If you have been searching for a decadent and satisfying dish to impress friends or simply treat yourself, this Creamy Homemade Chicken Korma Perfect with Flatbread or Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. The harmony of rich spices paired with tender chicken swimming in a velvety sauce makes every bite memorable. It’s wonderfully fragrant with subtle warmth from the garam masala and turmeric, balanced perfectly by the cooling creaminess of yogurt and coconut cream. Whether you serve it alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm, soft flatbread, this classic recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals that feel indulgent yet comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you because each one is essential to build those luscious textures and layers of flavor. These simple yet crucial elements come together harmoniously to create a beautifully balanced korma.
- 2 tablespoons Ghee or Sunflower Oil: Adds a rich base and brings out the aroma of spices as you cook.
- 1 medium Onion (Chopped): Provides sweetness and body for the curry sauce.
- 500 grams Chicken Breast (Cut into bite-sized pieces): The tender protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, fragrant depth.
- 200 grams Tomato Purée: Brings acidity and vibrant color to balance the creaminess.
- 200 grams Full-fat Plain Yogurt: Adds tang and natural creaminess for an authentic texture.
- 200 ml Coconut Cream: Offers richness and a subtle tropical sweetness.
- Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Garam Masala, Mild Chili Powder, Ground Turmeric, Salt, White Pepper: These spices marry perfectly to build the iconic warm and aromatic flavor of korma.
- Fresh Coriander (for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish to brighten the dish.
How to Make Creamy Homemade Chicken Korma Perfect with Flatbread or Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your onion finely and mincing the garlic cloves to ensure they melt seamlessly into the sauce. Prepping everything beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat the ghee or sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently until golden brown and sweetly caramelized, which forms the perfect base. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Now add your bite-sized chicken pieces into the pan. Stir constantly, cooking until the chicken turns white on all sides. This step seals in the juices and prepares the chicken to absorb all the flavors coming next.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, mild chili powder, turmeric, salt, and white pepper. Stir them thoroughly, making sure every chicken piece is generously coated with this flavorful spice blend. This is where that signature korma taste really begins to take shape.
Step 5: Pour in Creamy Ingredients and Simmer
Blend in the tomato purée, full-fat yogurt, and coconut cream. Give everything a good mix so the sauce becomes smooth and luscious. Reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully, allowing the chicken to soak up the spices and creamy richness.
Step 6: Finish with Extra Creaminess and Garnish
For an added touch of indulgence, stir in some double cream if you like. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to make the sauce irresistibly silky. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh coriander on top to add a burst of freshness and color.
How to Serve Creamy Homemade Chicken Korma Perfect with Flatbread or Rice Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh coriander is a classic, consider adding toasted slivered almonds or a dollop of cooling natural yogurt on top. These garnishes not only heighten visual appeal but also introduce delightful textures and temperature contrasts that elevate your dish instantly.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Homemade Chicken Korma Perfect with Flatbread or Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with traditional fluffy basmati rice that soaks up the luscious sauce effortlessly. Alternatively, warm naan or other flatbreads work wonderfully for scooping and savoring every bite. Add a side of lightly spiced roasted vegetables or a cucumber raita for a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive serving, try plating the korma in a shallow bowl with a mound of rice in the center, letting the vibrant sauce pool around it. You can also layer the chicken and sauce over flatbread on a wooden board for a rustic, family-style feel. Serving it in pretty cobalt blue or terracotta bowls enhances the colorful presentation, making the meal as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This korma keeps exceptionally well, making it a great candidate for leftovers. Once cooled completely, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s perfect for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
You can freeze the Creamy Homemade Chicken Korma Perfect with Flatbread or Rice Recipe without losing its texture or flavor. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or coconut cream to loosen it, bringing back that perfect silky consistency. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe as they stay extra juicy and tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Is this recipe very spicy?
No, this Creamy Homemade Chicken Korma Perfect with Flatbread or Rice Recipe is made with mild chili powder, so it has a gentle warmth without being overly spicy. You can always adjust the chili level up or down based on your preference.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut yogurt instead of plain yogurt and skip the double cream or substitute with extra coconut cream. The coconut cream helps maintain the rich, creamy texture that defines this korma.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
Garam masala is key for that authentic flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. Freshly ground spices always add the best flavor.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this recipe?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes—10 minutes for prepping ingredients and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and elegance of this Creamy Homemade Chicken Korma Perfect with Flatbread or Rice Recipe to bring people together over a shared meal. It’s both simple enough for a weekday dinner and impressive enough to serve to guests. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and savor the warmth of homemade spices combined with creamy indulgence. Once you do, it might just become one of your all-time favorites too.
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Creamy Homemade Chicken Korma Perfect with Flatbread or Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Creamy Homemade Chicken Korma is a rich and flavorful Indian-inspired curry made with tender chicken breast cooked in a luscious blend of tomato purée, full-fat yogurt, and coconut cream. Enhanced with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric, this dish is perfectly spiced without overwhelming heat. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes, and pairs wonderfully with flatbread or steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Fats & Oils
- 2 tablespoons ghee or sunflower oil
Produce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh coriander, for garnish
Meat
- 500 grams chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dairy & Refrigerated
- 200 grams full-fat plain yogurt
- 200 ml coconut cream
Pantry & Spices
- 200 grams tomato purée
- Spices: ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, mild chili powder, ground turmeric, salt, white pepper (quantity: 1 to 1.5 teaspoons each, adjusted to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves to ensure they blend well into the sauce.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat the ghee or sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns a soft golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan and sauté them until the outside turns white and they start to cook through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, mild chili powder, turmeric, salt, and white pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken with the spices, releasing their aroma.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the tomato purée, full-fat yogurt, and coconut cream. Mix thoroughly and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish and Garnish: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a small amount of double cream during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander before serving.
Notes
- Use ghee for a richer, slightly nutty flavor or sunflower oil for a lighter option.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to your heat preference; the recipe uses a mild chili powder for subtle spice.
- Double cream is optional but recommended for a richer sauce.
- This dish pairs excellently with naan bread or basmati rice.
- Ground almonds can be added to the sauce for extra texture and flavor if desired.
