Do you love the rich and aromatic flavors of chicken curry but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? Don’t worry, you can now make delicious chicken curry in a fraction of the time using your microwave oven. This quick and easy recipe will have you enjoying a bowl of flavorful chicken curry in no time!
Using a microwave oven to cook chicken curry not only saves time, but it also helps to retain the natural juices and flavors of the chicken. The microwave oven provides even and consistent heat, ensuring that your chicken curry is cooked to perfection every single time.
To start, gather all the necessary ingredients for your chicken curry. You will need boneless chicken pieces, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and of course, curry powder. Don’t forget to have some coconut milk on hand for that creamy and luscious texture.
Next, chop the onions, garlic, and ginger finely. In a microwave-safe bowl, add a little oil and the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Microwave on high for a few minutes until the onions turn golden brown and fragrant. This step helps to release the flavors of the aromatics and enhances the overall taste of the curry.
Once the onions are cooked, add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix well with the onions. Microwave on high for a few more minutes until the chicken starts to cook through. At this point, add the spices and chopped tomatoes. Mix well, cover the bowl, and microwave on high for another 7-8 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Finally, add the coconut milk to the bowl and give it a good stir. Microwave on high for an additional 2-3 minutes until the curry is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the curry, as the coconut milk can curdle if overheated.
Once the chicken curry is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves and serve with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal. You’ll be amazed at how tender and flavorful the chicken curry turns out, all thanks to the convenience of your microwave oven!
Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Chicken Curry In Microwave Oven
Step 1: Prepare all the ingredients needed for cooking chicken curry in the microwave oven. These ingredients include chicken pieces, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, spices like turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
Step 2: Start by marinating the chicken pieces with a mixture of turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 30 minutes for the flavors to develop.
Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat some oil or ghee for a minute or two. Add the chopped onions and cook on high power for 3-4 minutes, stirring every minute. The onions should turn translucent and slightly browned.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the bowl and cook on high power for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 5: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the bowl and mix well with the onion, garlic, and ginger mixture. Cook on high power for 5 minutes, stirring once in between.
Step 6: Add the chopped tomatoes and spices like turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook on high power for another 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
Step 7: Taste the chicken curry and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. If desired, garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Step 8: Serve the chicken curry hot with rice, naan, or roti for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the power of your microwave oven. It’s recommended to use a microwave-safe bowl with a cover or use microwave-safe plastic wrap to cover the bowl while cooking.
Preparation and Ingredients
To cook chicken curry in a microwave oven, you will need the following ingredients:
– 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into pieces
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 2 tomatoes, chopped
– 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of garam masala
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you can start the preparation process:
1. In a microwave-safe dish, heat the vegetable oil for 1 minute on high power.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger to the dish. Microwave on high power for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, red chili powder, and salt. Microwave on high power for 3 minutes.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the dish and mix well with the spice mixture. Microwave on high power for 5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle garam masala over the chicken curry and mix well. Microwave on high power for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or naan.
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is an important step in preparing chicken curry. It helps to infuse the chicken with flavor and tenderize it.
To marinate the chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- Salt to taste
To marinate the chicken, follow these steps:
- In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade.
Marinating the chicken for a longer period of time will result in more flavorful and tender chicken curry. Remember to always marinate the chicken in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Cooking the Curry
Once the chicken has marinated, it is time to cook the curry in the microwave oven. Here are the steps:
- Place the marinated chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger to the dish.
- Add the tomato puree and mix well with the chicken and spices.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
- Cook the curry on high power for 5 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the microwave and stir the curry.
- Cover the dish again and cook for another 5 minutes on high power.
- Check if the chicken is cooked through by cutting into a piece. It should be white and no longer pink in the center.
- If the chicken is not fully cooked, cover the dish and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on high power.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the dish from the microwave.
- Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with rice or naan.
Enjoy your homemade chicken curry made in the microwave oven!
Serving and Enjoying
Once your chicken curry is cooked to perfection in the microwave oven, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish.
Before serving, give the curry a gentle stir to make sure all the flavors are well combined. You can serve the chicken curry with steamed basmati rice or freshly baked naan bread for a complete meal.
Place a generous portion of steamed rice on a plate or in a bowl, then ladle the chicken curry on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.
If you prefer a spicier curry, you can add a dollop of spicy chutney or a sprinkle of red chili flakes. For a creamier curry, a spoonful of yogurt or a splash of coconut milk can be added.
As you take your first bite, savor the combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and rich sauce. The flavors should be well-balanced and the chicken should be moist and flavorful.
Enjoy the chicken curry slowly, allowing each bite to fill your palate with its satisfying taste. Feel free to complement the meal with a refreshing cucumber and mint raita or a side of pickles.
Remember to save any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors of the chicken curry tend to develop even more when reheated, making it an even tastier meal the next day.
Now that you know how to make chicken curry in a microwave oven, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking. Get ready to enjoy a home-cooked, delicious chicken curry that will impress your family and friends!
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your chicken curry recipe:
1. Spice Level
Adjust the spice level based on your preference. If you like it spicy, increase the amount of red chili powder or add chopped green chilies. For a milder curry, reduce the amount of spices or remove the chili altogether.
2. Creamy Curry
If you prefer a creamier curry, you can add a few tablespoons of coconut milk or heavy cream towards the end of cooking. This will give the curry a rich and velvety texture.
3. Vegetables
You can add a variety of vegetables to your chicken curry to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Some popular options include potatoes, carrots, peas, bell peppers, and spinach. Simply chop the vegetables into small pieces and cook them along with the chicken.
4. Marinade
To enhance the flavor of the chicken, marinate it before cooking. You can use a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices as a marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
5. Garnish
Garnish your chicken curry with freshly chopped cilantro or coriander leaves before serving. This will add a fresh and vibrant touch to your dish.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken | 500 grams |
Onion | 1 medium, finely chopped |
Tomato | 2 medium, pureed |
Garlic | 4-5 cloves, minced |
Ginger | 1 inch piece, grated |
Red Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
Turmeric Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Cumin Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Coriander Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Garam Masala | 1/2 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Water | 1 cup |
FAQ
Can I cook chicken curry in a microwave oven?
Yes, you can cook chicken curry in a microwave oven. It is a quick and convenient way to prepare this delicious dish.
What ingredients do I need to cook chicken curry in a microwave oven?
You will need chicken pieces, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, chilli powder, coconut milk, and vegetable oil.
How long does it take to cook chicken curry in a microwave oven?
The cooking time may vary depending on the power of your microwave oven, but on average, it takes about 20-30 minutes to cook chicken curry in a microwave oven.
What should I serve with chicken curry cooked in a microwave oven?
You can serve chicken curry with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti. It also goes well with some fresh salad or yogurt on the side.