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Easy Chinese Curry Chicken

  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Description

Easy Chinese Curry Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a fragrant and savory curry sauce. The chicken is stir-fried until golden and cooked through, then simmered in a rich sauce made from a blend of curry powder, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness from sugar or honey. The sauce is thickened with a bit of cornstarch, giving it a smooth, velvety texture that coats the chicken perfectly. This comforting dish is often served over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables, creating a well-balanced meal. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option, delivering bold, aromatic flavors in a short amount of time.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make Easy Chinese Curry Chicken:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated or minced
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder (Chinese curry powder if available)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use halal-certified soy sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (use halal-certified broth)
  • 1 can (13 oz) coconut milk (for creaminess)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the curry flavor)
  • 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked jasmine rice or noodles (to serve)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken: The chicken is the main protein in this dish. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Thighs will be more flavorful and juicy, while breasts offer a leaner option.
  • Curry Powder: The key flavoring of this dish, curry powder adds warmth and depth. You can use pre-made Chinese curry powder or any curry powder blend you prefer.
  • Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a rich texture to the sauce. It also balances out the curry’s spices and heat.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami to the dish, enhancing the flavor of the curry sauce.
  • Oyster Sauce: While optional, oyster sauce brings extra richness and a slightly sweet umami flavor to the curry. Be sure to choose a halal-certified oyster sauce.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Easy Chinese Curry Chicken:

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  3. Set Aside the Chicken: Once the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Make the Curry Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
  2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the Curry Powder: Sprinkle in the curry powder and stir it into the onions, garlic, and ginger. Allow the spices to cook for 1 minute to release their flavors.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavors.
  5. Pour in the Liquids: Add the chicken broth and coconut milk to the pan. Stir everything together, making sure the curry powder dissolves into the sauce.
  6. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thin, you can mix the cornstarch with a little water and add it to the pan to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

  1. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the curry sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender.
  2. Adjust the Flavor: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch of sugar to balance out the curry flavor, or more salt if necessary.

Serve the Curry Chicken:

  1. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the curry chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-6
  • Calories: 300-350 kcal
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 28g

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Find it online: https://epicuremeals.com/easy-chinese-curry-chicken/