There is nothing quite like a homemade curry to warm your soul. The Hairy Bikers Chicken Curry Recipe is a true classic. It is simple, fragrant, and packed with bold flavors.
500gskinless chicken breasts or thighscut into bite-sized chunks
2medium onionsfinely chopped
3clovesof garliccrushed
2cmpiece of fresh gingergrated
1tablespoonvegetable oil
2tablespoonsmild or medium curry powder
1teaspoonground turmeric
1teaspoonground cumin
400gcan of chopped tomatoes
150mlchicken stock
1tablespoontomato purée
1teaspoonsugaroptional, to balance acidity
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh corianderchopped for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics
Start by chopping your onions very finely. Peel and grate the fresh ginger. Crush the garlic cloves. Having these ready makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free. Your kitchen will already start smelling amazing.
Brown the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in your large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks. Cook them until they are lightly browned on all sides. You do not need to cook them through yet. Remove and set aside.
Soften the Onions
In the same pan, add the chopped onions. Cook them gently for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to be soft and translucent. Do not rush this step. Sweet onions make a better sauce.
Add Ginger and Garlic
Stir in the grated ginger and crushed garlic. Cook them with the onions for another minute. This releases their natural oils and fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it might turn bitter.
Toast the Spices
Add the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin to the pan. Stir well to coat the onions. Toast the spices for about one minute. This "wakes up" the flavors and removes the raw taste of the powder.
Create the Sauce base
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and the tomato purée. Stir in the chicken stock and the sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The sauce will look bright and vibrant at this stage.
Simmer the Curry
Add the browned chicken back into the pan. Stir everything together so the chicken is submerged. Lower the heat and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. The sauce should thicken and become rich.
Season and Garnish
Taste your curry carefully. Add salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle a generous handful of fresh coriander over the top.
Notes
Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: This curry freezes very well for up to 2 months.
Thawing: Defrost the curry completely in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Heat it in a pan over medium heat until piping hot.
Microwave: You can use a microwave-safe dish for 3 to 4 minutes.
Add Liquid: Add a tablespoon of water when reheating to keep it moist.