
A rich, savory curry that brings authentic Japanese flavors to your dinner table in under 45 minutes.
Discover the perfect Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken that combines tender meat, hearty vegetables, and a perfectly balanced sauce. This foolproof recipe makes Japanese comfort food accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
What You’ll Find Here
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken
Authentic Japanese Flavors
First, this Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken captures the essence of Japanese home cooking. Moreover, the unique blend of spices creates that signature taste. Therefore, you’ll experience true Japanese comfort food.
Quick Weeknight Dinner
Additionally, this Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken comes together in under 45 minutes. Consequently, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Thus, you can enjoy restaurant-quality meals without the wait.
Family-Friendly Meal
Furthermore, this Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken appeals to all ages. Moreover, the mild, savory flavor profile wins over even picky eaters. Therefore, it becomes a family favorite.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Similarly, this Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken uses affordable, accessible ingredients. Thus, you won’t need specialty items. Consequently, making authentic Japanese curry becomes affordable.
Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs | 1.5 lbs |
| Potatoes | 2 medium, cubed |
| Carrots | 2 medium, sliced |
| Onion | 1 large, diced |
| Japanese curry roux | 4 blocks |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Water or chicken broth | 3 cups |
Seasonings and Aromatics
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon, grated |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Rice | for serving |
How to Make Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown for 5 minutes.
- Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add potatoes, carrots, and water/broth to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add curry roux blocks and stir until completely dissolved.
- Simmer for 10 more minutes until sauce thickens.
- Stir in soy sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Timeline
| Step | Action | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brown chicken | 5 minutes |
| 2 | Cook onions | 3 minutes |
| 3 | Add aromatics | 1 minute |
| 4 | Add vegetables and liquid | 2 minutes |
| 5 | Simmer vegetables | 15 minutes |
| 6 | Add curry and thicken | 10 minutes |
Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 385
Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken thighs with breast meat for leaner options. Additionally, use beef or pork instead of chicken for different flavors. Therefore, you can customize based on preferences.
How to Make It Vegetarian/Vegan
Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Moreover, use vegetable broth and check curry roux for dairy. Consequently, everyone can enjoy this delicious curry.
Serving Ideas
Serve over steamed rice for the traditional experience. Additionally, pair with our simple sushi roll for beginners for a Japanese feast. Furthermore, try with 10-minute Japanese fried rice for a complete meal.
Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken Storage and Reheating
Storage Instructions
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Additionally, freeze portions for up to 3 months. Therefore, you can meal prep for the week ahead.
Reheating Tips
Reheat gently on stovetop over medium-low heat. Moreover, add a splash of water or broth if too thick. Consequently, your Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken tastes freshly made.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t boil the curry after adding roux, as it may become too thick. Additionally, avoid adding too much water initially. Therefore, follow the steps carefully for perfect consistency.
Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken FAQs
What makes Japanese chicken curry different from other curries?
Japanese curry features a sweeter, milder flavor profile compared to Indian or Thai curries. Additionally, it uses a unique curry roux that creates a thick, gravy-like consistency. Therefore, this Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken offers a distinctly Japanese comfort food experience.
Can I make Japanese curry with chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well in this Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken recipe. However, breasts cook faster and may become dry if overcooked. Therefore, reduce cooking time or add breast meat later in the process to maintain tenderness.
How do you thicken Japanese curry naturally?
The curry roux naturally thickens the sauce as it dissolves. Additionally, you can mash some potatoes against the pot side to release starch. Therefore, this Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken achieves perfect consistency without extra thickeners.
What vegetables go best in easy Japanese chicken curry?
Classic vegetables include potatoes, carrots, and onions. Additionally, sweet potatoes, peas, and mushrooms work beautifully. Therefore, this Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken recipe uses traditional vegetables while allowing for creative additions based on season and preference.
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Conclusion
This Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken recipe brings authentic Japanese comfort food to your home kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll create a flavorful meal that satisfies the whole family. For more Japanese-inspired dishes, try our quick miso ramen with soft-boiled egg or easy teriyaki chicken bowl to expand your culinary repertoire.
Print
Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken | Quick Homemade Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken recipe brings authentic Japanese comfort food to your table in under 45 minutes. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a perfectly balanced curry sauce, it’s a foolproof way to create restaurant-quality Japanese curry at home that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium potatoes, cubed
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 large onion, diced
4 blocks Japanese curry roux
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups water or chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Steamed rice for serving
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown for 5 minutes.
3. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add potatoes, carrots, and water/broth to the pot.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Add curry roux blocks and stir until completely dissolved.
8. Simmer for 10 more minutes until sauce thickens.
9. Stir in soy sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Easy Japanese Curry with Chicken over steamed Japanese rice for the traditional experience. Pair with simple sushi rolls or Japanese fried rice for a complete Japanese-inspired meal. Add a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad for balance.
Storage Instructions
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. The curry actually tastes better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if too thick.
Pro Tips
- Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t boil the curry after adding roux, as it may become too thick.
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar with the curry roux.
- Use Japanese curry roux brands like S&B Golden Curry or Vermont Curry for authentic taste.
- Let the curry rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Variations
- Swap chicken thighs with breast meat for leaner options, but reduce cooking time.
- Use beef or pork instead of chicken for different flavor profiles.
- Add sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a sweeter variation.
- Include frozen peas during the last 5 minutes for color and nutrition.
- Make it vegetarian by using tofu, chickpeas, or extra vegetables instead of chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese