Chicken Shahi Korma Recipe - Pinch of Yum
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Chicken Shahi Korma

33 reviews / 4.8 average

If you like spicy, comforting, wonderful Indian food, first of all, you are my best friend and let’s go to the lunch buffet. NOW.

Secondly, you know that sometimes the most humble looking recipes are the most delicious. And when I say humble, I do mean scary. Remember the palak paneer I made way back when? Okay yeaaaah.

But ain’t nobody got time for vanity here. This heavenly combination of chicken, paneer, cashews, golden raisins, and a creamy spicy sauce is gosh darn tasty, and I’ve known it for as long as I’ve been frequenting the in-cre-di-ble Indian restaurant in our neck of the woods, and better yet, now I know it FROM MY OWN KITCHEN.

This is a big deal. Usually me and Indian food are best left to the restaurants. You know, like all the following of the directions and those long ingredient lists and unfamiliar whole spices and *head in hands* I give up. But not this time, friends. This is beautifully simple to make, and although it does have a long ingredient list, it’s nothing that’s going to send you around town to find a million an one things. I (almost) promise. I am a big fan of realistic recipes and this is totally, totally a realistic recipe. Can you tell I want you to try this so so bad?

It’s also a spicy recipe.

Food in a food processor.

Today is big day for us: we are meeting with a team of constructionally gifted people to talk about tearing down walls in our house to make an awesomely fresh and open kitchen space. As in KITCHEN REMODEL. As in omg omg omg happy happy fun! I’m sure there will be no drama, ever, with anything, right?

The last few months have been a bit of a roller coaster of decision making. We had talked about doing the remodel, then NOT doing the remodel, then looking for a studio instead of the remodel, then NOT looking for a studio, and now we’ve settled back on doing the kitchen remodel. This will be the space where I’ll work indefinitely, and we’ll be able to not only use the space for some video if I get brave enough to try to be, like, funny and kewl on camera, but we’ll just enjoy not having to feel like we’re locked in a closet while we’re cooking and being able to talk to peeps across the real live kitchen peninsula.

I think when we were initially deciding whether or not to move forward with the remove, we both sort of forgot that we bought the house on the lower end so we could put a little money into the kitchen and make it a nice comfortable space. So now that we’ve kind of re-realized that, I feel really good about the decision. And I think Bjork does too. Right, Bjork? Do you even read my blog? Check yes or no.

If you forgot what it currently looks like, you are in for a treat. You can check it out ovah heeyah.

Sauce in a pan.

The gist of the remodel is this –

  • white cabinets
  • white/grey marble-ish countertops
  • cooktop and oven
  • dishwasher *insert prayer emoji*
  • skinny fridge (small house issues)
  • farmhouse sink? is it too big, or too adorable that we can’t say no? can’t decide
  • new hardwood floors that match the original floors of the house

I have a board on Pinterest dedicated to kitchen remodel inspiration if you want to check out the look that we’re going for. Which is one of those jokes about Pinterest where you pin everything you want your life to be and then realize that your kitchen is a shoebox and you can barely fit YOURSELF in the kitchen, much less your dream pantry space complete with organized jars of food and corresponding matching labels. What?

If you have anything awesome to say about kitchen remodeling 101 for dummies, you can leave it in the comments below. We are sort of clueless about this home ownership thing and you all are a wealth of knowledge.

Okay, though, Chicken Shahi Korma. It’s heaven-sent. The firm paneer, the crunchy cashews, the plump raisins, the spicy chicken, the creamy sauce which I could eat in a bowl all by itself… I am getting lightheaded typing that all out.

It’s what my dreams are made of.

Chicken Shahi Korma in a skillet.
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A picture of Chicken Shahi Korma

Chicken Shahi Korma


Description

This Chicken Shahi Korma recipe is so simple and SERIOUSLY delicious. Spicy chicken, cashews, paneer, golden raisins, and creamy sauce.


Ingredients

Scale

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. chicken breasts
  • 1 2-inch piece ginger
  • 8 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons oil, divided
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 16 oz paneer, cubed
  • 3/4 cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Korma Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup cashews pieces
  • 1 cup chicken broth (more to thin the sauce later)
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (if you can’t find them, just skip em)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes. Puree the ginger, garlic, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a food processor, adding a little water if necessary. Pour over the chicken, stir, and refrigerate to marinate while you prep the rest of the recipe.
  2. Puree all the sauce ingredients in a food processor until very smooth. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and saute for 5 minutes. Add the chicken and the tomato paste. Saute until fragrant and browned.
  4. Add the korma sauce base, yogurt, half and half, paneer, raisins, cashews, and salt. Taste and adjust to your liking. Simmer for as long as you can before eating so the flavors can develop. Add extra water or chicken broth the thin out the sauce to your desired consistency since it will thicken up a little bit. Serve over basmati rice or with naan. It’s soooo gooood.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: Indian

Keywords: chicken shahi korma, chicken korma, indian chicken

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208 Comments

  1. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Nothing intimidates me like making Indian food. But spicy and comforting, I’m eager to try.
    I confess, we go out to eat for Indian because I don’t know of any good recipes on hand so I’m glad you did the research for me.

    Have fun with the kitchen remodel! We did our a couple of years ago, it was exciting, big fan of cherry inset cabinets, they look so old fashioned! Love that look. Will be checking your Pinterest kitchen board though =)

  2. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I am so excited for you! A kitchen remodel is my dream – I call my kitchen the “lentil kitchen” because it’s really that size. It makes me grumpy to work in, because it gets messy in .0003 seconds.
    I love all your ideas, and I hope your meeting goes fab today! Oh, make sure you get a good dishwasher that actually works. Mine? It does not. It’s for looks only. Sad day.
    Oh, and Indian food? My life. I want this for all the evers. Pinned!

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      Lentil kitchen! I love it. 🙂 Even if we could get a dishwasher that works 30% of the time, we’d be taking a step in the right direction. hahaha!

  3. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I am so happy for you, Lindsay! A kitchen remodel is so much fun. I can’t wait to see the pictures result. I really love all your ideas. I am sure your kitchen will be beautiful. I will check your pinterest board.

    I love your recipe because I am all about spicy and comfort food. Pinned!

  4. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Paneer…never heard of it!
    Googled it….Cheese….YUM!

    Your photography is incredible.

    You should be very proud 🙂

  5. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Enjoy the kitchen remodel! What fun! We did ours a couple of summers ago and what a difference it makes. We too live in a small Minneapolis home but managed to get our dream farmhouse sink in – highly recommend it (ours is just Ikea, nothing too fancy). If you do go the Ikea route for cabinets, I was surprised at how easy they were to install – like hanging extra heavy picture frames, really. Whatever you choose it will look great!

  6. Pinch of Yum Logo

    A kitchen remodel – how exciting! Please share pics along the way 🙂 and this looks delicious; Indian food scares me slightly when cooking but it normally works out alright. I’ve added this to my list of things to try!

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      Will do! Nothing to share right now except me biting my nails and pulling my hair out trying to make all these big decisions. 🙂 But when we start, I’ll share the real pics.

  7. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Enjoy the whole kitchen experience! I hope it goes smoothly as possible, renovations are way too scary for me.
    I just bought I first block of paneer a few months back and I love using it. Have you tried frying it? It is simply delicious! This curry is so easy and love you giving “ugly food” a good name in photography.

  8. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I’ve made a few dishes of Indian food and while it still intimidates me, it’s so stinkin’ good! It ain’t pretty though, lol. Yours looks really good to me! I’m going to have to bookmark this recipe. Can’t wait to see how your remodel turns out!

  9. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I LOVE chicken korma! Ever since I discovered there’s an Indian restaurant that delivers to our apartment, I’ve been having it way too often. I made my own once and it didn’t really turn out well, so I will have to try your version!

    Also, I wanted to tell you I make my own ghee about once every other week or so, which is the BEST thing in the world and would be amazing in this recipe. I cook almost everything in it (eggs, burgers, veggies, all the things). It’s healthier than vegetable oil, has amazing flavor, and can withstand high cooking temperatures. I think ghee might actually be my favorite food (I know that’s a bit strange…). I’m making some this morning and can’t wait for it to smell amazing all day 🙂

  10. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Congratulations on deciding with remodeling the kitchen. I so wish that we could. My kitchen is barely big enough to walk around in, let alone watch out because the cabinets are falling apart. Hopefully next year – a girl can only dream LOL.

    This looks fantastic, Lindsay.

  11. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Wow Shahi korma 🙂 Well as I hail from India this ones always on the list when we visit our natives in Punjab..

  12. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Sounds tasty? When you add the chicken to the pan of onions, do you drain or rinse off the chicken first, or do you add the chicken, marinade and all?

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      I added it with the marinade and everything. It’s kind of like a paste so it’s not like you could get it off without rinsing… and I figured the more flavors, the better. 🙂

  13. Pinch of Yum Logo

    It always intrigues me how Indian cuisine is perceived by those who haven’t grown up eating Indian food. I am imagining that the buffets that probably comforts you, is not even close to the actual Indian food cooked at Indian homes. And I wish that all of you would have the opportunity to actually experience real home cooked Indian food.

    Having said that, the way your Chicken Shahi Korma is looking, I can tell you that it’s probably not very different from those home cooked meals that I am talking about. Superb job:)

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      Yes! I totally wish I could experience real, home cooked Indian food! Unfortunately all I know is the Indian restaurants, but fortunately, I love it. 🙂 haha. Thanks for the comment and the vote of confidence!!

      1. Pinch of Yum Logo

        I totally agree that homemade Indian cooking is very different from the restaurant…much more simple, low cal and delicious!

        Having said that Lindsay, this curry looks incredible and I am making this for our dinner, tonight.

        We live in Minneapolis too! So, you can drop by whenever you feel like eating some homemade Indian food

          1. Pinch of Yum Logo

            I’ve been making this chicken korma for a few years now, but I actually just relocated to Minneapolis and am wondering which Indian restaurant you go to?! Looking for my go-to place!

  14. Pinch of Yum Logo

    This looks so good! Although I love your palak paneer recipe! In fact it’s how I found your blog!

    I love marble countertops, but beware! They stain very easily!

    Good luck on the remodel!

  15. Pinch of Yum Logo

    This needs to get in my tummy NOW. Also, I need to remind myself to stop checking your blog on an empty stomach. Indian food is my favorite. The only Indian dish I have successfully made myself is Chana Masala. Speaking of, I should probably make that again soon!

  16. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Looks delish! We love your Red Curried Lentils and bet this recipe is just as good. Can’t wait to try it!

    RE: Kitchen remodel – a contractor who clearly communicates timelines is essential! Nothing worse than having your job delayed because the farm sink you ordered weeks ago hasn’t arrived and the contractor tells you today that he planned on installing it tomorrow…

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      Good tip Corissa! We love our contractor – actually during our meeting today we made plans to hang out with him and his wife just for fun. 🙂 always helps to like the people you work with!

  17. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Gaaah, indian food is so delicious!

    Having a new kitchen will be so fun! And you hopefully will be able to pick appliances and cabinets that YOU want. We bought a condo and the kitchen was already remodeled, but I hate the microwave (it has a touchpad that keeps failing), I hate the fridge (it has french doors….not a fan of those), and the stove is ok. We noticed after we moved in that the cabinets are from Ikea, but I don’t mind at all because they look pretty nice from the outside! A farmhouse sink would be the cherry on the top! Hope you get it.

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      Curious – why don’t you like the french doors? Seems like everyone is all about those (or are those the ones with the freezer drawer on the bottom)?

  18. Pinch of Yum Logo

    My mom makes a pretty rocking kurma and I’ve got her recipe on my blog. LOVE Indian food although my go-to usually is butter chicken, palak paneer and cucumber raita. That’s mostly all Northern Indian food though. Once you start venturing into Southern Indian food fun begins with lots of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf! I love it and miss it.

    Only one thing I’d do different is use chili powder instead of pepper flakes. You need less of cause it’s so potent and can find it in most Indian groceries. Kudos on thickening it with cashews and yogurt, the authentic Indian way!

    Re kitchen modeling….one thing my new house did wonders for me in the kitchen was a little built in carousel in one of the little corner cabinets near the stove. Such a blessing. I dump all my sauces and kitchen essentials there for easy access while cooking.

    Good luck! And how will you be posting new recipes with no kitchen while it’s being remodeled?!

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      Palak Paneer! yes. Thanks for the suggestion of the chili powder – shoulda thought of that. And… as for the recipes during the remodel… I have no idea. 🙂

  19. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Wow, this sauce looks amaaaazing :D!
    I have a huge respect for the Indian cuisine – and not only because Indian dishes alsways end in a disaster for me x( I’m the only one who love spicy (and Indian) food but I’ll cook it nonetheless! If it tastes as good as it looks, my mother will be convinced immediately 😉
    Is it okay to half (or even only use a quarter?) the recipe since 12 servings are several days worth of food for my family o.o? Also, I can’t stand raisins nor cheese, so I suppose I can just skip them ^-^”?