Feb

22

2012

Chicken Curry

Chicken / Dinner  Posted by / 80 comments
chicken-curry

I came up with this Chicken Curry recipe a few weeks ago when I had a package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the fridge and was feeling tired of the same ol’ same ol’. I flipped through some cookbooks for inspiration and settled on this simple and delicious Indian style stir-fry.  Thinly sliced chicken breasts are quickly sautéed with curry powder, then simmered in an aromatic and slightly sweet curry sauce thickened with Greek yogurt. Green peas and fresh chopped cilantro add a vibrant, fresh touch. The best part is that you can have it on the table in 30 minutes, and the cooking method ensures that the chicken comes out reliably tender every time.

The taste and spice level of this dish will vary a bit depending on the type of curry powder you use. As you can see, I use a widely available and relatively mild brand.

Begin by cutting the chicken into 1/4-inch slices. The best way is to cut each breast in half lengthwise, then slice on the diagonal. Don’t make yourself crazy over it, but try to make each piece about the same size — this ensures that they cook evenly.

Next, season the chicken with salt, pepper and curry powder.

Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet, then briefly sauté the chicken until it is lightly browned but still pink in spots.

Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a clean bowl, then add the onions to the pan and cook until soft and translucent.

Add the ginger, garlic and more curry powder and sauté until fragrant.

Add the chicken stock and cornstarch to the vegetables.

And then cook until the sauce is thickened.

Add the chicken back to the pan, along with the frozen peas and simmer until the chicken is just cooked.

Finally, stir in the Greek yogurt and fresh chopped cilantro.

Serve with basmati rice and enjoy.

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Chicken Curry

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients

  • 1-1/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/4-inch strips
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons curry powder, divided
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, best quality such as Swanson
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup plain low fat (2%) or whole milk Greek yogurt (do not use nonfat)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1 teaspoon curry powder. Heat 1-1/2 tablespoons of oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until just smoking. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned but still pink in spots, about 3 minutes. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a clean bowl and set aside.
  2. Add the remaining 1-1/2 tablespoons oil to the skillet and set heat to medium. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger and remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder and cook until fragrant, about a minute more.
  3. Whisk the chicken broth and cornstarch together to dissolve the cornstarch, then add to the skillet along with the sugar and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the sauce is nicely thickened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the peas and partially cooked chicken to the skillet, turn the heat down to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, a few minutes. Off the heat, stir in the yogurt and cilantro and season with salt, pepper and sugar to taste. Serve with basmati rice.