Creamy Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe That Wows Everyone

Culinary adventures with coconut chicken korma sweep you into a world of creamy, aromatic delights.

Fragrant spices dance through each tender bite of succulent meat.

Layers of complex flavors emerge from carefully balanced ingredients.

Warmth radiates from this traditional dish that connects generations of home cooks.

Rich, velvety sauce embraces each morsel with incredible depth.

Transporting yourself to vibrant kitchens across india with just one spoonful.

Savor every moment as you create this magnificent meal that promises pure comfort and excitement.

Why Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe Is A Must-Try

• Dive into Creamy Comfort: Indulge in a luxuriously smooth sauce that wraps tender chicken in a velvety coconut embrace, delivering a warm hug of flavor with every bite.
• Spice Up Your Culinary Adventure: Experience a perfectly balanced blend of aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and cardamom that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal without overwhelming heat.
• Quick and Foolproof Cooking: Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in under an hour, with simple marinating and one-pot cooking that makes this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Create a versatile meal that appeals to both adventurous eaters and those who prefer mild flavors, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Everything You’ll Need For Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe

• Chicken: Succulent protein base for the korma, preferably boneless and skinless for even cooking.

• Yogurt, Lemon Juice: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy flavor.
• Turmeric, Garam Masala, Coriander, Chili Powder, Salt: Provide complex, warm spice profile and depth of flavor.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic Indian flavor foundation, creating rich and complex taste layers.

• Almonds or Cashews: Provide creamy texture and nutty undertones, ground for smooth sauce consistency.
• Coconut Milk: Creates rich, smooth base with subtle sweetness.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moistens the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Enhances color and provides slight acidic balance.
• Sugar: Optional sweetness to round out flavors.
• Cumin, Coriander, Cinnamon, Cardamom: Warm spices that define traditional korma profile.

• Fresh Cilantro, Toasted Cashews: Add fresh herbal notes and crunchy texture.
• Basmati Rice, Naan Bread: Traditional accompaniments for serving.

How To Make Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

• Plain yogurt
• Fresh lemon juice
• Ground turmeric
• Garam masala
• Ground coriander
• Chili powder
• Salt

Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with the marinade mixture. Cover and let rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to overnight.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown and caramelized. Introduce minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant and releasing their delightful aroma.

Step 3: Develop Creamy Korma Sauce

• Ground almonds
• Ground cashews
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom

• Creamy coconut milk
• Chicken broth
• Tomato paste
• Pinch of sugar

Gently bring the mixture to a soft simmer.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken to Perfection

Transfer marinated chicken into the simmering sauce. Cook uncovered on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Allow chicken to become tender and sauce to thicken beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve Beautifully

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Toasted cashew pieces

Accompany with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. Enjoy this rich, creamy Indian classic!

Helpful Tips For Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in yogurt mixture overnight for deeper, more intense flavors that tenderize the meat perfectly.
• Spice Scaling Strategy: Adjust chili powder and garam masala amounts to match your heat tolerance without losing authentic Indian taste profile.
• Nut Butter Boost: Grind almonds or cashews finely to create a smoother, richer sauce texture that enhances the korma's creamy consistency.
• Low and Slow Technique: Simmer chicken gently to prevent toughening, allowing spices to meld and sauce to develop complex, rich flavors.
• Dietary Flexibility Hack: Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for vegetarian version, maintaining the recipe's authentic spice blend and creamy sauce.

How To Store Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe Without Fuss

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken korma into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Pack leftovers in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air, and freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and flavor.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and restore sauce consistency.
• Microwave Option: Heat in microwave-safe dish with a lid, stirring midway through, and add small amount of liquid to keep chicken moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Perfect Pairings For Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe

• Pair with Creamy Lassi: Complement the rich, spicy korma with a cool, tangy yogurt-based lassi drink. The smooth, refreshing beverage balances the dish's warmth and cuts through its creamy texture.
• Match with Fragrant Basmati Rice: Serve alongside fluffy basmati rice to soak up the luxurious sauce. The light, aromatic grains provide the perfect base for enjoying every delicious bite of the korma.
• Create a Crispy Naan Companion: Grab some warm, buttery naan bread to scoop up the sauce and chicken. The soft, slightly charred flatbread adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender meat and creamy sauce.
• Select a Crisp White Wine: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the korma's complex spices. The wine's subtle sweetness and light body will enhance the dish's rich flavors without overwhelming them.

Exciting Twists For Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe

• Veggie Korma Swap: Replace chicken with mixed vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and green beans for a plant-based version that keeps all the creamy, spicy goodness.
• Seafood Coastal Edition: Substitute chicken with shrimp or white fish for a lighter, oceanic take on the classic korma that brings fresh seaside flavors to your plate.
• Lamb Luxury Korma: Swap chicken for tender lamb pieces, which absorb the rich spices and create a more robust, hearty meal with deep, complex flavor profiles.
• Slow Cooker Comfort: Transform the recipe by using a slow cooker, allowing spices to meld and chicken to become incredibly tender with minimal hands-on cooking time.

Top Questions About Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe

• What makes Indian Coconut Chicken Korma different from other curry dishes?

Korma is a milder, creamier curry that uses yogurt and nuts to create a rich, smooth sauce, unlike spicier Indian curries. It’s known for its subtle, smooth flavors and gentle heat.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, traditional korma is quite mild. The recipe uses minimal chili powder, making it a gentle, creamy dish suitable for people who don’t enjoy intense spiciness. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This korma sauce works wonderfully with paneer (Indian cheese), lamb, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. The creamy coconut and nut base complements many proteins beautifully.

• Why do I need to marinate the chicken?

Marinating tenderizes the meat and helps it absorb the complex Indian spices. The yogurt and lemon juice break down proteins, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorful throughout cooking.

Indian Coconut Chicken Korma Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spice-packed Indian coconut chicken korma delights taste buds with creamy, fragrant goodness. Rich layers of traditional flavors blend seamlessly, inviting culinary adventurers to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Base and Supporting Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 grams) plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons ground almonds or cashews (optional, for richness)
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 milliliters) coconut milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons toasted cashews (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by creating a robust marinade in a mixing bowl, combining yogurt, zesty lemon juice, earthy turmeric, aromatic garam masala, ground coriander, optional chili powder, and salt for enhanced flavor.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, then seal and refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Warm oil or ghee in a spacious skillet, introducing finely chopped onions and caramelizing them until they develop a rich golden hue, releasing their natural sweetness.
4. Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing briefly to unleash their intense aromatic qualities and create a fragrant base for the korma.
5. Introduce ground nuts, cumin, additional coriander, warming cinnamon, and complex cardamom, toasting momentarily to intensify their essential oils and develop a nuanced flavor profile.
6. Pour in creamy coconut milk, savory chicken broth, concentrated tomato paste, and optional sugar, gently bringing the mixture to a harmonious simmer.
7. Carefully transfer marinated chicken into the simmering sauce, including any residual marinade, allowing the proteins to absorb the rich, multilayered flavors.
8. Reduce heat and let the korma gently bubble, occasionally stirring, until chicken becomes supremely tender and sauce reaches a luxurious, thickened consistency.
9. Adjust seasoning with salt, ensuring a perfectly balanced taste that highlights the dish’s intricate spice blend.
10. Plate the aromatic korma, crowning it with fresh cilantro leaves and toasted cashews for textural contrast, presenting alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor infusion that allows spices to penetrate meat thoroughly.
• Use full-fat yogurt to create richer, creamier sauce with smoother texture and enhanced mouthfeel.
• Toast nuts before grinding to release natural oils and develop deeper, nuttier undertones in the korma sauce.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding fresh green chilies for personalized spice experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg