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Chicken Korma Bake

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A fuss-free, one-pan, baked version of this classic Indian curry.

On those nights when you are craving something comforting, warming and absolutely delicious, but you don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen, this Chicken Korma Bake is just perfect. I first saw a version by Planet Food on social media a while ago and, since then, I’ve really wanted to create my own version. The idea of a one-pan curry where the chicken and rice cook together in creamy yoghurt with fragrant spices sounded irresistible! So here I present to you my version …

After I first saw this fuss-free, one-pan version of the classic chicken korma on social media, where the rice and chicken all cook together in the oven, I just had to create my own version!

Although the recipe may look complicated with a lot of ingredients, it’s actually very easy. After only 10 minutes of prep, and using only one pan (#washingupgoals), this deliciously fragrant, mild, coconutty curry goes into the oven to bake to perfection. The rice doesn’t need to be cooked separately, but is added to the pan and takes on a gorgeously soft and creamy texture – as well as the beautiful flavours of the chicken and spices as it cooks in the coconut-milk-rich sauce.

I also love adding extra bits and pieces that I can serve with this curry for more flavour, texture and enjoyment – tangy pickled red onion, mint yoghurt, crunchy papadams and optional sweet and sour mango chutney. I’ve also suggested other veggies you could add to the curry. Leftovers keep for up to 3 days and you can freeze this fuss-free curry for up to 3 months, so why not make a double batch! I love this recipe so much that I included it in my new cookbook Simple Dinners Every Day.

This one-pan Chicken Korma Bake is the ideal choice when you want something really comforting and satisfying but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen.

How do I make sure the rice cooks perfectly in the oven?

Make sure to distribute the rice and liquid evenly in the pan. Make sure the coconut milk is combined well into the rice (use a wooden spoon to remove any lumps) before adding the chicken stock. Allowing the dish to rest for 10 minutes after baking means the rice will absorb any remaining moisture.

I love to add extra touches to the curry – pickled red onion, mint yoghurt, pappadams and chutney –
to take the flavours and textures to the next level.

What can I serve with Chicken Korma Bake?

We love this recipe with papadums, tangy pickled onions and mint yoghurt, as I’ve suggested in the recipe, but you could also serve it with naan bread, roti, steamed greens, sliced cucumber or a fresh Pineapple and Coriander Salsa. Roasted cauliflower or pumpkin would also work really well as a side dish.

As this gorgeous curry freezes well, I like to divide it into portions and freeze it in glass food storage containers for up to 3 months.

What’s the difference between butter chicken and chicken korma?

The main difference between butter chicken and chicken korma is that butter chicken is cooked in a tomatoey sauce with cream, while chicken korma uses yoghurt instead of cream.

What vegetables can I add to the bake?

Add frozen peas, baby spinach, green beans or zucchini (courgette) directly to the rice mixture. Make sure the vegetables are finely chopped so they cook evenly with the rice and chicken.

(This is what it looks like immediately out of the oven). After 45 minutes in the oven, let the curry stand for 10 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining moisture.

Watch how to make Chicken Korma Bake

If you enjoyed Chicken Korma Bake, I think you’ll love:

Quick Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe
Malaysian Chicken Curry Recipe
Chicken Green Curry Recipe
Chicken Thai Red Curry Recipe
Red Curry Coconut Noodles Recipe

Overhead view of Chicken Korma Bake in a pan, featuring tender chicken pieces in a creamy sauce garnished with fresh herbs.

Chicken Korma Bake

Author: Nicole
4.8 from 11 votes
“Omg sooo good. Another delicious meal. Whole family loved it, which is not easy. So much flavour. The rice was amazing.”
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This one-pan Chicken Korma Bake recipe combines chicken thighs, coconut milk, korma curry paste and fragrant basmati rice, all baked together for a delicious and easy dinner. Serve with pickled onions and mint yoghurt for extra flavour.
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 45 minutes
Total 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

CHICKEN
  • 800 g (1¾ lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 5–6 chicken thighs)
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil or olive oil
  • 1 tbsp mild curry powder (see note 1)
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • 1 tbsp korma curry paste
RICE
  • ½ large red onion, finely sliced
  • 1 tbsp finely grated garlic
  • 300 g (½ cups) basmati rice, washed and drained (see note 2)
  • 90 g (⅓ cup) korma curry paste
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • 270 ml (1 cup) coconut milk
  • 580 ml (2⅓ cups) chicken stock
PICKLED RED ONIONS
  • ½ large red onion, finely sliced
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp water
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
MINT YOGHURT
  • 185 g (¾ cup) natural yoghurt
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
  • ½ lime, juiced
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
TO SERVE
  • Papadums (optional)
  • ¼ bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), leaves picked
  • 70 g (¼ cup) mango chutney (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced).
  • Marinate the chicken – In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with the oil, curry powder, cumin, brown sugar, salt and korma paste. Use tongs to coat the chicken thoroughly and evenly.
  • Prepare the rice – To a large baking dish, add the onion, garlic, rice, korma paste, salt and coconut milk. Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture, taking care to incorporate the coconut milk into the rice well, so that it is smooth and most of the lumps have been removed.
  • Combine the chicken and rice – Add the chicken stock and stir to combine. Nestle the marinated chicken thighs into the rice. Scrape any extra marinade out of the bowl and onto the chicken. Some of the chicken may be partially submerged, and that is okay.
  • Bake – Cover (with a lid or foil) and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the lid or foil and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the excess liquid has cooked off. Allow to stand for 10 minutes – this allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture. Remove the chicken from the pan using tongs and set aside on a plate. Use a fork to fluff up and combine the rice into the sauce (there will be parts that are more “saucy” than others). Return the chicken to the rice (if there’s still too much liquid, see note 3).
  • Make the pickled onions – Add the onion, vinegar, water and salt to a medium bowl. Toss to combine.
  • Mint yoghurt – Combine the yoghurt, mint, lime, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
  • Serve – Serve the chicken korma bake with the mint yoghurt, pickled red onions, pappadums, coriander and mango chutney, if using.

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Chicken Korma Bake
Amount per Serving
Calories
933
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
38
g
58
%
Saturated Fat
 
18
g
113
%
Trans Fat
 
0.04
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
13
g
Cholesterol
 
200
mg
67
%
Sodium
 
1617
mg
70
%
Potassium
 
1110
mg
32
%
Carbohydrates
 
94
g
31
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
20
g
22
%
Protein
 
52
g
104
%
Vitamin A
 
4642
IU
93
%
Vitamin C
 
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
 
207
mg
21
%
Iron
 
8
mg
44
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Watch how to make it

Recipe notes

Note 1 – This recipe is based on a curry powder that has salt as a key ingredient. This is the curry powder I use. If you are using a curry powder without salt, use an additional ½ teaspoon of salt in the marinade.
Note 2 – This step isn’t essential, but it helps to remove the starchiness and allows for the grains of rice to separate more. However, the texture of the rice in this dish is meant to be more soft and creamy.
Note 3 – You should find most of the liquid has been absorbed. If there is still too much liquid, return the pan, uncovered, to the oven and cook for a further 5 minutes.

Make Ahead

Pickled red onions – Store in an airtight container with 60 ml (¼ cup) each of water and red wine vinegar so the onion is completely submerged. Can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Mint yoghurt – Prepare as per the recipe, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw completely in the fridge overnight prior to reheating in the microwave.

Recipe source

The original source of inspiration for this recipe was from Planet Food and you can view the full recipe here. 

Equipment

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Course dinner
Cuisine Indian-Inspired

  1. Really lovely quick and easy meal. Will make again. Just one question, why are recipes published in your book (which we pay for) available for free on your website?

    • Hi Sally, glad you enjoyed this recipe. Only some of the recipes from the book are available on the website. At least half the recipes in the book are not on the website. ❤️ Nic x

  2. Whole family loved this recipe even my picky 2 year old. Also made it for my parents and they loved it too. So easy to make and super delicious

    • Hi Candice, so thrilled to hear this was a hit across the generations! 🥰😀 Nic x

  3. 4 stars
    Unfortunately this meal came up on my plan whilst I was sick, so I couldn’t taste it! However my fiance assures me it is delicious and he wants it as a regular rotation. I am also inclined to agree even though I could only feel the texture! However, I had some rice that was slightly undercooked. There didn’t seem to be too much liquid left to cook any longer. I don’t put onion in, and I didn’t pre wash my rice. Could this have caused the issues?

    • Hi Montanna, sorry you weren’t able to taste the flavours of this dish, but happy to hear Hubby enjoyed it. ❤️ Did you see the hint in the recipe about how best to cook the rice. Just in case, here it is again: Make sure to distribute the rice and liquid evenly in the pan. Make sure the coconut milk is combined well into the rice (use a wooden spoon to remove any lumps) before adding the chicken stock. Allowing the dish to rest for 10 minutes after baking means the rice will absorb any remaining moisture. Hopefully this last rest will ensure the rice is completely cooked. There won’t be a lot of liquid left in this one as the rice is meant to absorb it all.Nic x

  4. Hi it was a great recipe..the pickled onions go well too..thx a lot!

    • Wonderful to hear, Aysha! So happy you went the extra mile and made the pickled onions! Nic x

  5. 5 stars
    Made this tonight and HAD to leave a review. Turned out perfectly, so delicious, even my 14 month old loved it! Will definitely be adding to the rotation.

    • Hi Casey, this is wonderful feedback. I am so happy you enjoyed it … especially your little eater! Yay, a win for you! Thanks so much for the rating too. Nic x

  6. Hi Nicole, absolutely love your recipies…they are always a hit with my whole family including my 2 year old! Just wondering if you think chicken thighs could be substituted for chicken Maryland’s in this recipe?
    Thank you

    • Hi Amelia, thank you so much for your lovely words – I’m thrilled the recipes are a hit with your family (especially your 2-year-old 🥰). Yes, you can use chicken Marylands here. Because they’re larger and bone-in, they’ll take a little longer to cook than thighs. To stop the rice overcooking, I’d suggest baking the Marylands on their own for about 20 minutes first, then nestling them into the rice mixture and continuing with the recipe as written. That way, the rice still cooks to that creamy, tender texture without going mushy, and the chicken will be perfectly cooked through. Hope this helps! Nic x

  7. So easy and delicious. I accidentally bought bone in thighs which ended up working in my favour because I had a cranky baby to calm down while it was in the oven and we ended up getting distracted on a walk. Cooked it for about 65mins and it was perfect. Baby loved it, we loved it. Will be on our regular rotation for sure.

    • Hi Tia, ahhh, I hear you re the cranky baby/cooking dilemma! So glad that the shopping mistake ended up saving the day! Brilliant! Nic x

  8. I got adventurous and swapped out the Korma Paste for Butter Chicken Paste (already in my fridge) and happy to say it was amazing! The marinade and spice mix just made this bake next level. Thank you!

    • Hi Tamara, thanks for this great feedback. So happy to know it worked with the different paste! Yay! Nic x

  9. 5 stars
    This recipe is fabulous thankyou Nicole! I was very short on time but really craving this ‘one pot’ curry, so I gave it a go it in my large electric fry pan and it worked brilliantly! Absolute hit – met the brief in time 😅 (still got the colour on the chicken too). I added finely chopped spinach and coriander right at the end. As you would say….so yum! 😁

    • Hi Katherine, I’m thrilled that this one worked out so well for you. Love to hear about your yummy additions, too! Thanks for the rating, Nic x

  10. Hey Nicole,

    Could I use my instant pot for this recipe?

    • Hi Kylie, I’m a recent convert to my instant pot. I’m obsessed with it! I haven’t tested this recipe in it, but I would start by cooking the onion and garlic, followed by the chicken briefly first, before adding in the remaining ingredients. Cook on high for 7 minutes with a 10 minute natural release. You won’t get the same golden top as you would if baking – it will be more of a soft-style casserole/curry situation. Nic x

  11. 5 stars
    My very fussy toddler ate and loved this as well as the rest of my family! And it was super simple but so tasty! Thank you 🙂

    • Wonderful to hear, Sarah! Always love winning over a fussy toddler! Thanks for the rating, Nic x

  12. Can I use medium grain rice?

    • You absolutely can, Jemima! Nic x

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Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes 

For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.