Japanese Chicken Curry (Kare Raisu) is one of Japan’s most loved comfort meals — rich, mildly sweet, thick, and perfectly savory. Made with tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, and the signature Japanese curry roux, this dish delivers a cozy, home-style flavor that’s gentle yet deeply satisfying. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and ready in under an hour, making it a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Creamy, thick sauce — signature Japanese curry texture
- Mild heat (great for everyone — adjust spice level easily)
- Comforting and filling
- Perfect with rice, noodles, or even bread
- Simple, pantry ingredients
Ingredients
For 4 servings
- 500g chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 small apple, grated (optional but authentic)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 Japanese curry roux block (Golden Curry, Vermont, or Java curry — mild/medium/hot)
Instructions
1. Sear the chicken
Heat oil in a pot. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned.
2. Add aromatics
Add onions and cook until soft.
Stir in garlic and ginger.
3. Add vegetables
Add carrots + potatoes. Mix well.
4. Pour liquid
Add water or chicken broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat.
5. Add extra flavor
Add grated apple + soy sauce.
Simmer for 20–25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
6. Add curry roux
Turn heat to low.
Break curry roux into cubes and stir until completely dissolved.
Simmer 10 minutes until thick and glossy.
7. Serve
Serve hot with steamed rice.
Garnish with green onions or pickled ginger (beni shoga).
Tips for the Best Japanese Curry
- Use chicken thighs for the juiciest texture.
- Add honey or apple for authentic sweetness.
- Simmer slowly to develop deeper flavor.
- Don’t rush dissolving the roux — it helps the sauce thicken properly.
- Add a splash of milk or cream for an extra silky sauce.
Optional Add-Ins
- peas
- mushrooms
- corn
- sweet potatoes
- boiled eggs
- fried chicken katsu (to make Chicken Katsu Curry)
Storage
- Fridge: Up to 3 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Sauce gets thicker the next day — even better flavor!
Nutrition Table (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 465 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
