If you’re searching for a dish that blends tender meat with luxurious, aromatic gravy, then Chicken Korma is your answer. Known for its creamy texture and rich flavors, Chicken Korma is a classic that has been gracing royal tables for centuries and continues to win hearts across the globe.

At Layla’s Kitchen, a trusted Indian Food Restaurant in Columbus OH, we prepare Chicken Korma with time-tested techniques and authentic spices, offering our customers a dish that’s both comforting and exquisite.

Let’s take you on a delicious journey — from its royal origins to the step-by-step method of preparing this culinary masterpiece.

What is Chicken Korma?

Chicken Korma is a Mughlai dish where chicken is slow-cooked in a rich, mildly spiced gravy made of yogurt, cream, nuts, and fragrant spices. The word “Korma” comes from the Urdu word qorma, which means “braise.” The cooking technique involves searing the meat and then gently simmering it in a thick sauce.

What sets Chicken Korma apart is its balance — a delicate harmony of richness, sweetness, and spice, perfect for those who enjoy flavorful dishes without overwhelming heat.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Chicken Korma

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s look at the essential ingredients used in an authentic Chicken Korma recipe:

For Marination:

  • 500g boneless chicken (preferably thighs or drumsticks)
  • 1/2 cup yogurt (whisked)
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

For the Gravy:

  • 2 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1 large onion (finely sliced)
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/4 cup cashew or almond paste (soaked and blended nuts)
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1/2 tsp saffron (optional, soaked in 1 tbsp milk)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Chicken Korma Recipe

At Layla’s Kitchen in Columbus OH, our chefs have perfected this recipe with traditional expertise. Here's how we do it — and how you can recreate it at home.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight).

Tip from Layla’s Kitchen: Marination is key! The yogurt tenderizes the meat and the spices penetrate deep, creating flavorful, juicy chicken.

Step 2: Fry the Onions

Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside. Once cooled, blend half of the onions into a smooth paste.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In the same pan, add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute. Then add the marinated chicken and cook on high heat for 4–5 minutes, until the chicken is lightly browned.

Lower the heat and add the blended onion paste along with cashew or almond paste. Stir gently to coat the chicken well.

Step 4: Add the Aromatic Spices

Now add cardamom powder, cinnamon powder, nutmeg (optional), and salt. Cook for 8–10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Layla’s Secret: The nut paste thickens the gravy and adds a natural sweetness. This is what gives korma its royal richness.

Step 5: Add Cream and Garnish

Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, add cream and saffron milk (if using). Let it simmer for 5 more minutes. Finish with garam masala and the reserved fried onions for an extra flavor punch.

Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot!

How to Serve Chicken Korma

Chicken Korma pairs best with:

  • Naan: The soft, fluffy bread is ideal to scoop up the creamy curry.
  • Basmati Rice: Fragrant and long-grained, it complements the richness.
  • Jeera Rice: Light and mildly spiced, a great contrast to the korma.
  • Mint Raita or Onion Salad: Adds freshness to balance the creamy dish.

At Layla’s Kitchen, we serve Chicken Korma with fresh naan and saffron basmati rice, offering a complete and satisfying meal.

Why Chicken Korma is Special

Unlike many spicy Indian dishes, Chicken Korma is mild yet deeply flavorful, making it a great choice for those new to Indian cuisine or for those seeking a mellow, creamy curry.

Its roots in Mughal cuisine add a royal heritage to every bite, and its gentle warmth and silkiness make it suitable for all ages. Whether you’re dining with family or treating yourself to something special, Chicken Korma never disappoints.

Tips for the Perfect Korma at Home

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh yogurt, cream, and nuts enhance flavor.
  • Don’t skip the marination: It transforms the chicken’s texture.
  • Simmer slowly: This allows the spices and cream to meld beautifully.
  • Use ghee if possible: It adds richness and a traditional touch.

Taste Authentic Chicken Korma in Columbus OH

Craving a bowl of royal comfort food? Look no further than Layla’s Kitchen – the most trusted Indian Food Restaurant in Columbus OH. We craft every dish with care, preserving the heritage of Indian flavors while keeping it fresh and vibrant for modern diners.

Whether you dine in, take out, or order online, our Chicken Korma is sure to leave a lasting impression. Prepared using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients, it’s the kind of dish that warms both your heart and stomach.

Visit Us Today!

Layla’s Kitchen – Indian Food Restaurant In Columbus OH

📍 Address: 6152 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43231, United States

📞 Call: 614-882-5522

📧 Email: Laylakitchen614@gmail.com

Indulge in the royal flavors of Chicken Korma and discover why Layla’s Kitchen is Columbus’s favorite destination for authentic Indian cuisine.