30 minute Easy Chicken and Chickpea Curry

30 minute Easy Chicken and Chickpea Curry

This recipe was the result of a bit of a challenge that I set for myself based upon an email I got from a reader asking if I had a really quick chicken curry recipe that didn't use a lot of hard to find spices, was only mildly spicy and low in fat. Normally my favorite curries take a while to simmer so the quick requirement was my biggest concern but I decided to give it a whirl anyway.

There are a couple of Asian markets that I go to in my neighborhood for curry spices but for this one I decided to only use spices that were easily found in the spice aisle at the supermarket. This one only has 4 spices and probably the least common of those is the Indian spice blend, garam masala but I checked the last 4 supermarkets I visited and each one of them had it in the spice display so it's now pretty commonly found.


Long story short, even with only a few ingredients and spices, it was terrific. Spouse is not one for hot curries so she was particularly pleased with this one; it's her new favorite. The kids scarfed theirs down too and were even happy to have the leftovers the next day. I would absolutely recommend making a double batch and plan for leftovers of this tasty, economical meal.

Serves 4

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• salt and pepper to season
• 3 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion diced fine
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 2 tbsp yellow curry powder
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup drained low fat yogurt (or low fat Greek yogurt)
• 2 cups canned chick peas, drained and rinsed 

Heat the peanut oil in a large heavy bottomed dutch oven over medium high heat,  Brown the chicken pieces for a few minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and add the onions and garlic. Cook them for a few minutes until they soften then add the turmeric, yellow curry powder, garam masala and cardamom.Stir them well into the onions and garlic and cook for two minutes, stirring constantly.

Return the browned chicken to the pot along with the fresh ginger and and chicken stock. Cover and bring to a slow simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the yogurt and chickpeas and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Serve over plain basmati rice.

30 minute Easy Chicken and Chickpea Curry