Looking for a tasty and comforting meal to warm you up on a chilly evening? This classic dish is beloved for its rich and aromatic flavors, making it a favorite in households around the world. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this mouthwatering curry step by step, without any complicated ingredients or techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients for our Indian chicken curry recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or naan bread for serving
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process for our Indian chicken curry:
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and broken down into a thick sauce. Add the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring to coat the onions and tomatoes in the spices.
- Simmer the Curry: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the spice mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the curry simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your taste preferences. If you like your curry spicier, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped green chilies.
- Serve Hot: Once the chicken curry is ready, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, then serve hot over cooked rice or with naan bread on the side.
Tips for Success:
- For a creamier curry, you can substitute heavy cream or yogurt for the coconut milk.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the curry for added flavor and nutrition.
- Leftover curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
In Conclusion:
Indian chicken curry is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in or entertaining guests. With its aromatic spices and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So why not give it a try? Follow our easy recipe and enjoy a taste of India in the comfort of your own home!