Have you ever tasted a curry so rich, sweet, and savory that it felt like a warm hug in a bowl? If your idea of curry is always spicy or fiery, Japanese Chicken Curry will surprise you. It’s comforting, family-friendly, and incredibly easy to make—and it might just become your new favorite weeknight meal!
Why This Japan Chicken Curry Recipe Stands Out
This japan chicken curry recipe is special because it brings together the flavors of Japanese home cooking with a unique twist. The preparation takes about 1 hour total, with most of the time spent letting the ingredients simmer gently into a thick, flavorful stew. It’s an easy-to-moderate recipe, perfect even for beginners.
What makes this japan chicken curry recipe special?
- Sweetness from apples and onions
- A velvety sauce made with Japanese curry roux
- Cozy comfort in every bite
This japan chicken curry recipe is loved across households for its simplicity and satisfying flavor.
Table of Contents
Japan Chicken Curry Recipe @JapanDishes
What is Japanese Curry?
Japanese curry, known as kare (カレー), is a hearty dish with a stew-like texture, typically featuring tender cuts of meat along with sweet onions, carrots, and potatoes. The heart of this dish lies in its rich curry sauce, which gets its thick texture from a roux—a blend of fat, flour, and curry spices. The final result is hearty, mildly sweet, and savory.
There are many variations of Japanese curry across households and regions, but chicken curry is one of the most beloved classics. This particular japan chicken curry recipe highlights the traditional version with easily accessible ingredients. Looking for more options? Check out another comforting Japanese chicken dish, don’t miss this delicious Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl Recipe) on Japan Dishes.
A Quick History of Japanese Curry
Curry was introduced to Japan in the late 1800s via the British Royal Navy. Initially viewed as a Western-style stew with curry powder, it evolved over the decades. By the 1950s, S&B Foods introduced the ready-made curry roux blocks, making curry an easy dish to prepare at home.
Today, Japanese curry is a household staple. It’s not only found in homes but also in restaurants, school cafeterias, and convenience stores all over Japan. It has also found popularity in many other parts of Asia. That cultural acceptance is what makes the japan chicken curry recipe such an important dish.
Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWhat Makes Japanese Curry Unique?
Unlike Indian or Thai curries, Japanese curry has:
- A stew-like texture
- A balance of sweet and savory flavors
- A thick sauce that clings to every bite
- A base of Japanese short-grain rice for a sticky, satisfying mouthfeel
Often, it includes touches of honey or grated apple to create its signature mild sweetness.
If you’re looking for a meal that offers rich taste and simple preparation, this japan chicken curry recipe delivers both.
Japan Chicken Curry Recipe @JapanDishes
Essential Ingredients (And Substitutions)
Here’s what you’ll need for this japan chicken curry recipe:
- 2 onions – For sweetness and depth
- 2 carrots – Adds color and gentle flavor
- 3 Yukon gold potatoes – Creamy and hold their shape well
- 1 tsp grated ginger and 2 garlic cloves – Fragrant base flavors
- ½ apple (grated) – Adds natural sweetness
- 1½ lb chicken thighs – Juicy and tender (substitute with chicken breast or tofu)
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning
For the curry sauce:
- 1½ tablespoons neutral oil
- 4 cups chicken broth (or half water for less sodium)
- 1 tablespoon each of honey, soy sauce, and ketchup
- 1 full-size Japanese curry roux pack (or homemade)
Japanese Chicken Curry Ingredients
To serve:
- Steamed Japanese short-grain rice
- Optional: Fukujinzuke (pickled vegetables)
These ingredients are the foundation of any great japan chicken curry recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables and Protein
- Cut onions into thick wedges
- Slice carrots into rolling pieces (rangiri cut)
- Peel and quarter the potatoes; soak in water for 15 minutes
- Grate ginger and garlic
- Grate the apple
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized sogigiri-style pieces and season with pepper
2. Cook the Aromatics and Chicken
- Heat oil in a large pot
- Sauté onions until golden and tender, about 5 to 10 minutes
- Add ginger and garlic
- Add chicken and cook until no longer pink on the outside
3. Simmer the Stew
- Pour in chicken broth
- Add grated apple, honey, soy sauce, and ketchup
- Add carrots and potatoes
- Simmer covered for 15 minutes on medium-low heat
4. Skim and Continue Cooking
- Skim off any foam from the surface
- Continue cooking until carrots and potatoes are soft
This part of the japan chicken curry recipe is where all the flavors begin to come together.
Add the Curry Roux
- Turn off the heat
- Dissolve curry roux blocks slowly in a ladle filled with hot liquid from the pot
- Stir back into the pot to incorporate
- Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens
- Stir regularly to prevent sticking or burning
Taste and adjust seasoning if using homemade roux
This thick, aromatic sauce is the hallmark of any great japan chicken curry recipe.
Assembly and Presentation Tips
- Plate steamed rice on one side of the dish
- Pour curry alongside the rice
- Add fukujinzuke for an authentic touch
Serve this japan chicken curry recipe warm for the best flavor.
Japan Chicken Curry Recipe @JapanDishes
Hana’s Recipe Tips
- Sauté onions longer for deeper flavor
- Use a pressure cooker for a quicker version
- Avoid over-stirring the onions early on so they develop a nice color
- Add a bit of butter at the end for a richer finish
You can adapt this japan chicken curry recipe to suit your own kitchen.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month (remove potatoes before freezing)
- Defrost in the fridge for 24 hours before reheating
- When reheating, stir in a bit of water to loosen the thickened curry
- Heat gently over low heat to avoid burning the bottom of the pot
Keeping a batch of this japan chicken curry recipe in the freezer means a quick dinner is always ready.
Japanese Chicken Curry チキンカレー
Course: Main CoursesCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes45
minutes520
kcalA cozy and mildly sweet curry dish loaded with tender chicken, carrots, potatoes, and a rich, thick sauce served over sticky rice. This Japan Chicken Curry Recipe is a family-friendly favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
2 large onions (cut into wedges)
2 carrots (peeled and cut into rolling chunks)
3 Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and quartered)
1 tsp grated ginger
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ apple (grated)
1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Freshly ground black pepper
- For the Curry Sauce:
1½ Tbsp neutral oil
4 cups chicken broth (or use half water for lighter version)
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp ketchup
1 pack Japanese curry roux (7–8 oz or 200–230 g)
- For Serving:
Cooked Japanese short-grain rice
Fukujinzuke (Japanese red pickled vegetables, optional)
Directions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the onions into thick wedges. Slice the carrots into irregular chunks. Peel and quarter the potatoes, then soak in cold water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Prep Flavor Base: Grate ginger and garlic. Peel and grate the apple.
- Prepare Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs. Cut into bite-sized pieces and season with black pepper.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 5–10 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Add garlic and ginger; stir well.
- Brown Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink on the outside.
- Simmer Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth. Add grated apple, honey, soy sauce, and ketchup. Stir to combine.
- Add Vegetables: Add carrots and potatoes. Simmer covered for 15–20 minutes, or until vegetables are fork-tender.
- Skim and Stir: Skim off any foam that surfaces. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Curry Roux: Turn off heat. Dissolve the curry roux in a ladleful of hot liquid, then stir back into the pot. Repeat until all roux is fully melted into the curry.
- Final Simmer: Simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir often and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Spoon curry over steamed Japanese rice. Add a side of fukujinzuke if desired.
Notes
- For a sweeter curry, use a full apple or add a teaspoon of grated pear.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
The roux block can vary in saltiness; taste and adjust seasoning after adding.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini
- Spicy: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to increase the heat
- Cheesy: Add shredded cheese on top and briefly melt it under the broiler
- Katsu Curry: Serve with breaded, fried chicken cutlets for a crispy topping
The japan chicken curry recipe is flexible enough for all kinds of taste preferences.
Conclusion
Japanese Chicken Curry offers a wonderful introduction to Japanese home-style cooking. With its easy steps, accessible ingredients, and comforting taste, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite ingredients or level of spice. This dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious.
This japan chicken curry recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary in taste and tradition.
If you’ve never tried a japan chicken curry recipe before, now is the perfect time to bring this beloved dish into your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Japanese curry healthy? Yes. It’s made with lean meats, fresh vegetables, and you can adjust the sodium level by modifying the broth and seasonings.
Can I prepare this in advance? Yes. Japanese curry develops more flavor the next day and stores well.
Is Japanese curry gluten-free? Only if you use a gluten-free roux. Most commercial curry roux blocks contain wheat, so consider making a homemade version.
Why is Japanese curry sweet? The sweetness comes from ingredients like apples, onions, carrots, and sometimes honey.
Can I use different meats? Yes. Pork and beef are common alternatives. Just adjust the simmering time for tenderness.
With its gentle flavors, rich sauce, and cozy appeal, this japan chicken curry recipe is a dish worth mastering. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe offers both satisfaction and ease in every bite.
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