Chicken Curry

Chicken curry

Chicken curry stewed in coconut milk and curry spices is a hearty and tasty dish the whole family will love. Easy to make and cooks in one pan!

Filipino-style Chicken curry is my all-time favorite comfort food. Every time it’s on the menu, I can’t help but eat my weight in rice. And that, my friends, means A LOT.

And who can blame me? Juicy chicken, tender potatoes and carrots, and colorful bell peppers, and a glorious curry-infused coconut sauce…it’s the best combination there is!

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into cubes
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into cubes
  • 1 onion, peeled and cubed
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 thumb-size ginger, peeled and julienned
  • 1 (3 pounds) bone-in chicken, cut into serving pieces
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a wide pan over medium heat, heat oil. Add potatoes and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned and tender. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
  •  Add carrots and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
  • Remove excess oil from pan except for about 1 tablespoon. Add bell peppers and cook for about 30 to 40 seconds. Remove from pan and set aside. 
  • Add onions, garlic, and ginger and cook until softened. 
  • Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally until lightly browned.
  •  Add fish sauce and continue to cook for about 1 minute.
  • Add coconut milk and water. Bring to a simmer, skimming any scum that may float on top.
  • Lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked.
  • Add potatoes and carrots and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes or until tender.
  • Add curry powder and stir to combine. Continue to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until sauce starts to thicken. 
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
  • Add bell peppers and cook for about 1 minute or until tender yet crisp. Serve hot.

Helpful cooking tips

  • Pan-fry the potatoes and carrots until lightly browned to keep from falling apart when added to the stew.
  • I also like to briefly saute the bell peppers as it draws out their natural sweetness.
  • This recipe calls for bone-in chicken parts for a more robust flavor but it would work on cubed boneless chicken breast or thigh meat as well.
  • For a smooth and creamy sauce, do not bring to a rapid boil and cook in a gentle simmer lest the coconut milk curdles and separates.
  • Once the curry powder is added in, give the sauce a few minutes to slow cook to allow the spices to release their flavors.
  • Prefer a thicker consistency? Simmer uncovered so the excess liquid will evaporate quickly and the sauce to reduce without overcooking the meat and vegetables.

How to serve

  • I especially love this hearty stew served with steamed rice, but it’s equally delicious paired with mashed potatoes and egg noodles. A crusty bread loaf to sop up the rich curry sauce is another delicious option!
  • Curry is perfect for meal-planning and makes great leftovers. Store in airtight containers or resealable bags and keep in the fridge for up to  3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  • To reheat, place in a saucepan with a splash of water and heat over low heat.