Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your senses and transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast? This Mild Aromatic Chicken Curry with Lemon Rice is not just a meal—it's a vibrant, flavor-packed experience that combines the rich, creamy textures of coconut milk with the warm, inviting notes of curry powder. In just under an hour, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup rice
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing chicken, chopping onions, mincing garlic and ginger, and measuring out spices and liquids.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Introduce curry powder to the onion mixture, stirring to coat and release the spices' aromatics. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Add cubed chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with spice mixture. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning pieces to ensure even browning.
- Pour in coconut milk, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- While curry simmers, prepare lemon rice. Rinse rice thoroughly, then combine with water in a separate pot. Bring to boil, then reduce to low heat and cook covered for 15-18 minutes.
- Once rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
- Check chicken curry for seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add a little water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot curry over lemon rice, garnishing with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Spice Blooming: The key to an aromatic curry is properly blooming your spices. Take your time when adding curry powder, allowing it to toast slightly in the pan to release maximum flavor.
- Chicken Preparation: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
- Coconut Milk Magic: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce. Stir well before adding to incorporate any separated cream.
- Rice Perfection: Rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separate grains.
- Lemon Juice Timing: Add fresh lemon juice to the rice after cooking to preserve its bright, zesty flavor and prevent any potential bitterness.
- Simmer Slowly: Low and slow is the mantra for tender chicken and a well-developed curry sauce. Resist the urge to rush the cooking process.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 474kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 93mg
