan yes, please! Chicken korma simplifies the post-dinner dread. Fewer dishes, faster cleanup, more time to enjoy the leftovers (and trust us, you’ll want leftovers).
Switch chicken korma Up
Feeling adventurous?
- Try lamb instead of chicken for a deeper flavor.
- Use the sauce over roasted veggies for a meatless meal.
- Throw it all in the slow cooker in the morning for a hands-off dinner just like these slow cooker beef recipes.
Simply Perfect
Every spoonful of chicken korma is creamy, spiced, and incredibly comforting. It’s a timeless dish with layers of flavor that never fail. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned spice lover, this recipe is your ticket to something truly special.
FAQs for chicken korma
1. Is chicken korma spicy?
Not at all. It’s mild and creamy with just a hint of warmth from the spices.
2. Can I make chicken korma dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy. It’s just as luscious.
3. What’s the difference between korma and curry?
Korma is creamier and more nut-based than many traditional tomato-heavy curries.
4. Can I make chicken korma ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.
5. What if I don’t have garam masala?
Mix equal parts cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves as a quick substitute.
6. How can I use leftovers?
Toss them in a wrap, pair with curry chicken salad, or serve over baked potatoes for a twist.
Conclusion
Chicken korma isn’t just a dish it’s a celebration of warmth, flavor, and tradition. With tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a sauce so good you’ll want to lick the spoon, this recipe brings joy to every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight treat or a weekend dinner party, one thing’s for sure: korma will always be a showstopper. And if you love bold flavors, don’t miss our Alice Springs Chicken recipe for another delicious dinner option.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
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Chicken Korma
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy chicken korma recipe combines yogurt, cream, almonds, spices, garlic, and ginger for a rich, comforting Indian-style curry dish.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp ghee or oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup ground almonds or cashews
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Sliced almonds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Marinate the chicken in yogurt, turmeric, and salt for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Heat ghee or oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the onions until golden brown.
Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in coriander, cumin, garam masala, and cinnamon and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add ground almonds and stir until a thick paste forms.
Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
Pour in chicken broth and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Reduce heat and stir in the cream. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro and almonds.
Notes
Use full-fat yogurt and cream for the best texture and flavor.
Substitute coconut milk for cream to make it dairy-free.
You can use a blender to puree the sauce before adding the chicken for a smoother texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: chicken korma, creamy chicken curry, Indian chicken curry, yogurt chicken recipe