Yogurt Chicken Curry Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (2024)

Yogurt ChickenCurry - The chicken curry from Northern India which is must try for every Indian food lover. This flavorful curry has no sugars, no nuts, no creams but a simple and flavorful Indian mother sauce base made with yogurt, onion, garlic and spices.

This is a kinda curry which Indians love to enjoy with homemade whole wheat bread, crispy charred naan, or fresh steamed rice... any day of the week.

Time and again, when people ask me for a good chicken curry recipe.... I feel necessary to reach out and tell everyone what is a good chicken curry or how to make a chicken curry?

Now, every restaurant has a different definition of chicken curry and that's what locals in that area are known too. Actually, even in India, every region has local variation of chicken curry. Yogurt based curry is, by-far, the most popular and authentic chicken curry of Northern India... where in South, coconut milk or tamarind is used as mainsubstitute for yogurt.

Yogurt Chicken Curry Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (1)

In different regions... few change in spices originate a new kind of Chicken Curry. Like:

1) Addition of tamarind and potatoes and it becomes - Vindaloo
2) cream and it becomes Korma
3) greens instead of turmeric and it becomes saag chicken curry.
4) Lots of chilies and it is Kashmiri Chicken Curry
5) or lots of warm spices and you have the Khara Chicken Curry.

This list is so endless that it will be unfair if I just list one ingredient and say a name of curry.

This post I'm dedicating to making a perfect, homemade Indian-style... I mean, North Indian-style chicken curry which is made with thick Greek-style yogurt, warm spices, chicken, onion, and garlic. The curries you taste in buffets in US are nothing like this home-style curry. There is no sugar, no creams in this to mask the flavor of spices. It is not hot spicy curry but you will be able to taste every bit of love that has gone into it.

Yogurt Chicken Curry Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (2)

To make chicken curry, I start by grating the base mother sauce ingredients. Mother curry sauce or masala is grated mixture of onion, garlic, ginger and green chili. It is not a paste but coarse grated mix which is sauted in oil or clarified butter until oil shows on sides and onion, garlic are lite golden brown. These mild caramelized bits of onion give subtle sweetness to the curry. In this brown mixture, grated tomatoes are cooked until they fully disintegrate. This cooked mixture of onion and tomatoes - a.k.a mother curry sauce can be prepared up-to one week in advance.

Now, it is time to add the spices. A quick saute of spices awaken flavor, taking curry to whole new level.

After sauting the spices, the star ingredient - yogurt is added. Mostly, yogurt is hung or allowed to drain while masala cooks. This removes water content from yogurt leaving behind thick and creamy, whey like yogurt. I usually use Greek yogurt because it is closest and ready-to-use match of hung-curd (yogurt). I add yogurt in small batches and mix well after every addition to avoid curdling.

Once, yogurt is fully mixed... Only step left is to add chicken, water and then cook until chicken is fully cooked and gravy is thick. I complete this step in variety to vessels. In instant pot pressure cooker, slow cooker, dutch oven or simple heavy bottom deep sauce pan too. The time taken is usually same as time taken to cook the chicken in any of these.

Not that hard, right?

Make masala, mix-in add yogurt, add chicken!

Viola! Curry is ready!

Note: Coconut milk is a non-tangy non-dairy substitute for yogurt. If you want to keep curry dairy free.. You can also use almond yogurt instead.

Yogurt Chicken Curry Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (3)

For my family, it is a meal we grew-up with. So, no one say "no" or no one even speak while enjoying a bowl of chicken yogurt curry with their favorite side of naan/bread/rice. The only voice you will hear is to ask for some more gravy!! :)

I'm wrapping-up today's post very quickly because I need to get up to cook dinner... I might cook the same chicken curry again... feeling nostalgic after sharing this post with you...

Honestly, all ingredients for this recipe will be in your pantry. I bet! If you can't find spices, use mix of garam masala and curry powder instead. Enjoy a cozy winter night with a hearty chicken curry, made Indian home-style!

Enjoy and don't forget to share with me your favorite childhood recipe that you still fell nostalgic about.

Have a wonderful day! -Savita

Yogurt Chicken Curry Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (2024)

FAQs

What does adding yogurt to curry do? ›

It's common practice in India to add yogurt to Indian cooking. People add it to curry to balance the spices and lighten the dish. It can also make thick curry, a thin. Hence, it can really elevate the flavors of the dish.

Is it better to use yogurt or cream in curry? ›

I think you can just about get away with a full-fat natural or greek yoghurt in a Korma. There are obvious calorie or syn benefits by choosing yoghurt. Namely, for the slimming world syn counters, choosing yoghurt over cream frees up syns for a beer with your curry.

Do you put coconut milk or yogurt in curry? ›

A dish could use both: yogurt marinade then a bit of cream to finish. For richness and a hint of sweetness along with a wonderful aroma, coconut can't be beat but will be a discernable flavor in most curries. Many restaurants are making use of coconut where it is less than traditional with good results.

Which yogurt is good for curry? ›

The type of yoghurt that is typically used in Indian cooking is called dahi. Dahi is a type of yoghurt that is made from curdled milk. It is thicker and more sour than yoghurt, making it the perfect addition to curries and other savoury dishes.

When should I add yogurt to curry? ›

Yogurt should be thick Greek yogurt which is not very sour. If you are not sure about yogurt use or afraid it will curdle.. Use half yogurt and half cream and mix it in last step after the curry is ready.

How do restaurants make curry so creamy? ›

The actual sweetness and creaminess of such curries meanwhile, usually comes from fried onions and either cashews and/or dairy products. Instead of (or in addition to) onion, ground coconut may be used. White poppy seeds and/or watermelon seeds are also used in some creamy sauces.

Can you stir yogurt into curry? ›

Yogurt or soured cream

A dollop of yogurt or soured cream works wonders on Indian-style curries and your chilli base if you have really gone overboard with heat. Simmer the base gently once you have added it but don't boil it or it may split.

Is coconut cream or milk better for curry? ›

It is thicker, has a higher fat content and is scoop-able throughout. Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

Can you put Greek yogurt in curry? ›

Quick and easy Greek yogurt chicken curry simplifies making curry but still is bursting with flavor. This easy curry features tender rotisserie chicken in a mild blend of spices simmered in a sweet and savory sauce.

Do I really need coconut milk for curry? ›

We often have customers who buy our curry pastes ask us, “Do I have to use coconut milk?” The answer is “absolutely not“! There are other options, depending on one's concern about said milk.

Does coconut milk make curry thick? ›

For a rich and creamy curry, coconut milk or cream can be a fantastic thickening agent. They not only add creaminess but also a delightful tropical flavour. Simply pour in some coconut milk or cream and let it simmer until your sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Why does my yogurt curdle in curry? ›

You shouldn't add the yogurt too soon or to the curry when its too hot or leave it on the stove because the heat will break the milk protein and it will curdle. Add the yogurt after you take it off the heat, and you shouldn't have a problem.

Why do Indians use so much yogurt? ›

Dairy products such as milk, ghee, yogurt, and paneer significantly enhance the taste and texture of many traditional Indian recipes.

What kind of yogurt do Indian restaurants use? ›

Dahi yogurt is a popular choice for making desserts and savory dishes in Indian cuisine.

Does yogurt make curry milder? ›

Yogurt or soured cream

A dollop of yogurt or soured cream works wonders on Indian-style curries and your chilli base if you have really gone overboard with heat. Simmer the base gently once you have added it but don't boil it or it may split.

Does adding yoghurt to curry make it less spicy? ›

Adding dairy is an ideal way to dull down the heat in hot spicy food. Try serving spicy curries with a dollop of plain yoghurt or serve that spicy soup with a hearty pour of cream or sour cream. Another method to counteract spiciness in a dish is to add a squeeze of acid such as lime or lemon juice, even vinegar.

Can you put yogurt in curry to thicken it? ›

A thick yogurt, like Greek yogurt, works best. Simply add a small amount of yogurt, like a spoonful, at a time. Stir your yogurt into the curry and keep adding a little more at a time until it reaches your desired thickness. This is great for Indian-style curries as a cream substitute.

Why does yogurt curdle in curry? ›

You shouldn't add the yogurt too soon or to the curry when its too hot or leave it on the stove because the heat will break the milk protein and it will curdle. Add the yogurt after you take it off the heat, and you shouldn't have a problem.

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