Easy Chicken Korma Recipe
A mild, creamy chicken korma with aromatic spices, yogurt, and cashew paste — perfect for beginners and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked
- 2 medium onions, finely sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- 1/2 cup warm water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1
Soak cashews in warm water for 30 minutes, then blend into a smooth paste with 1/4 cup water.
- 2
Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add cinnamon stick and sliced onions. Cook on medium heat until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- 3
Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add chicken pieces and cook until sealed on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- 5
Stir in garam masala and cardamom. Cook for 30 seconds.
- 6
Add yogurt one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
- 7
Pour in the cashew paste and warm water. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until chicken is tender.
- 8
Season with salt, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with basmati rice or naan.
Chef's Notes
Chicken korma is one of the most beloved Indian curry dishes worldwide, prized for its mild, creamy flavor that appeals to every palate. Unlike fiery vindaloos, korma relies on a velvety cashew-yogurt sauce enriched with cardamom, cinnamon, and a hint of saffron.
Why Korma Is Perfect for Beginners
If you're new to Indian cooking, korma is the ideal starting point. The technique is forgiving — you can't really overcook the sauce, and the spice level stays gentle. At Spice Room in Denver, our chefs slow-cook their korma for over an hour to develop deep flavor without any heat.
The Secret: Cashew Paste
What separates a restaurant-quality korma from a home version is the cashew paste. Soaking raw cashews in warm water for 30 minutes, then blending until silky smooth, creates a sauce with body and richness that cream alone can't match.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your korma with fresh garlic naan or steamed basmati rice. A side of cucumber raita balances the richness beautifully. Visit any of our three Denver locations to taste our chef's signature version.
SPICE ROOM Kitchen
Culinary Team
The SPICE ROOM culinary team collaborates on recipes inspired by generations of family cooking traditions from across India and Nepal. Every recipe we share is tested and refined in our Denver kitchens to bring you authentic flavors at home.
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