Save Experience a burst of Indian-inspired flavors with this Spicy Tangy Baked Chicken Curry. Succulent chicken thighs are marinated in a creamy, spice-infused yogurt before being nestled into a vibrant coconut and tomato sauce. This dish perfectly balances the warmth of ginger and turmeric with a bold tang of lime, making it an ideal choice for a comforting home-cooked meal.
Save This recipe is designed for those who love the aromatic essence of traditional curries but enjoy the hands-off convenience of oven baking. As the chicken bakes, the sauce thickens and caramelizes, creating a rich base that is perfect for soaking up with fluffy rice or warm naan.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Marinade: 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp grated fresh garlic, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1½ tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1½ tsp chili powder.
- Curry Sauce: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 large onion (finely chopped), 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp grated fresh garlic, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional), 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp honey or sugar, 1½ tsp salt, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice.
- To Garnish: ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped), lime wedges.
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, turmeric, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
- Preheat
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté Aromatics
- Heat vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in ginger and garlic; cook 1 minute.
- Bloom Spices
- Add cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cayenne (if using); cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce
- Stir in coconut milk, diced tomatoes, honey, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Assemble
- Nestle marinated chicken thighs into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over each thigh.
- Bake
- Transfer skillet to the oven. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and sauce is bubbling.
- Finish and Rest
- Remove from oven, stir in lime juice. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice or naan, plus lime wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using an oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven is essential for this recipe to ensure a smooth transition from the stovetop to the oven. Make sure to use fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant flavor profile.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a leaner meal, you can substitute chicken breasts for the thighs, though you should reduce the baking time to ensure the meat remains tender. If you prefer a milder curry, simply omit the cayenne pepper and reduce the chili powder.
Serviervorschläge
This chicken curry is best served over a bed of steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent alternative. Pair it with a cold beer or a crisp Riesling to complement the spices.
Save With its bold colors and even bolder flavors, this Spicy Tangy Baked Chicken Curry is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the perfect balance of heat, tang, and creaminess in every bite.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour to allow the yogurt and spices to tenderize and infuse flavor, though overnight yields deeper taste.
- → Can chicken breasts be used instead of thighs?
Yes, substitute chicken breasts adjusting baking time to ensure thorough cooking without drying out the meat.
- → What gives the sauce its tangy flavor?
Lemon and lime juices combined with yogurt provide the characteristic tang, balanced by the sweetness of honey or sugar.
- → Is it necessary to use bone-in chicken?
Bone-in thighs add extra flavor and moisture during baking, but boneless can be used for quicker cooking.
- → What are good side dishes to serve with this dish?
Steamed basmati rice, warm naan bread, or cauliflower rice complement the flavors and help soak up the curry sauce.
- → How spicy is the dish and can heat be adjusted?
The spiciness comes from chili powder and optional cayenne pepper and can be toned down by reducing these or removed for milder taste.