This is a traditional and authentic Chicken Korma recipe that’s easy enough to make on a weeknight. It’s a naturally gluten-free, one-pot chicken curry made in the Pakistani and North Indian manner.
Pop Quiz – What makes this Chicken korma ‘authentic’? Is it because…
a) I’m full-blooded Pakistani and feel strangely entitled to call it so.
b) You will not find ‘curry powder’ as one of the ingredients. Instead, you’ll notice an unapologetically long list of whole spices.
c) It uses legit (yet optional) ingredients like saffron and kewra essence. #fancy
d) All of the Above.
If you guessed D, then your answer is correct!
Jokes apart, I don’t think there is an authentic way to make anything anymore. Cuisine doesn’t freeze in time or place. Our recipes transport and evolve just as we do. Whether intentionally or not, we adapt our cooking to the ingredients, produce, and flavors around us.
But because I’ve tried to stick to the original concepts of korma as conveyed by google, youtube, and my mother-in-law, I hope ‘authentic’ will pass as an accurate descriptor.
So what is Chicken Korma?
Chicken Korma is a cherished South Asian dish from the time of the Mughals. In the Pakistani and North Indian way of preparation, whole spices are used to flavor the chicken and then yogurt is added in low heat to prevent any curdling.
One method I’ve often seen is first frying the onions, and then drying and grinding them with the yogurt. I’ve tried that and it made a negligible difference in taste compared to the method of just using a food processor to finely grind the onions before browning them.
This is one of those traditional dishes, like Nihari and Haleem, that I’ve attempted numerous times before I was satisfied enough to share. My goal is to give simpler, easier, and healthier versions of these dishes with zero sacrifices on the classic, ‘authentic’ taste.
If that sounds good to you, then feel free to join my mailing list so you never miss a recipe. Are you ready?
Let’s do this!
If you try this recipe, please let me know in the comments below and tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations. I love hearing from you!
Authentic Chicken Korma
Ingredients
Whole spices
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/8 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 3 green cardamom pods
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 1-2” cinnamon stick
Spice Powders
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder or more to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
- 1 3/4 tsp salt or to taste depending on amount of chicken
For the curry
- 1.5-2 lbs bone-in, cut up, skinless chicken cleaned and excess skin removed
- 2 large onions blended in a food processor
- 1/3 cup neutral oil such as avocado or grapeseed
- 8-10 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 inch piece ginger crushed
- 2 small tomatoes blended in a food processor
- 3-4 green chili peppers chopped
- 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt whipped with a fork
- 1 1/2 tbsp ghee
- 1/2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (methi) crushed between your hands
- pinch saffron optional
- 1/8-1/4 tsp diluted kewra essence optional
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves chopped
Instructions
- Combine the spice powders and salt in a small bowl and the whole spices in another small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. Sauté the onions until they are golden, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté until the raw smell disappears, about a minute. Add the whole spices and continue to sauté for a minute or two. Add the tomatoes* and continue to sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes are fully cooked.
- Add the chicken and fry it until it changes color, about 4-5 minutes. Add the spice powders and salt, and green chili peppers. Continue to sauté for a minute.
- Add about 2 cups of water (depending on how much meat you have), lower the heat to medium, cover and let cook for 15 minutes. If it is too watery, put the lid ajar for another 5 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and add whipped yogurt, ghee, methi, and saffron (if using).
- Add ¼ to ½ cup of water to thin it out, if desired. Allow the chicken to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes. The oil will have risen to the top. Sprinkle the kewra essence (if using) and cilantro on top. Serve with rice, roti or naan.
Notes
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Adapted it here and there a little (less cloves, less chili powder, no chillies and kewra) but amazing! Loved it. Made it for a Pakistani friend who liked it too. Will definitely make again. Thank you so much!
Adapting is essential! Thanks for the review, Lisette!!!
If I use barista (freshly fried, dried and ground onions) approx how much will I need for this qty chicken ?
Hi Shamim, I don’t have experience with those so I’m not sure of the quantity. I’d estimate starting with 1/2 cup and increase as needed.
Salam! So lets say I wanna just use some Korma Shan masala…is that possible? Would I still add the whole spices in the beginning? Thanks!
Hi Saadiyah! If the masala has only powdered spices, then I’d still use the whole spices. If it also includes whole spices, then they probably won’t be necessary. I checked online and wasn’t able to see if includes whole spices. Also, if you do use your own spices, just be sure to decrease the amount of Korma Masala accordingly. I’d add it along with the meat as you would the rest of the spices. Hope that helps 🙂
ok! thanks so much for the quick reply! 😀
Hi Zainab,
This recipe looks delicious. But what do I do with the whole spices. Do I grind them in a mortar?
Shireen, you would use them as-is within the recipe and discard while eating.
I need to double the recipe, should I double everything? Even the water amount? Thanks! I’ve made a single batch of this and it was amazing!
Hi Zainab! Yes, you can double everything except the whole spices as they’ll be too strong if doubled. I’d suggest using 1.5 the amount. Thank you!
The water as well?
Yes! Apologies for the missed comment!
This recipe was easy to follow and a big hit with the family. Making it again for some guests coming over this weekend! 🙂
Wohoo!!! 😉