Easy Chicken Korma
Make authentic Chicken Korma at home with this easy recipe. Creamy, flavorful Indian curry with Greek yogurt and warm spices ready in 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ghee or coconut oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Heat ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is hot but not smoking, about 1 minute.
- 2
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then add them to the hot pan in a single layer without crowding.
- 3
Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through, then transfer to a clean plate.
- 4
Add the diced onions to the same skillet and sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and softened, about 5-6 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 60 seconds until fragrant and the raw ginger scent mellows.
- 6
Sprinkle the ground coriander, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper directly over the onion mixture and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to bloom the spices and release their essential oils.
- 7
Add the tomato paste and stir thoroughly to combine it evenly with the spiced onion base, cooking for 1 minute more.
- 8
Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring well to break up any spice clumps and create a smooth sauce base.
- 9
Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet along with the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.
- 10
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender (a fork should pierce it easily).
- 11
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt in small spoonfuls, whisking gently to incorporate it smoothly without curdling.
- 12
Add the honey and fresh lemon juice, stirring to blend these final flavors evenly throughout the sauce.
- 13
Taste the korma and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your preferred balance.
- 14
Discard the bay leaf, then ladle the korma into serving bowls and garnish generously with fresh cilantro.
- 15
Serve warm with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or warm naan bread on the side.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk | low-fat Greek yogurt combined with light coconut milk | Greek yogurt adds probiotics for gut health and increases protein content while reducing saturated fat significantly |
| white rice | cauliflower rice or brown rice | Cauliflower rice is lower in carbs and improves blood sugar response; brown rice adds fiber and micronutrients |
| white sugar | raw honey or maple syrup | Natural sweeteners have lower glycemic index and add trace minerals while providing anti-inflammatory benefits |
| ghee or vegetable oil | extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil | These oils contain polyphenols and monounsaturated fats that reduce inflammation and support heart health |
| boneless chicken breasts | chicken thighs with skin removed | Thighs contain more omega-3 fatty acids and collagen for joint health; they stay more moist during cooking |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 340 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 92mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 42g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
