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The Recipe · No.211 · Chicken Korma

Chicken Korma, and where to source it

Chicken Korma — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Chicken Korma Indian 5best2buy.com

Korma is a mild, rich gravy built on ground nuts and yogurt instead of heat, so balance and a smooth base carry it. Fry the onions to a deep golden and blend them into the sauce for body. Add the yogurt off the boil so it enriches the gravy rather than curdling into it.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep25 min
Cook40 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineIndian
Cost$$
Gluten-free
Contains  dairy · tree nuts
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Chicken thighs
Boneless thighs stay tender through the braise; the mild gravy needs the fat to carry flavor.
1.5 lb
Yogurt
Whisked in off the heat, it gives the korma its tang and silk; boiling it will split the gravy.
3/4 cup
Almonds
Ground into a paste, they thicken and enrich the gravy without flour; cashews work the same way.
1/3 cup
Garam masala
With whole cardamom and a cinnamon stick; korma leans warm and fragrant, not fiery.
1.5 tsp
Ghee
The cooking fat that fries the onions and blooms the spices; it gives the gravy its richness.
3 tbsp
Onion, garlic, ginger
Fry the onion deep golden, then blend it into the base for body and sweetness.
2 onions, 5 cloves, 2 in

Using chicken thigh? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Fry onionsCook sliced onion in ghee until deep golden brown, then blend with a little water into a smooth paste. This is the body of the gravy.
  2. BloomIn the same pan, fry whole spices and ginger-garlic, then the onion paste and ground almonds. Cook a few minutes until it thickens.
  3. BraiseAdd chicken and a splash of water, cover, and simmer 20-25 minutes until the meat is tender.
  4. FinishOff the heat, whisk in yogurt a spoonful at a time so it does not split, then warm gently. Finish with garam masala.
The Toolkit

Blender · Heavy pot · Whisk · Wooden spoon

Straight Answers
Can you make Chicken Korma in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Chicken Korma? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Chicken Korma ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Chicken Korma gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Chicken Korma vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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