Skip to main content

Chicken Curry

3.8

(28)

Rupa De of West Lafayette, Indiana, writes: "Since I am originally from India, many of my non-Indian friends have asked me for a chicken curry recipe, and this is the one I give them. I hope your readers will enjoy it, too."

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 1/2 hour

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 (1-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger, chopped
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons warm water
1/2 cup whole-milk yogurt
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
6 whole chicken legs, cut into drumstick and thigh portions (3 pounds total), skin discarded and meat trimmed of any fat
3 cardamom pods*
2 whole cloves
1 (1 1/2-inch) piece cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large red onion, halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced crosswise
3 Turkish bay leaves or 1 1/2 California
Accompaniment: jasmine or basmati rice

Special Equipment

an electric coffee/spice grinder

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Purée garlic, ginger, and 3 tablespoons water in a blender. Transfer to a large bowl and whisk in yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon salt, turmeric, and chili powder until combined. Add chicken and turn to coat well, then marinate, covered, at room temperature 30 minutes.

    Step 2

    While chicken is marinating, finely grind cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon in grinder.

    Step 3

    Heat oil in a 12- to 14-inch heavy skillet (2 to 3 inches deep) over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook onion with bay leaves, stirring occasionally, until deep golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Add chicken with marinade and ground spices and cook, turning chicken and stirring occasionally, until almost all of marinade is evaporated, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 cup water and 3/4 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, until chicken is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer chicken with tongs to a platter and boil sauce, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1 cup, 8 to 10 minutes. Discard bay leaves and pour sauce over chicken.

  2. Step 4

    *Available at Indian markets and Kalustyan's (800-352-3451).

Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The golden, crunchy corners are worth fighting over.
Not stuffed shells. But not not stuffed shells either.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
A veg-forward main or gets-along-with-everyone side.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.