Spiced Aroma Chicken Curry (Printable Version)
Fragrant chicken braised in warming spices and creamy coconut milk, garnished with fresh herbs.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
→ Marinade
02 - 1/2 cup plain yogurt (dairy-free substitute optional)
03 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 1 tbsp grated ginger
05 - 1 tbsp minced garlic
06 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 tsp ground coriander
09 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Sauce
11 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
12 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
13 - 2 tomatoes, diced
14 - 1–2 green chilies, sliced (optional)
15 - 1 tsp garam masala
16 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
17 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
18 - 1 cup coconut milk
19 - 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
20 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Finishing Touches
21 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
22 - Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large bowl, combine chicken with all marinade ingredients. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden brown, approximately 8 minutes.
03 - Add marinated chicken with its marinade to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.
04 - Incorporate diced tomatoes and sliced green chilies. Sauté until tomatoes soften, around 4 minutes.
05 - Sprinkle garam masala, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon over the mixture. Stir and cook for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.
06 - Pour in coconut milk and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens.
07 - Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
08 - Serve hot accompanied by cooked basmati rice or naan bread.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Discovering how a blend of spices can transform simple chicken into a cozy, flavorful hug felt like sharing a secret with a close friend
- The creamy coconut milk adds such a gentle richness it quickly became my go-to for a comforting weeknight meal
02 -
- Marinating the chicken longer really deepens the curry's flavor, so don’t rush this step if you can help it
- The smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that changes the entire character of the dish, it’s a game changer
03 -
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts ensures the curry stays moist even after slow cooking
- Toast your spices lightly before adding them to really unlock their full aroma