Japanese Chicken Curry is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, known for its comforting and mild taste. It's typically crafted using tender chicken, fresh vegetables, Japanese curry roux, apples, and essential seasonings. This curry stands out for its unique and harmonious flavor profile. This curry pairs great with steamed white rice and other Japanese dishes, creating a satisfying and well-rounded lunch or dinner.
The recipe I've shared here provides easy, step-by-step instructions for preparing Japanese Chicken Curry. To make the cooking process even clearer, I've included a detailed video below.
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What is Japanese Chicken Curry?
Japanese Chicken Curry is a popular and comforting dish in Japanese cuisine. It consists of tender pieces of chicken (often boneless and skinless thighs) cooked with an assortment of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and potatoes, in a rich and flavorful curry sauce. The curry is often served over steamed white rice or Japanese short-grain rice, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
The curry sauce is typically made using a pre-packaged Japanese curry roux, which comes in various levels of spiciness, allowing you to choose the heat level that suits your taste. What sets Japanese Chicken Curry apart from other chicken curry dishes is its unique flavor profile. It combines sweet and savory elements, thanks to ingredients like grated apple, honey, soy sauce, and ketchup, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.
Japanese Chicken Curry is a beloved comfort food in Japan and you can find it in various settings, from casual family dinners to school cafeterias and restaurants. So, if you're seeking a mild and flavorful curry for dinner, give Japanese Chicken Curry a try. Its unique taste and comforting appeal will leave you craving more.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients you will need for making this Japanese Chicken Curry are basic Japanese pantry staples, fresh produce, and seasonings. You can find these ingredients in the Asian aisle of most retail grocery stores. Let's take a look at what they are below.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless chicken thighs provide a tender, mild, and meaty flavor. If using bone-in pieces, they offer an extra layer of savory depth, though they may require more cooking time
- Veggies (Carrots and Potatoes): Carrots contribute a subtle sweetness and earthiness, while potatoes, especially Yukon Gold, hold their shape and add a hearty, starchy richness. Other potato varieties can be used, but Yukon Gold is recommended for texture
- Ginger and Garlic: Crushed or in the form of ginger garlic paste, they impart a pungent, spicy kick with a hint of earthiness
- Apple (Grated): Grated apple introduces a pleasing sweetness that enriches the curry's depth, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors
- Onion: Brings a mild, slightly sweet undertone and a delightful aromatic quality to the curry
- Japanese Curry Roux: Available in varying heat levels, the medium heat roux is used here. It adds sweet and savory notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the curry
- Chicken Broth: Adds intense savory depth to the curry, elevating its umami flavor. For a vegetarian version, vegetable broth can be a flavorful substitute
- Soy Sauce, Ketchup, Honey, Black Pepper: These ingredients contribute to the curry's umami, sweet, and subtly earthy flavor profile, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Japanese Chicken Curry at Home?
The recipe I've shared here is for Japanese Chicken Curry, a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Tender chicken, assorted vegetables, and a fragrant curry sauce come together to create a heartwarming meal, best enjoyed over a bed of steaming white rice.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Saute the onions: Heat a pan over medium heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the onions. Give them an occasional stir while sautéing until they turn beautifully caramelized
- Add aromatics and chicken: Now, it's time to add the boneless chicken thighs, minced garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Keep sautéing until you can smell those wonderful aromas wafting from the pan
- Introduce Veggies: Moving on, add the carrots and potatoes to the mix. Give everything a good toss so that the flavors meld together
- Add broth and season it: Pour in the chicken broth, grated apple, soy sauce, a dash of black pepper, a dollop of ketchup, and a drizzle of honey. Make sure everything gets nicely acquainted by giving it a good stir
- Cover and cook: Cover the pan with its lid and allow this delightful concoction to simmer for about 15-20 minutes
- Add roux: Take off the lid and introduce the Japanese curry roux. Give it a thorough stir to ensure that it blends evenly. I personally used four roux cubes, adding them two at a time to strike a perfect balance. Remember, you can choose the heat level of the curry roux to suit your taste when you're buying it
- Simmer the curry: Now lower the heat to a gentle simmer and continue cooking the curry until it achieves that ideal thickness. If it becomes too thick for your liking, you can always thin it out with a bit of chicken broth or water
- Remove and serve: There you have it! Your mouthwatering, golden Japanese Chicken Curry is now ready to be savored and enjoyed to the fullest
Variations
Japanese Curry is a versatile dish with several exciting variations to explore, catering to your taste preferences. Here are some interesting options to consider:
- Seafood Curry: Instead of chicken or beef, you can use seafood like shrimp, squid, or fish to create a flavorful seafood curry. The seafood adds a unique twist to the dish
- Vegetarian/Vegan Curry: You can make Japanese curry entirely plant-based by using vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, and tofu. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep it vegan
- Katsu Curry: This is a popular variation where breaded and deep-fried cutlets (usually pork or chicken) are served with Japanese curry sauce. It's known as "katsu" curry and is a delightful combination of crispy and savory
- Coconut Curry: To give your Japanese curry a tropical twist, you can add coconut milk or coconut cream for a creamier and slightly sweet variation
- Beef Curry: While chicken is common, beef is another popular choice for Japanese curry. Beef curry features tender chunks of beef simmered in curry sauce
- Homemade Curry Roux: Instead of store-bought curry roux, you can make your own roux from scratch using a blend of flour, butter or oil, and curry spices. This allows for more control over the flavors
- Regional Variations: Different regions in Japan have their own take on curry, so you can explore regional variations such as Hokkaido curry, Yokohama curry, or Okinawan curry, each with its unique ingredients and flavors
Tips
- Choose the Right Curry Roux: When buying Japanese curry roux, consider your heat preference. It comes in mild, medium, and hot versions, so pick the one that suits your taste
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Before you start cooking, have all your ingredients measured, chopped, and ready to go. This will make the cooking process smoother
- Caramelize Onions: Take your time sautéing the onions until they're caramelized. This step adds a deep, rich flavor to your curry
- Aromatics Matter: Don't rush the sautéing of garlic, ginger, and chicken. Let them release their flavors and aromas fully
- Balanced Vegetables: When adding carrots and potatoes, ensure they're cut evenly. This ensures they cook uniformly and look appealing in the final dish
- Grated Apple Trick: The grated apple might seem unusual, but it adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the curry. It's a secret ingredient worth trying
- Control Thickness: Pay attention to the curry's thickness. If it gets too thick, you can always thin it out with a bit of chicken broth or water
- Cubed Roux Gradually: When adding the curry roux, do it gradually and stir well to avoid lumps. Adding two roux cubes at a time ensures they dissolve evenly
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the curry simmer until it thickens, this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully
Storage Suggestions
Store your Japanese Chicken Curry in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To maintain its freshness, promptly transfer it to an airtight container. When reheating, be sure to add a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Japanese Chicken Curry is a delicious and comforting dish that is typically served with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some traditional and popular options to serve with it:
- Rice Dishes: Japanese curry is typically served over steamed white rice. The rice helps balance the richness and spiciness of the curry. You can also try serving it with jasmine rice, or basmati rice for an aromatic taste profile
- Pickles (Tsukemono): Japanese pickles, such as daikon radish or cucumber pickles, can provide a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the curry
- Miso Soup: A miso soup with tofu and seaweed is a typical side dish in Japanese cuisine. It adds warmth and depth to the meal
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing and healthy element to the meal
- Tempura: Tempura vegetables or shrimp tempura are popular in Japanese cuisine. Their crispy texture complements the curry's creamy consistency
- Gyoza: Japanese dumplings, known as gyoza or potstickers, can be a great appetizer or side dish. They're usually filled with a mixture of pork and vegetables.
- Fried Rice: If you want to add more substance to your meal, consider serving Japanese chicken curry alongside a small portion of chicken or vegetable fried rice
- Tamagoyaki: Sweet and savory rolled omelet, known as tamagoyaki, can be a perfect side dish
- Japanese Coleslaw: A cabbage-based coleslaw with a Japanese-style dressing can provide a crunchy and slightly sweet contrast to the curry
Related Recipes
You can also find similar chicken curry recipes below and more at curry recipes, and chicken recipes.
- Chicken Curry
- Jamaican Curry Chicken
- Chicken Korma
- Butter Chicken
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Thai Yellow Curry
- Thai Green Curry
- Panang Curry
- Chicken Vindaloo
More Japanese recipes.
Japanese Chicken Curry Recipe Video
I have also included a detailed video of this Japanese Chicken Curry recipe below that I hope will help you make a delicious meal at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Japanese Curry
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Thighs, boneless
- 1 Carrot, medium size, chopped
- 2 Potato, medium size, chopped
- ½ Apple, peeled and grated
- 1 Onion, sliced
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Honey
- 1 tsp Ketchup
- ½ tsp Black Pepper, powder
- Salt, to taste
- 4 cloves Garlic, crushed
- ¾ inch Ginger, crushed
- 4 cubes Japanese Curry Roux, medium heat
- 3 tsp Oil
Instructions
To make Japanese Chicken Curry
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they caramelize
- Add the boneless chicken thighs, garlic, ginger, and salt to the pan. Sauté everything until it becomes aromatic
- Next, add the carrots and potatoes, and give it a good mix
- Pour in the chicken broth, grated apple, soy sauce, black pepper, ketchup, and honey. Mix everything thoroughly
- Close the pan with its lid and let the mixture cook for about 15-20 minutes
- Remove the lid and introduce the Japanese curry roux. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution. I used four roux cubes, adding them two at a time for a balanced mix. Keep in mind that the curry roux comes in different heat levels; you can select the one that suits your taste when purchasing
- Once the roux is fully combined, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the curry until it thickens. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it out using chicken broth or a little water. Now your delicious golden Japanese curry is now ready to enjoy
To Serve
- Serve this Japanese Chicken Curry over steamed white rice, Japanese rice, or basmati rice. You can also pair it with tamagoyaki or other Japanese-inspired dishes for a well-rounded meal
Video
Notes
- Choose the Right Curry Roux: When buying Japanese curry roux, consider your heat preference. It comes in mild, medium, and hot versions, so pick the one that suits your taste
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Before you start cooking, have all your ingredients measured, chopped, and ready to go. This will make the cooking process smoother
- Caramelize Onions: Take your time sautéing the onions until they're caramelized. This step adds a deep, rich flavor to your curry
- Aromatics Matter: Don't rush the sautéing of garlic, ginger, and chicken. Let them release their flavors and aromas fully
- Balanced Vegetables: When adding carrots and potatoes, ensure they're cut evenly. This ensures they cook uniformly and look appealing in the final dish
- Grated Apple Trick: The grated apple might seem unusual, but it adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the curry. It's a secret ingredient worth trying
- Control Thickness: Pay attention to the curry's thickness. If it gets too thick, you can always thin it out with a bit of chicken broth or water
- Cubed Roux Gradually: When adding the curry roux, do it gradually and stir well to avoid lumps. Adding two roux cubes at a time ensures they dissolve evenly
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the curry simmer until it thickens, this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully
Nutrition
FAQ
Yes, adding apples and honey to the curry does indeed contribute to its sweetness. These ingredients introduce a subtle and pleasing sweetness that complements the overall flavor profile of the dish, creating a delightful balance between sweet and savory notes in Japanese Chicken Curry.
To substitute for curry roux, melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter or oil in a pan. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of curry powder to make a paste. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring until it thickens. Use this homemade curry sauce as a roux substitute, adjusting to taste and thickness.
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, beef broth, mushroom broth, or water with bouillon cubes or powder, depending on your dietary preferences and the flavor profile you want to achieve in your recipe. Adjust the substitute according to your specific needs and the dish you're preparing.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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