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Simple Chicken Curry Recipe

Simple Chicken Curry Recipe - Recipes From Chef

Cooking is like storytelling. Each ingredient carries a part of the tale, and together they form a delightful narrative. As a registered dietitian and food blogger, I invite you into my kitchen to explore this simple chicken curry.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 454

Ingredients
  

  • 3 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, peeled and finely diced or 2 smaller ones
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp mild curry powder adjust heat as desired
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 400g can of finely chopped tomatoes
  • 240 ml chicken broth 1 cup
  • 400 ml can of full-fat coconut cream
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste for US
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water to create a slurry optional
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
To Serve:
  • steamed basmati rice
  • fresh cilantro
  • crushed red pepper flakes

Method
 

Step 1: Preparation
  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. I can’t stress enough how helpful it is to have everything within reach. Chop the onions, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Have your spices ready. Prepping is half the battle won!
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions. Sauté until they are golden brown. This might take about 5-7 minutes. Stand nearby and stir occasionally. You want them to soften and caramelize just right.
Step 3: Spice It Up
  1. Now, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for an additional minute, allowing the aromas to fill your kitchen.
  2. Nothing beats that smell! Add the curry powder, ground coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir them together and let them mingle for about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Add Chicken
  1. Introduce the chicken pieces to the pot. Stir them into the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken starts to brown, around 5-6 minutes. It’s all coming together!
Step 5: Tomatoes and Broth
  1. Now, pour in the chopped tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir everything well. This is where the magic begins as the flavors meld together over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Coconut Cream Bliss
  1. Reduce the heat and add the coconut cream. Stir gently to combine. Keep stirring until the chicken is fully cooked. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Step 7: Sweeten the Deal
  1. For a little added depth, mix in the honey and turmeric. Give it a good stir. Taste it. Is it full of flavor? Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 8: Fresh Spinach Finish
  1. Just before serving, fold in the fresh spinach. It only needs a minute to wilt. The bright green color is a beautiful sight!
Step 9: Serve It Right
  1. Serve your simple chicken curry over steamed basmati rice. A garnish of fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes add the final touch!

Notes

  • Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the curry powder based on your heat preference. The beauty of cooking is that you can personalize it as you like.
  • Rest Time: If you can, allow the curry to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors develop further.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro elevates the dish. Don’t skip it if you have it on hand.
  • Experiment: Try adding veggies like bell peppers or carrots. Mixing it up is always fun!
  • Thickening: If you like your curry thicker, the cornstarch slurry works like a charm.