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4.47 from 1324 votes

Indian Chicken Korma Recipe

Discover the rich and creamy goodness of a time-honored Indian classic, and turn a simple dinner into an exotic feast with the velvety, spiced layers of this Chicken Korma recipe.
Prep Time2 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time3 hours 25 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 574kcal
Author: Linda

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided into 2 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon
  • 3/4 cup water divided into 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup
  • 2 white onions peeled and cut into quarters
  • 1/2 cup raw almonds ground
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups plain low-fat yogurt
  • 4 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 3 large tomatoes 3 cups, diced small
  • 1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk
  • 1/2 of a small red chili de-seeded and minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger root
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed

Optional Garnish

  • 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro

Instructions

  • Drizzle the chicken with 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil and sprinkle on the garam masala, curry powder, salt and pepper. Massage into the meat and cover, leaving to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Instead of a bowl, use a 1 gallon zip top bag to marinate the chicken for a more even distribution of the marinade and easier clean up.
  • Heat a cast iron or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F. Remove to a cutting board and cover with foil, allowing it to rest while you make the sauce.
  • Meanwhile, make the korma sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok set over medium heat. When hot, add onions and 1/4 cup water. Sauté until onions are translucent and lightly browned, 12-15 minutes. Stir in the ground almonds and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Transfer mixture to the bowl of a blender. Add yogurt and remaining water; puree until smooth.
  • Measure out the spices (curry powder through nutmeg) into a small bowl.
  • In the same skillet or wok, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the spices and toast for 1 minute, then stir in the onion-yogurt puree. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it begins to darken in color.
  • Add the tomatoes, coconut milk, red chili, ginger, and brown sugar. Stir well.
  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching.
  • Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the pan. Stir in the chicken well. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Serve with steamed basmati rice and/or naan.
  • Optionally garnish with chopped cilantro.

Video

Notes

Storage and Reheating
You can store this recipe in an airtight container in your fridge for 3-5 days. If you are looking to freeze this recipe you can do so in an airtight container for 2-3 months. If freezing, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat this recipe you can do so in 30 second increments in the microwave until everything has warmed through. You can also reheat this Chicken Korma on the stove top over medium-high heat until everything has warmed through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 883mg | Potassium: 1298mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 748IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 159mg | Iron: 4mg