Chicken Korma – A Royal Mughlai Classic With Creamy, Spiced Elegance

When it comes to Indian cuisine, few dishes define royal indulgence like Chicken Korma. This iconic delicacy blends tender boneless chicken with a luxurious, creamy sauce full of warming spices, subtle sweetness, and a richness that lingers on your palate.

At Jewel of India, located in the heart of Seattle, WA, our Chicken Korma is a crowd favorite — offering a mild yet deeply flavorful escape into India’s Mughal-era kitchens. Whether you're new to Indian food or a longtime enthusiast, Chicken Korma is a must-try dish that speaks the universal language of comfort and flavor.

👑 The Royal Origin of Chicken Korma

Chicken Korma dates back to the 16th century during the Mughal Empire. The word "korma" comes from the Urdu word "qormā", meaning "braise" — a fitting description of how this dish is prepared. Traditionally served to royalty, this dish was slow-cooked with meat, yogurt, nuts, aromatic spices, and a touch of cream.

The original versions were luxurious, made with saffron, rosewater, and ghee. Over time, regional variations appeared, but the core principle remained — a slow-simmered, rich curry where tender meat meets silky gravy.

What’s Inside a Perfect Chicken Korma?

At Jewel of India, our Chicken Korma recipe has been perfected over decades. It’s comforting, nutty, aromatic, and mildly spiced — making it a favorite for both spice lovers and those who prefer a gentler curry.

Here’s what goes into our korma:

  • Boneless chicken – marinated and seared to lock in flavor
  • Onions and garlic – sautéed until golden for the curry base
  • Cashews or almonds – ground to a smooth paste for a creamy texture
  • Yogurt and cream – to balance heat and add richness
  • Warm spices – including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and coriander
  • Saffron or nutmeg – optional additions for luxurious aroma

The result is a dish that’s hearty, creamy, and gently spiced — perfect for both novice and experienced curry lovers.

How We Cook It – Step by Step

Here's a glimpse of how we prepare our authentic Chicken Korma:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

We begin with fresh boneless chicken, marinating it in:

  • Yogurt
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • A pinch of turmeric and chili powder

This step tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.

Step 2: Create the Korma Base

In ghee or oil, we sauté finely chopped onions until golden brown. This adds sweetness and body to the curry. Then, we add:

  • Crushed garlic
  • Whole spices like cardamom, bay leaves, and cloves
  • A ground paste of cashews or almonds

The mixture is gently fried until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

To this base, we stir in:

  • Whisked yogurt (added slowly to prevent curdling)
  • A splash of cream
  • Warm Indian spices like coriander and garam masala

As the sauce thickens, the marinated chicken is added and cooked until perfectly tender.

Step 4: Final Touches

We finish the dish with:

  • A sprinkle of nutmeg or saffron
  • Optional rose water for floral aroma
  • Garnished with slivered almonds or fresh cilantro

What to Serve With Chicken Korma?

Chicken Korma pairs wonderfully with:

  • Basmati rice – classic and fragrant
  • Garlic naan – perfect for scooping every last bit of sauce
  • Jeera rice – cumin-flavored rice for a spicy twist
  • Raita – a cool yogurt dip to balance the creaminess

Why Seattle Diners Love Our Chicken Korma

Our patrons at Jewel of India – Seattle, WA frequently describe our Chicken Korma as “melt-in-your-mouth,” “comforting,” and “perfectly spiced.” It’s a dish that appeals to kids, adults, and anyone seeking that ideal balance between flavor and heat.

Whether you're looking for something mild, creamy, and elegant — or just craving a hearty Indian meal that doesn't overpower — Chicken Korma delivers every time.

Healthy, Satisfying, and Versatile

While indulgent, Chicken Korma can be surprisingly balanced:

  • High in protein from lean chicken
  • Good fats from nuts and yogurt
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Can be made mild, medium, or hot — depending on your spice preference

📍 Try It Today at Jewel of India – Seattle, WA

📍 Address: 4735 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

📞 Call: 206-523-5275

📧 Email: jewelofindia101@gmail.com

Whether for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, come experience the creamy, rich elegance of Chicken Korma, handcrafted by chefs who understand the soul of Indian cooking.