Chicken Korma (Easy and Authentic Recipe!) - Rasa Malaysia (2024)

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Chicken Korma - Yummy chicken in rich yogurt curry Indian recipe. Simple step-by-step with pictures to make an easy and hearty meal.

Chicken Korma (Easy and Authentic Recipe!) - Rasa Malaysia (1)

Chicken Korma (Chicken in Rich Yogurt Curry) is a milder form of curry and is distinguished from other curries by its rich gravy and smooth texture, mainly because of its heavy incorporation of yogurt as part of its main ingredients.

Chicken Korma (Easy and Authentic Recipe!) - Rasa Malaysia (2)

For as long as I can remember, I have always been an avid admirer of Indian cooking, especially the amalgamation of spices involved in developing each unique curry.

Procuring these spices from the local Indian grocery store always bring back fond memories of the “spice trips” mom and I used to take to the Little India in my hometown of Penang.

The heady, robust fragrance of the variety of spices is inevitably what hits me first, sending images of juicy chunks of meat braising in a thick, rich, full-flavored curry to my brain as I try to hold back the drivel on the corner of my mouth while patiently awaiting mom to finish haggling with almost every shopkeeper along the street before my taste buds get to do the Bollywood boogie with the Chicken Korma and Squid Curry over a fluffy bed of basmati rice.

Chicken Korma (Easy and Authentic Recipe!) - Rasa Malaysia (3)

Along with Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken, Korma is undoubtedly one of the more popular items that can be found on the menu of any authentic Indian restaurant.

Korma, also spelled as Khurma or Kurma, is a milder form of curry and is distinguished from other curries by its rich gravy and smooth texture, mainly because of its heavy incorporation of yogurt as part of its main ingredients.

Chicken Korma (Easy and Authentic Recipe!) - Rasa Malaysia (4)

Although it may seem like a complicated dish at first, what with all the different spices involved, Korma is actually not that difficult to master.

The main thing is to tweak it to your fancy.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy my take of this world-renowned dish of Indian origin – the Chicken Korma.

It is definitely a “must try” dish for any gathering and I am highly confident that it will impress not only yourself, but also your friends and family as well.

Table of Contents

How Many Calories per Serving?

This recipe is only 329 calories per serving.

What Dishes to Serve with This Recipe?

For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.

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Chicken Korma

Chicken Korma (Chicken in Rich Yogurt Curry) is a milder form of curry and is distinguished from other curries by its rich gravy and smooth texture, mainly because of its heavy incorporation of yogurt as part of its main ingredients.

4.50 from 6 votes

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By Bee Yinn Low

Yield 4 people

Prep 1 hour hr

Cook 40 minutes mins

Total 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs (750g) chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons butter (ghee or oil)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 2 inch (5cm) cinnamon stick, lightly bruised
  • 2 cardamons
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 black peppercorns (lightly crushed)
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic

Marinade:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Garam Masala
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder or paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt (lightly whipped)
  • 2/3 cup fried onions (lightly crushed)

Instructions

  • Marinate chicken with Marinade ingredients for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

  • Heat up wok with 2 1/2 tablespoons butter, stir-fry the items listed under Ingredients and let the whole spices to sizzle a bit until fragrant. Toss in the marinated chicken (with the marinade) and continue to stir-fry for 10 minutes.

  • Turn heat to medium-low, cover the wok and cook for 30 minutes, or until the oil slightly separates, chicken is tender enough, and you have achieved the gravy consistency that you prefer.

  • Salt to taste, and add some water if the dish appears to be too dry. Dish out and serve with basmati rice orNaanbread.

Notes

Mutton, lamb, beef and vegetable makes delightful Korma as well. If you prefer, substitute yogurt with cream or coconut milk, or a combination of them. Fried onions can be substituted with fried shallots. To prepare fried onions at home, deep-fry finely sliced onions on high heat for 10 minutes or until color changes to almost translucent and crispy. Spread out on paper towels and pat dry.

Course: Indian Recipes

Cuisine: Chicken

Keywords: Chicken Korma

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Chicken Korma

Amount Per Serving (4 people)

Calories 329Calories from Fat 207

% Daily Value*

Fat 23g35%

Saturated Fat 10g63%

Cholesterol 91mg30%

Sodium 749mg33%

Carbohydrates 11g4%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 19g38%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

Chicken Korma (Easy and Authentic Recipe!) - Rasa Malaysia (2024)

FAQs

What is Chicken Korma sauce made from? ›

Korma defies strict definition, but this Mughlai dish typically involves meat or vegetables braised in a relatively mild velvety yogurt sauce that's seasoned with aromatic spices. It often carries a nutty undertone from blended almonds, cashews, coconut, or poppy seeds.

What's the difference between chicken curry and Chicken Korma? ›

Hence, korma has a yoghurt/cream-based mildly spicy gravy with a simmered centre component. Shahi korma, Mughalai korma, Hyderabadi korma, and Kashmiri korma are prime examples. On the other hand, curry is usually spicier and thicker than korma.

What is the difference between chicken tikka korma and Chicken Korma? ›

In short, both Chicken Shahi Korma and Chicken Tikka Masala are creamy and tasty. However, the chicken korma dish has fewer species and a creamier flavor, while chicken tikka is more flavorful due to the use of hot spices and varies in different tastes and flavors.

What is korma spice made of? ›

Spices: A traditional Korma uses a long list of ground and whole spices like bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves, nutmeg, mace, coriander, black cardamoms and black pepper.

What's the difference between butter chicken and korma? ›

Butter Chicken has a tangy and slightly sweet taste due to the tomatoes and cream, while Chicken Korma offers a milder and nuttier flavor profile. Butter Chicken is generally more affluent and creamier, whereas Chicken Korma has a more delicate and aromatic taste.

What is special about korma? ›

A korma can be mildly spiced or fiery and may use lamb, goat meat, chicken, beef or game; some kormas combine meat and vegetables such as spinach and turnip. The term Shahi (English: Royal), used for some kormas indicates its status as a prestige dish, rather than an everyday meal, and its association with the court.

Is chicken korma sweet or spicy? ›

Is chicken korma very spicy? Chicken Korma is traditionally made from yogurt, coconut milk, and almonds, making it one of the mildest chicken curries. The thick and creamy sauce has a sweetish tang to it coming from the coconut and almonds and is usually made with tender chicken chunks and served with rice.

Is korma curry hot or mild? ›

Originating in Northern India and Pakistan, the Korma is traditionally made up of yoghurt, coconut milk and almonds, making it one of the mildest curries available. The thick, creamy sauce has a sweet tang to it from the coconut and almonds, and is most commonly made with chicken and served with rice.

What curry is similar to korma? ›

Pasanda. Like their cousin the Korma a Pasanda is a rich, creamy curry made from ground almonds and coconut. It is a sweet dish without too much heat and has it's origins in Moghul cooking using lamb. It can also have cream in it as well, so it is very mild and children generally like it.

What is the healthiest Indian food to order? ›

Vegetarian options are often lower in calories and saturated fats while providing ample protein and fiber. Consider trying dishes like Palak Paneer (spinach and cottage cheese), Baingan Bharta (roasted eggplant), or Daal (lentil curry) for a satisfying and healthful dining experience.

Is korma like yellow curry? ›

What is Chicken Korma? It's what I would refer to as yellow chicken coconut curry with cashews. That's much more descriptive than 'chicken korma' but we'll go with both names. Chicken korma traditionally involves grinding cashews in a blender with a variety of spices and you then use that paste to marinate the chicken.

Does korma mean curry? ›

The chicken Korma. This well-renowned Indian curry can be found on every Indian restaurant menu around the world. The curry sauce itself can be found on supermarket shelves everywhere. If there was to be one curry that represents Indian cuisine, it might just be a chicken Korma.

Does chicken korma contain turmeric? ›

Once the onions are softened, stir in the crushed cardamom seeds, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder and bay leaf. Pinch off the ends of the cloves into the pan and throw away the stalks. Cook the spices with the onions for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Does korma contain garlic? ›

Method. Put 1 chopped onion, 2 roughly chopped garlic cloves and a roughly chopped thumb-sized piece of ginger in a food processor and whizz to a paste. Tip the paste into a large high-sided frying pan with 3 tbsp water and cook for 5 mins.

Does korma contain cumin? ›

When I have a little less time, I make this quick and easy version of chicken korma. The ingredient list may seem a bit long, but don't worry: most of the spices (cumin, coriander, cayenne, paprika, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves) you're likely to already have in your pantry.

How is korma different from masala? ›

In the battle of spice dynamics, Korma employs a more subdued approach, relying on fragrant notes to create a nuanced backdrop. Tikka Masala, on the other hand, marches forward with a vibrant array of spices, where cumin, coriander, and paprika join forces to conquer taste receptors with their fiery embrace.

What is chicken korma? ›

Chicken korma is a mild curry dish consisting of pieces of chicken breast, braised in a rich, creamy sauce made of yoghurt, spices and nuts (almonds and cashews are favourites), with a delicate hint of cardamom, rosewater and saffron.

Is korma sauce good for you? ›

Whatever the dish, tomato-based sauces are healthier than creamy ones, as they're usually lower in saturated fat and calories. Instead of a creamy korma, go for a balti or jalfrezi. With pasta, choose arrabbiata or bolognese instead of carbonara or cheese-based sauces.

Why is chicken korma yellow? ›

Although there are a few spices in this Indian yellow curry recipe that you may not have in your pantry, they all do serve a purpose and I recommend all of them, with ground turmeric being absolutely non-negotiable. It's what gives this dish its signature golden color.

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