Are you craving a delicious, healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This creamy chicken yogurt curry is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and surprisingly healthy. Forget takeout – this homemade cooking masterpiece will become a new family favorite. This easy recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
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 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This step helps develop a deeper flavor in your delicious dish.
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Add the spices and vegetables: Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices. Add the chopped bell peppers and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
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Simmer the curry: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Stir in the yogurt: Remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir in the Greek yogurt and lemon juice. Be careful not to boil the yogurt, as this can cause it to curdle. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan bread, or your favorite side dish.
Tips for the Best Chicken Yogurt Curry:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken browns properly and doesn't steam.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder curry, omit it altogether.
- Use high-quality yogurt: The quality of the yogurt will impact the flavor of the curry. Look for a full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest results.
- Make it ahead: This curry tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Variations:
- Vegetable Curry: Add other vegetables like cauliflower, peas, or spinach.
- Spicy Curry: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few finely chopped chilies.
- Creamy Coconut Curry: Stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk for an extra creamy and rich curry.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This easy recipe for chicken yogurt curry offers a healthy and delicious meal option. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!