• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Hinz Cooking - A Food Blog with Simple and Easy Dinner Recipes
  • All Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • Course
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Lunch/Dinner
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Easy Party Food
    • Easy Snack Recipes
    • Street Food
    • Best Drink Recipes
    • Easy Dessert Recipes
  • Cuisine
    • Pakistani Recipes
    • Indian Food Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Food Recipes
    • American Food Recipes
    • Chinese Food Recipes
  • Meal
    • Bread Recipes
    • Family Friendly Chicken Recipes
    • Egg Recipes
    • Kabab Recipes
    • Lamb Recipes
    • Masala Recipes
    • One Pot Recipes
    • Potato Recipes
    • Rice Recipes
    • Find Vegetarian Recipes
    • Baking Recipes
    • Chickpea Recipes
  • Type
    • Main Course
    • Side Dish Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Dinner Recipes

    Chicken Korma Pakistani Recipe (Easy & Authentic)

    Published: May 26, 2018 · Modified: Dec 27, 2022 by Hinz

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    154Shares

    Authentic Chicken Korma Pakistani Recipe is easy and you can simply make it in one pot just by following the few tips. Indian korma or Pakistani style is famous worldwide and people starve to eat in a nearby restaurant. Authentic korma is easily recognized by its signature 'Danedar' curry which is locally called Degi Korma.

    Check the stovetop korma recipe video along with detailed Instant pot korma instructions.

    authentic chicken korma recipe in hindi urdu
    Chicken Korma Pakistani Recipe
    Jump to:
    • What is Chicken Korma?
    • Is Chicken Korma Spicy?
    • What Does Chicken Korma Taste Like?
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Chicken Korma
    • Instant Pot Chicken Korma
    • Chicken Korma Video
    • Expert Tips
    • Serving
    • Storage Suggestion
    • Q & A
    • You Might Like This
    • Chicken Korma Pakistani Recipe (Easy and Authentic)

    What is Chicken Korma?

    Korma or qorma is a Indian and Pakistani curry prepare with the addition of meat (Chicken, lamb, or beef). It's the most popular recipe in Pakistani food as people love to serve it on special occasions like weddings, family get together and parties. Korma can easily be prepared by making curry with golden brown onions and yogurt as compulsory ingredients.

    Korma gravy is always looking different as compared to other curry recipes. It has the signature feature of showing 'dana' in gravy that makes it distinguished among others. Danedar korma makes by cooking crispy crushed golden brown onions with yogurt in presence of other spices. It also invites everyone to eat due to a special aroma that tempts to eat in no time.

    In today's recipe, we will make the same taste as you eat korma at weddings that's why it's famous as Shadiyon wala chicken korma. Korma is a special wedding dish in South Asian culture and people love to have it with biryani.

    Korma can be prepared in a different style and every region makes in a different way but the traditional and original korma flavor is awesome and people try it at home to make exact 'bawarchi' style korma.

    Is Chicken Korma Spicy?

    Yes, it's spicy! but you can manage the spice level as per your taste. Only ingredient that used to add spiciness is red chili powder. Garam masala also contains black pepper powder so you can taste it before using. You can increase and decrease the quantity to adjust the spice level.

    What Does Chicken Korma Taste Like?

    Chicken korma has strong aroma of cooked spices with chicken that spreads so fast. It has tangy, sour, nutty, creamy and earthy chicken flavor that makes it distinguished. Few drops of kewra water can make a big difference in taste and aroma.

    Ingredients

    Chicken - Used 800 g skinless chicken with bones as it makes better taste with stock. Legs, thighs and breast makes a perfect combination.

    Oil/Ghee - Yes, it's a recipe where oil or ghee place important role to make a perfect korma curry texture. In this recipe, I only used oil.

    Whole Garam Masala: Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Cloves, Bay leaves, and Green Cardamom.

    Seasoning: Salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder and Coriander powder.

    Onion (Birista) - Finely sliced fried onion. Don't use store bought!

    Yogurt - empower the sour taste of korma curry with creamy and grainy look. Always use fresh yogurt. Properly beat before use to get the best result.

    Garam Masala Powder: Used my homemade garam masala.

    Water: To cook chicken and adjust the consistency of korma curry.

    Kewra Essence: Add it wisely as it has strong taste and rosy aroma. I personally like to add only 1 drop as it can easily overtake the overall taste of korma curry. If you are applying all the good practices to make korma then you skip it. (This is based on my personal opinion).

    How to Make Chicken Korma

    Preparation of Birista (Brown onion)

    Finely sliced the purple Indian onion (never use white onion for good Birista) and wash it properly with hand under tap water to detach the onion layers. Keep in strainer to release excess water or place on absorbent paper to make it dry for 10 to 15 minutes.

    Now in a pan, add oil and deep fry the onion on medium temperature. Use salt during frying to get crispy and crunchy texture. Never fry onion on high heat otherwise it will turn dark and turn soggy after few minutes.

    Always fry onion on medium temperature and keep stirring to get even brown color. It will take 10 to 15 minutes depending on size of pan and quantity of sliced onion.

    As the onion turn brown, take it out and keep on strainer or kitchen paper to absorb excess oil. Never cover onion right after frying. Spread the onion on platter and wait for 2 minutes to come on room temperature. Crush the onion with fingers. Don't use chopper or blender to crush onion otherwise it will turn in a form of pate that we don't need.

    Always give a quality time to make brown onion as crispy and crunchy onions are easy to crush and it's a main part to make perfect korma curry.

    Let's Prepare Korma Curry

    In a deep pan, pour oil and let it heat for few minutes. Add whole garam masala on medium heat and let it pop for few seconds then add ginger garlic paste and saute for few minutes to get rid with the rawness of ginger garlic.

    Season with salt, red chili powder, turmeric and coriander powder and give it a good mix with sauteed ginger garlic. If it need a splash of water then add it to avoid masala burning.

    Now add Chicken with bones in a pan and cook it for about 5-6 mins on high temperature so the chicken color changes to white. This step will make the chicken juicy and improve the taste of curry.

    Now add freshly beaten yogurt to the pan and again cook for 5-6 minutes and keep stirring the pan so the yogurt water evaporates and gravy comes in one tone texture.

    This step is so important and will help to bring the actual 'korma' grainy texture. Then add hand crushed crispy brown onion to korma gravy. (Watch: How to make crispy brown onion).

    Now add 200 ml of water in a pan and give it a good mix. Add garam masala powder and cover for 20 to 25 minutes on medium heat.

    As the chicken gets tender and oil gravy become thicker and oil comes over the surface. You can turn off the stove and dish it out.

    Quick Tip: If you are serving Chicken Korma for dinner then make it 3 to 4 hours before or even a day before as it will be more settled and the grainy texture will be more obvious with improved taste.

    Instant Pot Chicken Korma

    Turn on the saute mode on Instant pot and add oil and let it heat up. Pop up the whole garam masala with freshly made ginger garlic paste. Saute for few minutes and keep stirring. Season with salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder and coriander powder and give it good mix. Add chicken and cook until chicken changes the color. Now time to add hand beaten yogurt and give it a good mix until the korma curry shows homogenous texture. Add water and sprinkle garam masala and mix it well.

    Cancel the Saute mode. Cover the Instant pot lid and seal the vent. Cook for 10 minutes on high pressure.

    After 10 minutes, release the vent to settle steam and carefully open the lid. Mix with spoon and dish it out!

    Chicken Korma Video

    Chicken Korma [Video]
    Hinz cooking channel

    Expert Tips

    If you are true foodie then you must value the authentic texture and taste of korma curry that should be grainy in look. Here I am sharing easy tips that might help you to create a perfect texture of korma locally famous as danedar korma.

    • Thinly slice the Indian purple onion before golden fry.
    • Always wash the onion to detach layers before fry to detach the onion layers. This step will make the onion crispy while frying.
    • Add a pinch of salt while golden frying onion.
    • If your onion is soggy after frying then keep it in the freezer. It will get crispy so it will be easy to break.
    • Don't make a paste of fried onion. It will not create a texture of korma.
    • Always crush onion through hands.
    • Avoid to use spoiled yogurt or old yogurt if it has curdling texture.
    • Proper addition of garam masala (whole and ground) makes a authentic taste of korma.
    • Don't compromise on oil. Korma has greasy look.
    • Proper stirring during cooking is important to make the grainy look of korma.
    • Never ever use tomatoes in korma.
    shadiyon wala chicken korma-01
    Authentic Chicken Korma

    It's a simple, easy and authentic chicken korma Pakistani recipe. If you are a true lover of degi chicken korma then this recipe is for you. You can make it on your special events and I am sure your guest will love it.

    Serving

    Korma is the rich dish with tender chicken and loads of curry. You can pair up with naan or chapati. I personally like with garlic naan! It tastes amazing.

    If you are preparing Korma for party (dawat) then Biryani and Kheer is must to add in the menu as the compliment with each other.

    chicken korma recipe
    chicken korma recipe

    Storage Suggestion

    It's best to store in the refrigerator for 01 week in an airtight glass container (avoid plastic). Also, bring it to room temperature before packing in container.

    If you want to store for long time then freeze in bags for 15 days. I am not in favor to hold the stock in freezer without food preservatives.

    Q & A

    How to thicken the curry of Chicken Korma?

    Evaporate the excess water on high heat and keep stirring to get the best consistency. Here are few tips if you are getting hard time to thicken the curry.

    How to Make Shahi Korma?

    Here is the step by step recipe to make Shahi Chicken Korma

    Is it authentic chicken korma?

    Yes, it's a authentic recipe of chicken korma which I feel is so easy and simple to make at home kitchen. Follow the tips to make perfect grainy look on korma curry.

    Is it Pakistani or North Indian korma?

    Pakistani and north Indian korma is more or less the same. It's a traditional recipe that mostly wedding chef use to make korma in cauldron (daig).

    What Does Chicken Korma Taste Like?

    You Might Like This

    • Chicken Shahi Korma Recipe - Badami Murgh Korma
      Chicken Shahi Korma Recipe (Badami Murgh Korma)
    • white chicken korma
      Shahi White Chicken Korma Recipe
    • biryani recipe
      Biryani
    • achari chicken recipe
      Achari Chicken Recipe
    chicken korma recipe
    Print Pin
    4.50 from 4 votes

    Chicken Korma Pakistani Recipe (Easy and Authentic)

    Authentic Chicken Korma Pakistani Recipe is easy and you can simply make it in one pot just by following the few tips. Indian korma or Pakistani style is famous worldwide and people starve to eat in a nearby restaurant. Authentic korma is easily recognized by its signature 'Danedar' curry which is locally called Degi Korma
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Indian, Pakistani
    Keyword chicken korma, chicken korma pakistani recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes minutes
    Servings 3 Persons
    Calories 448kcal
    Author Hinz

    Ingredients

    • 800 g Chicken without skin and with bones
    • 1 tablespoon Oil – 1 Tbsp
    • Whole Garam Masala
    • 3 sticks Cinnamon 2 inches
    • 20 corns Black Pepper
    • 8 Cloves
    • 5 Bay leaves small
    • 8 Green Cardamom
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 6 teaspoon Brown Onion hand crushed
    • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
    • 1 cup Yogurt beaten
    • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder – 1 Tsp
    • 250 ml Water – 250ml
    • 2 drops Kewra Essence optional

    Instructions

    • Chicken Korma Stove Top Recipe
    • Add 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan and heat it up.
    • As the oil heated, add whole garam masala.
    • Also, add Ginger/garlic paste and pan along with spices.
    • In spices, add salt to taste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and keep stirring until the spices rawness ended and oil comes over the pan surface.
    • Now add Chicken with bones in a pan and cook it for about 5-6 mins on high temperature so the chicken color changes to white. This step will make the chicken juicy and improve the taste of curry. (Note: If you feel the masala is dry then you can add little water to tender the chicken)
    • Now add beaten yogurt to the pan and again cook for 5-6 minutes and keep stirring the pan so the yogurt water evaporates and gravy comes in one tone texture.
    • This step is so important and will bring the actual ‘korma’ texture in this recipe. Add hand crushed crispy brown onion to korma gravy. (See Also: How to make crispy brown onion)
    • Now add 200 ml of water in a pan.
    • Also, add garam masala powder and 2 drops of kewra essence.
    • Cover the pan for 20-25 minutes.
    • As the chicken gets tender and oil gravy become thicker and oil comes over the surface. You can turn off the stove and dish it out.
    • Our chicken korma is absolutely ready to eat now. You can serve it with Paratha, roti or Rice

    Instant Pot Chicken Korma

    • Turn on the saute mode on Instant pot and add oil and let it heat up.
    • Pop up the whole garam masala with freshly made ginger garlic paste. Saute for few minutes and keep stirring.
    • Season with salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder, and give it a good mix.
    • Add chicken and cook until the chicken changes color.
    • Now time to hand-beaten yogurt and give it a good mix until the korma curry shows homogenous texture.
    • Add hand crushed brown onion and mix it well. Add water and sprinkle garam masala with 2 drops of kewra essence. Again give it a good mix.
    • Cancel the Saute mode. Cover the Instant pot lid and seal the vent. Cook for 10 minutes on high pressure.
    • After 10 minutes, release the vent to settle the steam and carefully open the lid. Mix it well and dish it out!
    • Serve with Naan or Roti.

    Video

    Notes

    • Make sure the golden brown onions are thinly sliced and crispy in texture. You can easily be crushed through your hands. The best tip is to place in the freezer for 10 minutes before crushing.
    • Avoid making onion paste as it will not help to make grain in korma that's the signature feature of perfect korma gravy.
    • To make crispy brown onions add a pinch of salt during frying. Never fry on high heat. Stir the spoon to get an evenly golden brown color.
    • As the onions start to change color to light golden then take it out on kitchen absorbent paper. Never make it dark as it will change the flavor of korma curry. 
    • Monitor the quantity of water to make gravy. Too much water will not make a perfect korma texture. 
    • Always add garam masala while tendering the chicken. It will make a big difference in taste. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 500g | Calories: 448kcal

    More Easy Dinner Recipes

    • hot honey chicken tenders in navy blue plate topped over rice
      Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
    • hot honey sauce in small white bowl. Pouring sauce with spoon in bowl.
      Hot Honey Sauce Recipe (Homemade)
    • Cajun chicken mac and cheese baked in black baking dish.
      Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese (Baked)
    • A white bowl brimming with house sauce is captured in a shot, showcasing the delightful moment of sauce being poured from a spoon into the bowl.
      House Sauce

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nany

      November 15, 2020 at 9:52 pm

      What is whole garam masala? It looks good, but I'd like to know also what can I use instead of yogurt. Thank you 🙂

      Reply
      • Hinz

        December 08, 2020 at 1:51 am

        Whole Garam Masala is the ingredients that will use to garam masala powder.

        Reply
    2. Hinz

      July 14, 2021 at 11:41 am

      5 stars
      It's an authentic Chicken Korma recipe Pakistani style that you can easily prepare at home kitchen. As you will make it, you will be tempt with aroma and texture to eat in no time.

      Reply
    4.50 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    food blogger - Hinz Cooking food blog
    HEY! NICE TO MEET YOU!

    I'm Hina, a passionate food blogger running my internet kitchen, Hinz Cooking - a food blog with easy dinner recipes, easy snacks, and much more. I believe to make simple, easy, minimalist, and quick food in my kitchen. Join me! to grow together.

    More about me →

    Easy Dinner

    • Healthy baked chicken breast recipe (for weight loss)
      Healthy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe (For Weight Loss)
    • Pouring honey garlic sauce into a cup with a spoon. There are two small cups in the image, both filled with sauce, set against a white background.
      Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe
    • A close look at the tandoori chicken piece right after baking in the oven.
      Tandoori Chicken in Oven (Baked / Broil)
    • honey garlic butter chicken recipe
      Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Recipe
    • garlic butter rice in big platter white background
      Garlic Butter Rice Recipe
    • Kabsa Recipe
      Chicken Kabsa

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    Welcome to Hinz Cooking! A food blog creating Easy dinner recipes, family meals, Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern and international. Let's Connect to become a part of food community.

    Explore

    • All Recipes
    • Pakistani Recipes
    • Indian Food Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Recipes
    • Chicken Recipes
    • American Recipes

    Contact

    • Say Hello
    • Privacy Policy
    • Photo Sharing Policy

    © Hinz Cooking 2024 · All Rights Reserved

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.