Easy Japanese Chicken Curry Recipe

an overhead shot of japanese curry in a white bowl with rice

5 from 11 votes

This mouthwatering Japanese curry recipe features tender chicken thighs, carrots, and potatoes gently simmered in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet curry sauce. This Japanese-style curry is a twist on classic curry that comes together in about 30 minutes. It also freezes well, so make a big batch for make-ahead weeknight dinners.

Prep Time10

Cook Time27

Total Time37

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Japanese

Keyword: japanese chicken curry, japanese curry recipe

Servings: servings

Ingredients

1 tbsp avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil
1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion diced
1 lb potatoes peeled and cubed
2 carrots cut into 1/2 inch pieces
4 garlic cloves minced
2 cups water

Curry Sauce

1 cup water
3 tbsp all-purpose flour gluten-free or regular
3 tbsp oriental curry powder or regular curry powder (This will be medium spicy, use less for a milder curry)
3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari tamari is gluten-free
1 tsp garam masala
1 apple cored and grated
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

Combine all ingredients for the curry sauce in a bowl. To cut down on time, you can cut the apple into chunks and blend all the ingredients together if you want.
1 cup water, 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 3 tbsp oriental curry powder, 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 apple, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Heat avocado oil in a large pot or a Dutch oven over medium high heat.
1 tbsp avocado oil
Add chicken and onion, and cook stirring for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned on the outside.
1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, 1 large onion
Add potatoes, carrots, and garlic, and stir together for 1 minute.
1 lb potatoes, 2 carrots, 4 garlic cloves
Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, then cover for 10 minutes.
2 cups water
Uncover, and stir in the prepared curry sauce. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally.
Taste to add more soy sauce, or you can add some honey or sugar if you want it sweeter.
Serve warm over rice.

Video

Notes

Use oriental curry powder for a more authentic flavor, but you can use regular curry powder in a pinch. This dish is medium spicy - you can use 2 tbsp or less of the curry powder for a milder flavor.
For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free flour and Tamari.
Season the sauce to your liking–Taste to add more soy sauce, or you can add some honey or sugar if you want it sweeter.
Serve with warm white rice. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition