Save Bring the warmth of Indian-inspired flavors to your table with this Easy Chicken Curry. This comforting, creamy dish features tender chicken infused with aromatic spices and finished with tangy yogurt and heavy cream. It is a perfect weeknight dinner solution that is guaranteed to please the whole family while remaining entirely gluten-free.
Save Creating a restaurant-quality curry at home is simpler than you might think. By sautéing aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onion until golden, and blooming the spices in oil, you build layers of depth that make this dish truly special. The addition of fresh tomatoes and a dual dairy finish creates a sauce that is both rich and vibrant.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch (2.5 cm) ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain whole-milk yogurt
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat the oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add Ginger and Garlic
- Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Brown the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Bloom the Spices
- Sprinkle in the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Step 5: Soften Tomatoes
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and break down.
- Step 6: Incorporate Yogurt
- Lower the heat and stir in the yogurt, mixing well. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 7: Simmer with Cream
- Pour in the water and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
- Step 8: Final Seasoning
- Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
- Step 9: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best texture, use a large skillet or sauté pan to ensure the chicken browns rather than steams. Remember to lower the heat before adding the yogurt to prevent curdling, and use a wooden spoon to incorporate all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute chicken breast if preferred, but be sure to reduce the simmering time to avoid dryness. For a dairy-free version, replace the yogurt and heavy cream with an equal amount of full-fat coconut milk for a similarly rich result.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this golden curry over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or with warm, buttery naan bread for dipping. The fresh cilantro garnish is essential for adding a bright, herbal contrast to the creamy sauce. This recipe serves four, with each portion containing approximately 370 calories.
Save This Easy Chicken Curry is a testament to how simple ingredients like garlic, ginger, and yogurt can transform humble chicken into an extraordinary meal. Whether it's a hectic Monday or a cozy Sunday, this dish brings comfort and flavor to every bite. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs. However, reduce the simmering time slightly to prevent the breast meat from becoming dry, as it cooks faster than thighs.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
Replace the yogurt and heavy cream with coconut milk for a delicious dairy-free version. The coconut milk will add a subtle sweetness and maintain the creamy texture.
- → What can I serve with this curry?
This curry pairs perfectly with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or quinoa for added protein.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is mild to moderate. The chili powder is optional, so you can adjust the heat to your preference. Add more chili powder or fresh chilies for extra heat, or omit them entirely for a milder version.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This curry actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- → What is garam masala and should I add it?
Garam masala is a warm Indian spice blend that adds complexity and depth. Adding a pinch at the end of cooking will enhance the flavor profile, but it's optional if you don't have it on hand.