Chicken Kurma Recipe, Authentic Indian Chicken korma (2024)

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Indian Chicken kurma recipe with Coconut Milk

Chicken Kurma Recipe, Authentic Indian Chicken korma (1)

Chicken kurma is a Persian word and this dish comes from Mughlai cuisine. It depicts cooking style of Northern part of India and Hyderabad city of India. Use of dry nuts and ground spices makes Mughlai cuisine unique. In this cuisine dishes goes from mild tospicy. Some Mughlai recipes from my blog are–

  • Palak Paneer
  • Chole
  • Naan
  • Biryani

Some desserts are

  • Shahi tukda
  • kheer
  • Kulfi
  • Kalakand

Today I am sharing one anotherdeliciousMughlai dish that is Chicken Korma. It is a thick gravy based curry prepared using yogurt, almond and ground spices. Chicken pieces are grilled or shallow fried separately. Then they are mixed with gravy and simmer. And Chicken korma is ready. Easy isn’tit ?

Yes ! It is. In this recipe if ingredients are on hand, it takes few minutes to prepare. It need more preparation than cooking. This chicken korma is not only easy but healthy too. I have reduced the amount of fat and replaced cream with coconut milk. It is healthy chicken korma and you can have it without guilt. However, if you wish to make it more delicious , add full fat cream and use ghee instead of sunflower oil. Let’s jump to the recipe.

Chicken Kurma Recipe, Authentic Indian Chicken korma (2)

Ingredients

*measurement for cup used, 1 cup = 250 ml

For the Chicken Marinade

450 grams (1 pound) boneless skinless chicken breasts
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon curry powder or garam masala
¼teaspoon salt
1teaspoon sunflower oil or extra virgin olive oil

For the Sauce

2tablespoons sunflower oil
2 mediumonions, peeled and roughly chopped
4cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
½ teaspoonfreshly grated ginger root
½ teaspoon cumin
A pinch of asafoetida
5 whole cloves(I didn’t had powder)
1teaspoon turmeric
2teaspoons curry powder
3/4 teaspoon garam masala
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon coriander powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk
½ cup plain low-fat yogurt
2 teaspoonground almonds
1 teaspoonbrown sugar(heaped)
1 teaspoon salt or to taste

Step by step– chicken kurma

Step 1. Wash and clean chicken thoroughly under running water. Pat dry with a kitchen towel. In a mixing bowl put chicken pieces, add ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon curry powder or garam masala, ¼teaspoon salt, 1teaspoon sunflower oil. Mix it well and keep aside for at least half an hour (2 hours recommended).

Step 2. Heat a heavy bottom pan over medium-high heat. Fry the marinated chicken for8- 10minutes until it’s cooked. Don’t forget to flip the chicken pieceswhen halfway done.

Chicken Kurma Recipe, Authentic Indian Chicken korma (3)

Preparing Korma Sauce

Step 3. In a large saucepan heat2 tablespoons ofsunfloweroil over medium heat. Once the oil ishot, add cumin seeds and cloves (lavang)to crackle.Then add asafoetida, saute for 30 seconds.Add the chopped garlic and ginger,saute for 30 seconds. Then add onion and cook for a 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns togolden brownin color.

Step 4. Once onion is cooked, add turmeric, 2teaspoons curry powder, 3/4 teaspoon garam masala, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon red chili powder, ½ teaspoon ground cardamom and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder. Saute mixture for about 1 minute on low heat. Be careful thatspices shouldn’t burn at this point else curry will turn bad.Turn off the heat.

Step 5. Let the mixture cool down. Blend the mixture in a blendertill itturns tosmooth consistency.

Step 6. Now pour the mixture into cooked chicken pan (in step 2). Place the pan on low heat.

Chicken Kurma Recipe, Authentic Indian Chicken korma (4)

Step 6. Add the full can of coconut milk and yogurt. Stir it continuously for 1 or 2 minute on low heat so that yogurt doesn’t get split. Now increase heat to bring boil to the mixture.

Chicken Kurma Recipe, Authentic Indian Chicken korma (5)

Step 7. Add brown sugar and 2 teaspoon almond powder.

Chicken Kurma Recipe, Authentic Indian Chicken korma (6)

Step 8. Lastly add salt to taste. Cook for 5 minutes and turn off the gas. You can adjust the consistency by increasing water or decreasing by simmering for few more minutes.

Chicken Kurma Recipe, Authentic Indian Chicken korma (7)

Chickenkurma is ready to serve with naan, chapati or rice.

Recipe card – Chicken kurma

Chicken Kurma Recipe, Authentic Indian Chicken korma (8)

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Chicken Korma Recipe, Authentic Chicken korma

Prep Time

2 hrs 20 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

2 hrs 50 mins

Today I am sharing one anotherdeliciousMughlai dish that is Chicken Korma. It is a thick gravy based curry prepared using yogurt, almond and ground spices. Chicken pieces are grilled or shallow fried separately. Then they are mixed with gravy and simmer. And Chicken korma is ready.

Course:Main

Cuisine:Mughlai

Servings: 3 Servings

Author: Rachna's Kitchen

Ingredients

measurement for cup used (1 cup = 250 ml)

    For the Chicken Marinade

    • 450grams1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • ¼teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
    • ½teaspooncurry powder or garam masala
    • ¼teaspoonsalt
    • 1teaspoonsunflower oil or extra virgin olive oil

    For the Sauce

    • 2tablespoonssunflower oil
    • 2medium sizedonionspeeled and roughly chopped
    • 4clovesgarlicpeeled and chopped
    • ½teaspoonfreshly grated ginger root
    • ½teaspooncumin
    • A pinch of asafoetida
    • 5 whole clovesI didn't had powder
    • 1teaspoonturmeric
    • 2teaspoonscurry powder
    • 3/4 teaspoongaram masala
    • ¼teaspooncinnamon
    • 1teaspooncoriander powder
    • ¼teaspoonblack pepper
    • ¼teaspoonred chili powder
    • ½teaspoonground cardamom
    • ¼teaspoonnutmeg
    • 1cupunsweetened canned coconut milk
    • ½cupplain low-fat yogurt
    • 2teaspoonground almonds
    • 1teaspoonbrown sugarheaped
    • 1teaspoonsalt or to taste

    Instructions

    Prepping chicken

    1. Wash and clean chicken thoroughly under running water. Pat dry with a kitchen towel. In a mixing bowl put chicken pieces, add ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon curry powder or garam masala, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sunflower oil. Mix it well and keep aside for at least half an hour (2 hours recommended).

    2. Heat a heavy bottom pan over medium-high heat. Fry the marinated chicken for 8-10 minutes until it's cooked. Don't forget to flip the chicken pieces when halfway done.

    Preparing Korma Sauce

    1. In a large saucepan heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and cloves (lavang) to crackle. Then add asafoetida, saute for 30 seconds. Add the chopped garlic and ginger, saute for 30 seconds. Then add onion and cook for a 2- 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns to golden brown in color.

    2. Once onion is cooked, add turmeric, 2 teaspoons curry powder, 3/4 teaspoon garam masala, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon red chili powder, ½ teaspoon ground cardamom and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder. Saute mixture for about 1 minute on low heat. Be careful that spices shouldn't burn at this point. Turn off the heat.

    3. Let the mixture cool down. Blend the mixture in a blender till it turns to smooth consistency.

    4. Now pour the mixture into cooked chicken pan (in step 2). Place the pan on low heat.

    5. Add the full can of coconut milk and yogurt. Stir it continuously for 1 or 2 minute on low heat so that yogurt doesn't get split. Now increase heat to bring boil to the mixture.

    6. Add brown sugar and 2 teaspoon almond powder.

    7. Lastly add salt to taste. Cook for 5 minutes and turn off the gas. You can adjust the consistency by increasing water or decreasing by simmering for few more minutes.

    8. Chicken korma is ready to serve with naan, chapati or rice.

    Chicken Kurma Recipe, Authentic Indian Chicken korma (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the difference between chicken kurma and Chicken Korma? ›

    Both taste very different as the ingredients used are also different. So a kurma is not the same as Korma. South Indian kurma has coconut as the key ingredient, sometimes poppy seeds are also used. Ingredients like roasted chana dal and cashews are used as a thickener in the new-day versions.

    What is Indian Korma sauce made of? ›

    North Indian Korma is made with yogurt, nuts, seeds & brown onion paste. Sometimes you will also see recipes made with boiled onion paste like this Navratan Korma. South Indian Korma (known as Kurma) is made with coconut, seeds, sometimes nuts and no brown onion paste. Optionally yogurt is used.

    What makes Korma taste like Korma? ›

    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.

    Is Korma authentic Indian? ›

    Korma or qorma (Urdu: قورمہ; Hindi: क़ोरमा; Bengali: কোরমা) is a dish originating in the Indian subcontinent, consisting of meat or vegetables braised with yogurt (dahi), water or stock, and spices to produce a thick sauce or gravy.

    What is difference between kurma and korma? ›

    In North India it is called as korma and is made with yogurt, seeds, nuts & onion paste made from fried or boiled onions. In South India, it is called as kurma and is made with fresh coconut & seeds paste. Occasionally a small quantity of yogurt is used.

    Is Chicken Korma or tikka masala better? ›

    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.

    Why is Chicken Korma so good? ›

    It features a rich, creamy gravy made with a base of yogurt or cream and aromatic spices. The Chicken is simmered in this luscious sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a harmonious taste. Chicken Korma tends to have a slightly nutty essence because of ingredients like almonds, cashews, or coconut.

    Do they eat Chicken Korma in India? ›

    This creamy, mildly spiced traditional Indian dish of Chicken Korma is the stuff dreams are made of. Light and flavourful with the perfect mix of spices and cream, this recipe will taste like it was made in your kitchen - you won't believe it's a freeze-dried meal.

    Why is my korma grainy? ›

    It may take some time for the coconut and almond powders to dissolve enough so as not to be grainy in texture. If, unlike me, you don't like a grainy feel, soak the coconut and almond in 300ml of boiling water for 10 minutes to get the party started. A korma curry is supposed to be rich and creamy.

    Why does my korma taste bitter? ›

    With a meaty sauce that covers the veggies you cannot go wrong when serving this hearty meal to your family and friends. Your curry can taste bitter if the spices and garlic are burnt or if you've added too much fenugreek to the dish.

    Which is better chicken korma or butter chicken? ›

    Butter chicken is a tomato-based curry made with grilled marinated chicken simmered in a creamy, spicy gravy. So, although the curries share some similarities, butter chicken offers a more robust, tangy flavor than korma's milder, subtler spice profile.

    What is the difference between Indian and Pakistani korma? ›

    A traditional Pakistani-style Korma recipe will share the common characteristics of North Indian Kormas: made with fried onions (sometimes ground with nuts into a paste) and thickened with yogurt. According to Swasthi's recipes, North Indian kormas rarely use tomatoes.

    Why is korma not a curry? ›

    Korma is a type of curry that is characterized by its mild flavor and creamy texture. It is typically made with yogurt, cream, and nuts, and it often includes meat or vegetables. Korma is often served with rice or naan.

    What is the difference between chicken korma and chicken vindaloo? ›

    For consumers unfamiliar with the dishes, Chicken Vindaloo is similar to Tikka Masala but with a hot-spice coconut based sauce, while Coconut Chicken Korma is similar to Chicken Curry but with a coconut-based sauce blended with tomatoes and cream and accentuated by mild, sweet spices like cardamom.

    What is the difference between curry and 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 does chicken kurma taste like? ›

    Chicken Korma tends to have a slightly nutty essence because of ingredients like almonds, cashews, or coconut. It is garnished with fried onions, raisins, and chopped nuts, adding texture and visual appeal to the dish. Chicken Korma pairs well with aromatic rice or naan bread.

    What is the difference between curry and kurma? ›

    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 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.

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