Japanese Chicken Curry - Khin's Kitchen (2024)

Simple Japanese chicken curry recipe with bags of flavour. It makes a great go-to mid-week meal for the whole family. Tender boneless chicken, carrots, and potatoes cooked in umami Japanese curry sauce.

Japanese people love curry dishes and it's a go-to meal for most Japanese families, since many decades ago. This chicken curry with rice is one of the popular versions of Japanese curry rice (Kare Raisu, カレーライス) dishes. Gyudon ( Japanese Beef and Rice Bowl ) and Japanese Katsu Curry recipes are my favourite kare raisu variations and you must try them if you love curry & rice!

Easy Comforting Meal

I love this curry because it is rich in flavour and makes me feel satisfied. A warm bowl of rice topped with flavorful gravy that includes a rich amount of protein and vegetables. This all-in-one dish will be a soothing and heart-warming dinner you can easily prepare at home if you have a long, hectic day outside.

This dish is fridge and freezer-friendly so you can make a big batch and save some for later. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner - using simple and pantry-friendly ingredients only!

Japanese Curry with Chicken ( チキンカレー )

This curry is adapted from Western-style chicken stew but cooked in its Japanese-style curry sauce and served on top of rice. The sweetness of the slow-cooked chicken, onions, vegetables and curry powder is what makes this dish so rich and tasteful.

Unlike most Asian curries, it is less spicy and has more thickness in the sauce. The colour is usually brown, more like golden brown, and sweet and savoury in taste. It is also called Japanese golden curry.

What you’ll need

Protein - I am using boneless chicken breast in this recipe. You can also use boneless chicken thigh, meat, beef, lamb, minced meat, fish fillets, seafood, or tofu (bean curd). With tofu, you can prepare a delicious vegetarian Japanese curry.

Vegetables - Brown onions, potatoes, and carrots are mainly added to this dish. You can also add green peas, celery, sweet potato, or a choice of stew vegetables. It is important to cut the potatoes and carrots into similar sizes and shapes as shown in the photo instructions.

Japanese curry sauce - To make this flavorful Japanese gravy, you will need curry powder, chilli powder, salt, sugar, all-purpose flour (plain flour), and chicken bouillon. All these ingredients are pantry-staple and you don’t need a trip to Asian grocery!

Detailed measurements and printable recipes are available on the recipe card down below.

How to make Japanese Chicken Curry from Scratch

In this recipe, I am showing you how to prepare the curry from scratch so that you can prepare it even when you don’t have the Japanese curry cubes ready or can’t find them at your local store.

1. Cut the chicken into medium pieces. Cut potato and carrot into medium-sized cubes.
2. Heat the pan and add butter and oil, then add the chopped onions and saute until the onions are softened and slightly brown.
3. Follow with the chicken pieces and cook for a few minutes until the chicken colour changes. Then add the grated ginger and stir well.
4. Next, add the potatoes and carrots, then add the curry powder, chilli powder, salt, pepper, and sugar.

5. Follow with the plain flour, stir and cook until the flour colour turns brown.
6. Add water and chicken bouillon, and stir well.
7. Close the lid and simmer for 20-30 minutes stir occasionally until the vegetables are tender. ( Add a bit more water if needed. )
8. Make a taste test and adjust the salt to taste.

Can I Use Japanese Curry Roux/Cube?

I use Japanese curry roux ( curry blocks ) on the days I am in a rush because I can skip a few cooking steps and cut down the ingredient list. I do love both homemade and store-bought ones for different reasons.

If you are using the store-bought curry mix, follow the packet instructions as the cooking method can be varied according to the curry brand you use. I’ve written details on how to use Japanese curry cubes in my previous Prawn Katsu with Curry and Rice and my new Easy Japanese Beef Curry recipes.

There are a few famous brands like S&B Golden Curry, Java Curry, Kokumaro Curry, Yutaka Curry, etc. You can choose mild, or hot according to your taste.

Whether you use store-bought curry mix or homemade curry sauce, it is still an easy-to-cook dish!

Favourite Serving Ideas

Serving together with rice is the signature of this dish – like they are inseparable! I love to have it with Japanese rice, Thai Jasmine rice, or regular long-grain rice. Feel free to enjoy with your favourite rice, brown rice, purple rice, wild rice, or cauliflower rice to fit your diet.

I’ve also tried it with noodles and it was delicious! Cook a choice of egg noodles, wheat noodles, or udon. Place it in a bowl and top with the curry chicken on top. Japanese Curry Udon with Chicken is my favourite comfort noodle soup!

Shredded vegetables, Japanese ginger pickles, and pickled daikon can be served as sides too.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Fantastic Curry Recipes:

• Thai Red Curry Chicken (Superfast restaurant-style Red Curry with store-bought paste)
• Chinese Chicken Curry (Must try Chinese curry)
• Chinese Beef Curry (UK Favourite Chinese Style Beef Curry)
• Chicken Madras (British-Indian style red curry perfect with naan)
• Japanese Katsu Curry (Mild curry with panko-coated crispy chicken)
• Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala (Perfect with basmati rice)
• Satay Chicken Curry (Grilled chicken in Malaysian-style peanut sauce )

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