Are you craving a flavorful, comforting meal that's also quick and easy to make? Then look no further! This creamy, aromatic curry sauce recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed for success. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers big on taste, making it a delicious addition to your healthy meals repertoire. Get ready to transform your chicken into a truly unforgettable dish!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons curry powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Vegetables
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Then, add the bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened.
Step 3: Build the Curry Sauce
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices. This step enhances the overall flavor of your delicious dishes!
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), coconut milk, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Curry:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of curry powder and cayenne pepper to your liking. Start with less and add more gradually until you achieve your desired level of spiciness. For a milder curry, omit the cayenne pepper entirely.
- Chicken Choice: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ginger and garlic will significantly elevate the flavor of your curry.
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk creates a creamier, richer sauce. However, light coconut milk can be used as a substitute.
- Make it a complete meal: Add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or potatoes for a heartier and more nutritious meal.
Variations:
- Vegetable Curry: Omit the chicken and add your favorite vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Peanut Curry: Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter along with the coconut milk for a delicious peanut curry twist.
- Spicy Curry: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few chopped chili peppers for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy recipe for curry sauce is a fantastic quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights. It's a healthy meal that's both satisfying and delicious. Try it today and discover a new favorite homemade cooking staple! Enjoy!