This fabulous chicken korma recipe is my take on an Indian dish of chicken simmered in a bath of ginger, garlic, onions, spices, coconut cream & tomato sauce. This easy recipe is dairy free, paleo and Whole30 compliant!
Dairy free chicken korma recipe
Now, I've had my fair share of Indian dishes. We used to frequent this really delicious Indian restaurant in town, but I had to really pump the brakes due to all of the dairy products that were used in their creamiest and sauciest dishes. I thought to myself:
"Man, there must be a way for me to recreate these at home, sans the dairy and without skimping on flavor and intensity."
And boy, was I right. The coconut cream substitution is just perfect in this korma recipe.
Due to the feisty nature of all the herbs and spices used, you cannot taste even a hint of coconut so no need to worry about that!
Traditionally, this recipe is made with big cubes of butter, but the ghee is a lovely substitution. If you would like to use butter instead, you absolutely can.
The best chicken korma recipe
There are some spices I included in this dish that I haven't used very often before. Usually, a chicken korma is made with the spice fenugreek.
However, it can be really hard to find at regular grocery stores, so I decided to replace it with some ground mustard seed.
Coriander is another spice that I haven't dusted off in a while. It provides a certain warmth and earthiness to the dish that cannot be replicated using something else.
The combination of the mustard seed and coriander is pretty much other-worldly. It's such a darn flavor bomb explosion.
Why This Recipe
I absolutely love and adore mashed potatoes. I wanted to make a cauliflower version that tasted just as good as the real deal, but without all of the carbs!
Speaking of which-- I think cooking down onions with garlic and ginger is the best possible smell that can come out of your kitchen.
Now, let me tell you something that was a part of this recipe that is a game changer... and it actually happened completely by accident. I forgot to dice up my chicken thighs in the beginning and ended up throwing the full thighs into the pot.
The result? Fall apart in your mouth chicken goodness. As soon as I had realized my "mistake", I got a bit panicky and was worried I'd have to start over with a fresh batch of chicken. This ended up being one of the best "mistakes" I've ever made.
What are the ingredients for chicken korma?
The majority of the flavor in this dish comes from the fabulous spices being used, as well as the fresh onion, ginger, and garlic.
You will need a handful of ingredients to make the marinade for the chicken, but other than that, your ingredient list isn't too long.
Here's what's inside this dish:
- Boneless & skinless chicken thighs
- Ghee
- Coconut cream or yogurt
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Lemon juice
- Red bell peppers
- Tomato sauce
- Spices
- Arrowroot flour
- Cilantro
How to make this chicken korma recipe
Put chicken in a bowl, Tupperware container or gallon freezer bag and marinate with coconut cream/yogurt and spices. Set aside.
Heat up a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add ghee and allow it to melt completely. Throw in onions and cook until completely dark golden-brown. Be very careful not to burn them, as they will begin to get dark after 10-15 minutes.
Stir in ginger and garlic and sauté for a few more minutes.
Add all spices (except mustard seed) and let them bloom for a minute. Mix in the chicken and marinade and briefly stir-fry to coat chicken with the masala you’ve made. I left my thighs whole during this process, and I recommend it.
Add bell pepper and tomato sauce and cover the pan. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes.
Add coconut cream and ground mustard seed. Add the rest of the ghee. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes. Give it a try and add salt and black pepper, to taste.
To make the arrowroot slurry, combine arrowroot with water and mix well until smooth. Slowly pour in a little at a time into the pot while stirring. Keep adding until it reaches your desired thickness.
Garnish with cilantro, extra coconut cream and some pine nuts, if you'd like. Serve on a bed of cauliflower rice, regular rice or with naan bread.
I highly, highly recommend making this chicken korma recipe for some friends or family members if you're hosting some sort of get together or dinner party.
It will travel well, too, especially if you make it in a dutch oven like I did.
I know I'm going to have to whip up another batch later this week, as I was only able to get my hands on one bowl thanks to the savages I was eating alongside. Just kidding, you two.
But really, get this Whole30 chicken korma on the menu as soon as you can.
Feel free to serve it on a big bed of cauliflower rice or regular rice if that's your jig. Happy cookin'!
What is the difference between chicken korma and chicken tikka masala?
The main difference between the two is this:
I would describe chicken korma to be more like a curry, whereas tikka masala is a bit more complex with more heat too.
There is a bit of overlap with the the ingredients and spices being used in each dish such as: tomatoes, coriander, garam masala, and fresh ginger, garlic, onions, etc.
I have a quick and easy recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala that is fabulous as well.
Recipe tips & FAQ
Can I use butter instead of ghee?
Absolutely.
How long will this last in the refrigerator?
For up to 5 days in an airtight container.
What can I serve this chicken korma recipe with?
I recommend eating it with Instant Pot jasmine rice, cauliflower rice or potatoes.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can. Be sure you simmer them in the sauce long enough until the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It will take a few minutes longer than thighs.
Tip
For the creamiest mash, be sure to use as many florets as possible, and not the stems. The florets get a lot creamier.
More Whole30 recipes you'll love:
Whole30 Zucchini Noodle Bolognese
Easy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Whole30 Chicken Korma
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs rinsed and patted dry
- 1/2 cup coconut cream or yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons ghee or grass-fed butter, split in two
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 8 garlic cloves minced
- 1 heaping teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 15 ounces tomato sauce no salt added
- 16 ounces canned coconut milk or coconut cream
- 1 heaping teaspoon garam masala
- 1 heaping teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed powder
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
- cilantro for topping
- pine nuts for topping
- 1 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot flour
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Put chicken in a bowl, Tupperware container or gallon freezer bag and marinate with coconut cream/yogurt and spices. Set aside.
- Heat up a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add ghee and allow it to melt completely. Add onions and cook until completely dark golden-brown. Be very careful not to burn them, as they will begin to get dark after 10-15 minutes.
- Add ginger and garlic and sauté for a few more minutes.
- Add all spices (except mustard seed) and let them bloom for a minute. Add your chicken mixture and briefly stir-fry to coat chicken with the masala you’ve made. I left my thighs whole during this process, and I recommend it.
- Add bell pepper and tomato sauce and cover the pan. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add coconut cream and ground mustard seed. Add the rest of the ghee. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes. Give it a try and add salt and black pepper, to taste. To make the arrowroot slurry, combine arrowroot with water and mix well until smooth. Slowly pour in a little at a time into the pot while stirring. Keep adding until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Garnish with cilantro, extra coconut cream and some pine nuts, if you'd like. Serve on a bed of cauliflower rice, regular rice or with naan bread.
Notes
- Mustard seed: Feel free to use fenugreek instead of mustard seed powder. I just had a hard time finding it at my local grocery store.
- Chicken thighs: You can dice your chicken up after it has cooked or leave it as is. It'll be so soft, I wouldn't worry too much about it!
Nutrition
Hi! I’m Monica – recipe developer, matcha addict and lover of all things chocolate, kombucha and any & all puns. I am also the blogger, real food lover, & bonafide hustler behind the blog ‘The Movement Menu.’ I’m so excited to welcome you to my happy space, where my appreciation of creative recipes and healthy & mindful eats come together to inspire you to live a healthy, balanced life.
quick ?:
is mustard seed powder the same thing as ground mustard?
ground mustard powder? Yes!
How king do you marinate the chicken for? Thanks! Looking forward to making this.
Eh, at least an hour in the fridge is great!
Oh! This recipe is SO good! I baked a whole chicken using the chicken seasonings. Yummy! The sauce was a bonus & oh so yummy on leftover spaghetti squash (that had already been seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper& olive oil).
RIGHT? It's one of my favorite recipes on my site!!!! That makes me so happy to hear that you feel that way.
This was delicious, thank you! I was lazy and decided to use the Instant Pot. I threw everything in except the arrowroot and lemon. Set the timer for 15 minutes and natural release. I did get a burn notice once so I just opened it up and gave it a quick stir and reset. It was perfect.
Hi! This is so great to know it works in the Instant Pot. I may have to provide these instructions... I've never received a burn notice before. Wonder what that was from- I may have to try it myself!! 🙂
I'm really excited to make this! For bell pepper, is it a green bell pepper? Red or yellow? Thank you!
You can use whatever kind you'd like! 🙂 I'd say red/yellow 🙂 preferably.
So unbelievably amazing!
This meal is hearty, savory, and so delicious. I nearly licked my bowl clean. This will move into our regular rotation.
i can not wait to try this recipe and the others they all look so good. i love to cook.
I can't wait for you to try either... please let me know what you think!
Can this be made in the Instant Pot?
Anyone try?
I'm SURE you could... I'd absolutely try it. Can you report back? 🙂
Could this be done any way with chicken breasts, as my husband isn't a fan of thighs.
It can absolutely be made with chicken breasts!
Your Whole30 recipes have been something of a saviour during my first ever Whole30 this year. Already a keen cook and almost-vegetarian, I was suffering with the loss of legumes and grains, but all your recipes are simple and full of flavour. Thank you!
Hi there. Thank you SO much for this feedback- it really makes my day hearing stuff like this. I hope you enjoyed your Whole30, and please don't hesitate to come to me with any questions at all 🙂
This is an excellent new recipe to include more chicken into my diet, Monica. Perfect combo of some nutrient-dense ingredients. Can I use lime instead of lemon juice?
Hi there. You can absolutely try that... I'm sure it will be just as delicious!
This korma is one of the nicest I've ever eaten, if you make it you won't be disappointed!! All my kids and curry loving husband cleared the pattern off their plates. Whole30 or not, this will be our go to recipe from now on. Thanks for dreaming it up!!!
Thanks so much for sharing!! I'm so happy that you and your family enjoyed the recipe.