Simple Chicken Curry Recipe

Chicken curry is a beloved dish across many parts of the world. It’s savory, aromatic, and incredibly versatile. This recipe can be adapted for different dietary preferences or even made spicier to suit your taste buds. In this article, we will explore how to prepare a simple yet delicious chicken curry with easy-to-find ingredients. The cooking time is approximately 45 minutes, and it serves four people.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 green chilies (optional, depending on spiciness preference)
• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 3/4 cup coconut milk or light cream (optional for a richer taste)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

To begin preparing your chicken curry, start by seasoning the chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels and rub each piece liberally with salt. Set aside. While you do this, chop the onions finely. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Slice up your green chilies if using; this step is optional but adds a nice kick to the dish.

In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once it starts to shimmer, add the onions and stir-fry until they turn golden brown and soft. This will take about 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat. Be sure not to burn them; when they’re ready, they should have a nice caramel color.

Once the onions are done, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green chilies if using. Stir these into the onion mixture for approximately 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

NEXT, add your chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook them on both sides until they are golden brown, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side. As you flip them around, it’s essential to break up any large chunks of meat into smaller pieces.

After browning the chicken, transfer all ingredients back to your saucepan and stir in 1 teaspoon each of turmeric powder, ground coriander, and garam masala. These spices are key components that give authentic Indian curry its distinct flavor profile. Stir everything together thoroughly so that every piece of chicken gets well-coated with these aromatic spices.

Finally, pour in 3/4 cup of coconut milk, making sure to mix it well into the mixture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more coconut milk; if you want it thinner, just reduce by simmering longer or adding a bit of water.

Cover the pan and let this simmer for around 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. By doing so, the flavors will continue to intensify as the chicken absorbs the spices fully. At this stage, check for seasoning; adjust salt according to your preference since salt enhances all other tastes significantly.

Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve alongside steamed rice or naan bread – perfect accompaniments that complement the rich and creamy texture of the curry.

Tips:

1. If you love spicy food, add extra chili powder during cooking; otherwise, feel free to omit it entirely!
2. For a quicker version, you could use store-bought curry paste instead of making your own spice blend. Just remember that quantities will vary based on the brand.
3. This dish tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld further together! Reheat gently without adding too much liquid back in if reheating.

Enjoy your homemade chicken curry! Not only is it satisfying, but also incredibly flavorful. Whether enjoyed as part of a weekend lunch or served on special occasions, this recipe offers flexibility and satisfaction suitable for most meals.