The Heartwarming Chicken Curry Recipe Everyone Adores

Spicing up weeknight dinners becomes effortless with this delectable chicken curry that promises bold flavors and comfort.

Fragrant aromas will fill your kitchen as you combine tender meat and rich spices.

Layers of complexity emerge from carefully selected ingredients, creating a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Indian culinary traditions inspire this simple yet sophisticated meal that anyone can master.

Colorful vegetables and succulent chicken pieces intermingle in a velvety sauce that hints at exotic adventures.

Mild or fiery, you can adjust the heat to match your preference and mood.

Dive into this culinary journey and watch as a remarkable meal comes together in just minutes.

Why People Enjoy Delia Leftover Chicken Curry

• Simplify Cooking: This chicken curry transforms complex flavors into an easy one-pot meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Spice Adventure: Packed with aromatic spices, the recipe offers a delightful journey through rich, warming flavors that excite taste buds without overwhelming heat.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this curry a perfect solution for busy families craving a satisfying, home-cooked meal in under thirty minutes.
• Adaptable Comfort Food: Easily customizable with optional ingredients like vegetables or different protein choices, this curry suits various dietary preferences and provides cozy, hearty nutrition.

What’s In Delia Leftover Chicken Curry

• Chicken: A protein-rich main component that provides the hearty base for this curry dish.
• Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes that create a tangy and rich sauce foundation.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: A classic flavor trio that builds a deep, complex flavor profile for the curry.

• Salt, Spices: Essential seasonings that add depth and traditional curry flavor to the dish.
• Yogurt: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and balances the spices at the end of cooking.

• Stock: A flavorful liquid that helps create a smooth, consistent sauce and enhances overall taste.
• Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a base for cooking the aromatics and spices.

How To Cook Delia Leftover Chicken Curry

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat oil in a large skillet and toss in finely chopped onions with a pinch of salt. Gently cook the onions until they transform into a soft, translucent golden treasure, releasing their sweet and mellow flavor.

Step 2: Infuse Intense Aromatics

Introduce minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet. Let these powerhouse ingredients dance and sizzle for about two minutes, filling your kitchen with an irresistible fragrant symphony.

Step 3: Wake Up the Spices

• Curry powder
• Turmeric
• Cumin
• Garam masala

Stir continuously until the spices bloom and release their intoxicating aroma, creating a rich and complex flavor foundation.

Step 4: Create Sauce Foundation

Add diced tomatoes to the skillet, using your spatula to scrape up all the delicious caramelized bits clinging to the bottom of the pan. These browned pieces are packed with intense flavor.

Step 5: Develop Depth of Flavor

Pour in chicken stock and let the mixture simmer gently. Allow the liquid to reduce and concentrate, developing a deep, harmonious sauce that will coat every morsel of chicken.

Step 6: Introduce Protein

Carefully add chunks of chicken to the bubbling sauce. Cook gently, ensuring the chicken absorbs all the magnificent spices while maintaining its tender texture.

Step 7: Finish with Creamy Smoothness

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in cool, tangy yogurt. This final touch adds a luxurious creaminess and balances the bold spices.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the steaming chicken curry to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with fluffy rice or warm naan bread.

Useful Tips For Delia Leftover Chicken Curry

• Select Fresh Spices: Use whole, recently ground spices for maximum flavor and aroma in your curry.
• Control Yogurt Temperature: Add yogurt off the heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize heat by increasing or decreasing chili powder or using milder peppers for sensitive palates.
• Tenderize Chicken Smartly: Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Boost Depth of Flavor: Let curry simmer longer to develop richer, more complex taste and allow spices to fully infuse.

Fun Ideas For Delia Leftover Chicken Curry

• Vegetarian Curry: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or mixed vegetables like cauliflower, potato, and chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.
• Coconut Milk Variation: Swap yogurt with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free version with a tropical flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer ingredients after initial sautéing to a slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours for a hands-off approach.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add extra red chili flakes or fresh green chilies for those who love a more intense heat level in their curry.

What To Serve With Delia Leftover Chicken Curry

• Sip Spicy Mango Lassi: Cool down the curry's heat with a creamy, sweet mango yogurt drink that balances the bold spices perfectly.
• Pair with Fluffy Basmati Rice: Serve the rich curry over aromatic basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a mild, complementary base.
• Match with Crispy Naan Bread: Use warm, buttery naan to scoop up the curry, catching every last bit of the flavorful sauce and adding a delightful texture contrast.
• Complement with Cucumber Raita: Add a refreshing yogurt-based side dish with cucumber and herbs to provide a cool, creamy counterpoint to the warm, spicy curry.

How To Keep Delia Leftover Chicken Curry Fresh

• Store leftover chicken curry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer curry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place curry in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour curry into a saucepan, add a splash of water or stock to prevent sticking.

FAQs On Delia Leftover Chicken Curry Explained

• What are the key spices in this chicken curry?

The key spices typically include ground cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala, which provide depth and authentic flavor to the dish.

• Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• How spicy is this curry?

The spice level can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the amount of ground spices or adding chili powder. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.

• Is yogurt necessary in the recipe?

Yogurt adds creaminess and helps balance the spices. It also tenderizes the chicken and creates a smoother sauce texture. Full-fat yogurt works best for rich flavor.

Chicken Curry Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Indian chicken curry blends aromatic spices and tender meat into a mouthwatering culinary journey. Hearty flavors dance across your palate, promising a satisfying meal that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Mumbai.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) cold roast chicken
• 500 milliliters (2 cups) chicken stock

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 teaspoons coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cardamom pods

Vegetables and Liquids:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 400 grams (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons oil

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions in hot oil, seasoning with salt until translucent and softened, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, allowing aromatics to release their intense flavors for 1-2 minutes.
3. Sprinkle curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander into the mixture, stirring continuously until spices become highly fragrant and slightly toasted.
4. Pour chopped tomatoes into the pan, using a wooden spoon to deglaze and lift caramelized spice particles from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Gradually pour chicken stock, creating a rich, spiced liquid base, and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Carefully add bite-sized chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed and gently poached in the aromatic sauce.
7. Once chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender, remove pan from direct heat and swirl in cool, creamy yogurt to create a smooth, luxurious texture.
8. Transfer the vibrant curry to a serving dish, garnishing with fresh cilantro and serving immediately with steamed rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

• Choose onions with high sugar content for deeper caramelization and richer flavor profile.
• Use fresh ginger and garlic instead of pre-minced versions to enhance authentic taste and aroma.
• Control spice heat by adjusting chili powder or using mild curry powder for sensitive palates.
• For dairy-free option, replace yogurt with coconut milk or plant-based yogurt alternative.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 205 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 2900 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg