Chicken korma is chicken browned with onion, garlic, and ginger, then simmered in a yogurt-cream sauce built with warm spices, ready in about 35 minutes and served over rice or with flatbread. Cooking on low heat once the yogurt is added, rather than a hard simmer, is specifically what keeps the yogurt from curdling into a grainy sauce.
Chicken Korma with Flatbread or Rice
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 500 g chicken (cut into pieces)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon korma curry paste or spice mix
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- Salt to taste
- Optional:
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced almonds
- Cooked rice or flatbread for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onion until golden.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in spices and korma paste.
- Add yogurt and mix well.
- Pour in cream and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes.
- Cook until chicken is tender and sauce is thick.
- Garnish with cilantro or almonds.
- Serve hot with rice or flatbread.
Recipe Notes
- Cook on low heat after adding yogurt to prevent curdling.
- Adjust spice level to taste.
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor.
- Serve fresh for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 1 serving
- Calories
- 480
- Sugar
- 4 g
- Sodium
- 520 mg
- Fat
- 30 g
- Saturated Fat
- 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat
- 14 g
- Trans Fat
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
- Protein
- 38 g
- Cholesterol
- 120 mg
Why you'll love this
- Sautéing the onion until golden before adding garlic and ginger builds a sweet base flavor first, which is a classic starting technique for Indian-style curries that gives the sauce depth before the spices go in.
- Adding the yogurt before the cream, then simmering gently for 15-20 minutes, lets the sauce reduce and the chicken finish cooking at the same time without either component being rushed.
Tips for the best result
- Cook on low heat after adding the yogurt, exactly as the recipe's own notes specify, to prevent curdling.
- Simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened, using both cues together rather than relying on time alone, since pan and heat differences can shift the exact timing.
Troubleshooting
The sauce looks curdled or grainy.
This means the heat was too high after the yogurt went in. Keep it on low for the remainder of cooking, and consider adding the yogurt off the direct heat before returning the pan to a gentle simmer.
The sauce tastes flat.
Adjust the spice level to taste, as the recipe's own notes suggest, since korma paste and spice mixes vary in strength by brand.
Sauce has curdled.
don’t panic! Lower the heat immediately and whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of warm water.
Serve fresh for best texture, per the recipe's own notes; if storing leftovers, reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling the sauce further.
The recipe's own notes suggest fresh cilantro, sliced almonds, and rice or flatbread for serving.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a good Chicken Korma with Flatbread or Rice?
A good korma balances creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and tender chicken. The key is marinating the chicken in yogurt first and slowly building flavor layers with properly toasted spices.
Can I make korma ahead of time?
Absolutely! Korma tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen. Store refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
What’s the difference between korma and curry?
Korma is a specific type of curry distinguished by its creamy, mild sauce made with yogurt and/or coconut milk and typically contains nuts for thickening.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with chickpeas, paneer, or mixed vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and peas, maintaining the same cooking technique.
What if my korma sauce is too thin?
Simmer uncovered to reduce, or add 1-2 tablespoons of ground cashews/almonds. A cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) works for quick thickening.
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