One-Pot Creamy Chicken Korma

Written By Rachel Evans

Gentle, comforting and family-friendly

Calories: ~550–650 per adult serving

Time: 45 minutes

Style: One pot • Mild • Baby & toddler adaptable

This version builds flavour slowly and properly - cooking out spices, onions and tomato purée so the dish tastes rich and rounded.

Why this works for mums

  • High-protein for fullness and energy

  • Depth of flavour but mild enough for children.

  • Comforting without feeling heavy

  • Easy to batch cook and freeze

Ingredients (Serves 4 adults + little ones)

  • 600g chicken thigh or breast, diced (thigh gives more flavour)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 onion, very finely diced

  • 1 carrot, grated

  • 1 courgette, grated

  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 1 tsp mild curry powder

  • ½ tsp ground coriander

  • ½ tsp ground cumin

  • ½ tsp ground turmeric (optional but recommended)

  • 1 tbsp tomato purée

  • 200ml reduced-fat coconut milk

  • 100ml water or low-salt stock

  • 40g ground almonds

  • 60g uncooked basmati rice per adult to serve

Method (One Pot – Flavour-Building)

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium–low heat.

  2. Add the onion and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring, until very soft and lightly golden.
    This slow step builds natural sweetness and depth.

  3. Add the carrot and courgette. Cook for 3–4 minutes.

  4. Add the garlic, curry powder, coriander, cumin and turmeric.
    Stir continuously for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

  5. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1–2 minutes until it darkens slightly and smells lovely and rich.

  6. Add the chicken and cook until just sealed on all sides.

  7. Stir in the coconut milk, water and ground almonds.

  8. Simmer gently, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

  9. Season adult portions at the table.

Baby, Toddler & Weaning Notes

  • No added salt

  • Ground almonds give a naturally thick, soft sauce

  • Mild spices mellow as they cook

  • Sauce can be blended smooth if needed

  • Serve with soft rice or naan strips for baby-led weaning

  • Freezes well in individual portions

Serving Suggestions (to add more veg)

  • Steamed broccoli or green beans

  • Spinach wilted into the sauce

  • Peas stirred through at the table

Gentle reminder

Depth comes from time and technique, not spice.

Slow cooking makes gentle food taste good.

Want family meals that are comforting, filling and actually taste good? Join the Nourish & Mum email list for realistic, flavour-first recipes for busy mums.

Rachel Evans
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Simple Cottage Pie