Save Discover the perfect balance of warmth and creaminess with this Easy Chicken Curry. This dish brings together tender chicken thighs, aromatic spices, and a tangy yogurt finish for a meal that is both comforting and deeply flavorful. Whether you are a curry enthusiast or a newcomer to Indian-inspired cuisine, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight family dinner.
Save By browning the chicken and blooming the spices in oil, you unlock a depth of flavor that usually takes hours to achieve. The heavy cream and yogurt create a luxurious, golden sauce that is simply irresistible when paired with rice or bread.
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, to taste)
- 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
- 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
- Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4
- 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
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and break down.
- Step 6
- Lower the heat and stir in the yogurt, mixing well. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 7
- 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
- Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
- Step 9
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, use a heavy-bottomed skillet which helps prevent the spices from scorching. Don't rush the onion-browning process; those golden onions are the foundation of the curry's sweetness.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the yogurt and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. If you prefer chicken breast, reduce the final simmering time slightly to prevent the meat from becoming dry.
Serviervorschläge
This chicken curry is traditionally served alongside fluffy basmati rice to soak up the rich sauce. You can also enjoy it with warm naan bread or a simple side of cucumber raita for a cooling contrast.
Save With its vibrant color and incredible aroma, this Easy Chicken Curry is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a world-class meal. It is a hearty, warming dish that will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs. However, reduce the simmering time to prevent the meat from drying out, as breast meat cooks faster and contains less fat than thighs.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
Replace the yogurt and heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. This will give the curry a slightly sweeter, tropical flavor while maintaining the creamy texture.
- → What can I serve with chicken curry?
This curry pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also serve it alongside cucumber raita or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. Control the heat by adjusting or omitting the chili powder. For more heat, add fresh green chilies or increase the chili powder. For milder curry, reduce or skip the chili powder entirely.
- → How do I store leftover chicken curry?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The curry also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- → What does blooming the spices mean?
Blooming spices means cooking them briefly in oil or fat to release their aromatic oils and deepen their flavors. This technique enhances the overall taste and complexity of the curry.