Spice-Kissed Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe: Homemade Bliss

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy indian coconut chicken korma that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mumbai.

Rich, velvety sauce clings to tender chicken pieces, infusing each bite with aromatic spices and silky coconut undertones.

Layers of traditional flavors dance across your palate, creating a harmonious blend of warmth and sophistication.

Fragrant cardamom, gentle turmeric, and smooth cashew paste weave magic into every spoonful of this beloved dish.

The recipe balances complexity with approachability, inviting both novice and experienced cooks to explore its delightful nuances.

Subtle yet bold, this korma transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary experience that celebrates the depth of Indian cuisine.

You’ll find yourself craving this comforting meal again and again.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 3

Must-Have Ingredients For Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe

• Yogurt: Tenderizes chicken and adds creamy tanginess to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and helps break down chicken proteins.
• Turmeric: Provides warm golden color and subtle earthy undertones.
• Garam Masala: Offers complex spice blend with warming Indian aromatics.
• Coriander Powder: Brings gentle citrusy and nutty flavor profile.
• Chili Powder: Adds optional heat and vibrant red color.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances other ingredients.

• Oil, Ghee: Creates rich cooking foundation with nutty undertones.
• Onion: Builds deep, sweet flavor foundation for korma sauce.
• Garlic: Delivers pungent, aromatic depth to the dish.
• Ginger: Provides warm, spicy kick and traditional Indian essence.

• Almonds, Cashews: Thickens sauce and adds luxurious creamy texture.
• Cumin, Coriander, Cinnamon, Cardamom: Creates complex spice symphony.
• Coconut Milk: Delivers creamy, smooth base with tropical richness.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and additional liquid for simmering.
• Tomato Paste: Provides subtle tangy undertone and color.
• Sugar: Balances spices and rounds out flavor profile.
• Fresh Cilantro, Toasted Cashews: Garnish with fresh herbal and crunchy elements.

Grab These Tools For Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Success

• Large skillet or pot: Essential for sautéing onions and cooking the entire dish.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and ginger.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise ingredient preparation.
• Mixing bowl: Great for marinating chicken and combining ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and spice quantities.
• Measuring cups: Helps with precise liquid measurements.

Easy Directions For Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe

• Flavor Infusion

Create a magical marinade by blending yogurt with aromatic spices. Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors, transforming it into a taste sensation. The longer it marinates, the more delicious it becomes.

• Aromatic Foundation

Warm your kitchen with sizzling onions turning golden and releasing their sweet essence. Introduce minced ginger and garlic, letting their intense fragrance dance through the air, creating a mouthwatering base.

• Sauce Transformation

Sprinkle in a symphony of spices, allowing them to bloom and release their hidden depths. Pour in silky coconut milk, creating a luxurious sauce that will make your taste buds sing with joy. Let everything bubble gently, melding flavors together.

• Chicken Merger

Nestle the marinated chicken into the creamy sauce, allowing each piece to become completely embraced by the rich, velvety liquid. Simmer patiently, watching the sauce thicken and the chicken become tender and succulent.

• Final Flourish

Transfer your masterpiece to a beautiful serving dish. Crown your creation with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and crunchy toasted cashews. Serve alongside fluffy rice or warm naan, ready to transport everyone to a culinary paradise.

Tips To Spice Up Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe

• Creamy Texture Secret: Whisk yogurt thoroughly before marinating to prevent curdling and ensure a silky-smooth sauce consistency.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace basmati rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of this classic dish.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken with firm tofu, paneer, or mixed vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, and potatoes for a delightful plant-based alternative that maintains the rich, aromatic korma flavors.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder quantity to personalize heat intensity – reduce for mild preference or increase for a spicier experience. Adding fresh green chilies can provide an extra kick of heat and authentic Indian flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This korma tastes even better the next day as spices continue to meld, making it perfect for meal prepping or preparing in advance for gatherings. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, gently reheating when ready to serve.

Serve Indian Coconut Chicken Korma With Confidence

• Creamy Coconut Comfort Plating: Serve this luxurious korma over fluffy basmati rice, creating a stunning golden-white base that beautifully showcases the rich sauce and tender chicken pieces.
• Nutty Texture Boost: Sprinkle extra toasted cashews on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smooth, velvety korma sauce, adding both visual appeal and textural excitement.
• Cooling Companion Combo: Pair with cooling cucumber raita or a fresh yogurt-based side dish to balance the warm spices and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy chicken.
• Weekend Feast Presentation: Create a stunning family-style spread by serving the korma in a large ceramic dish, surrounded by warm naan bread, extra herbs, and additional toasted nuts for an inviting and interactive dining experience.

Save And Reuse Indian Coconut Chicken Korma The Easy Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover korma in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and food safety.
• Freezing Wisdom: Pack cooled chicken korma in freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding splash of chicken broth to restore sauce consistency. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce separation.
• Meal Prep Trick: Prepare marinade and chop ingredients night before. Store marinating chicken and prepped components separately in refrigerator, reducing next-day cooking time by 20-30 minutes.

Creamy Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy indian coconut chicken korma blends aromatic spices with tender chicken in a luxurious sauce. Fragrant basmati rice and fresh cilantro elevate this classic dish that you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) coconut milk
• ½ cup (120 g) plain yogurt
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or water
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsps ground almonds or cashews (optional, for richness)
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom
• 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsps toasted cashews (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, chili powder, and salt in a bowl. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet. Caramelize onions until golden, then add garlic and ginger. Toast ground nuts, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom to intensify flavors.
3. Build Sauce: Pour coconut milk, chicken broth, and tomato paste into the skillet. Add optional sugar and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook Chicken: Transfer marinated chicken with remaining marinade into the simmering sauce. Reduce heat and cook until chicken becomes tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
5. Finish and Serve: Season with salt to balance flavors. Garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted cashews. Serve hot alongside basmati rice or naan bread.

Notes

• Marinate Masterfully: Ensure chicken is fully coated in yogurt mixture for deeper flavor absorption and tender meat texture.
• Spice Toasting Technique: Briefly toast whole and ground spices in dry pan to release essential oils, enhancing overall aroma and complexity of korma sauce.
• Coconut Milk Caution: Add coconut milk gradually and simmer gently to prevent separation or curdling, maintaining smooth, creamy sauce consistency.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Use low heat during final simmering stage to prevent chicken from becoming tough, allowing gradual flavor development and meat tenderization.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg