Freezer-Friendly Japanese Curry With Chicken

This comforting Japanese curry features tender chicken and vegetables in a rich, aromatic sauce that freezes beautifully for future meals. Japanese curry (kare raisu) has been a beloved staple in Japan since the late 19th century, evolving into a distinct dish with a thicker, sweeter profile than its Indian counterparts.

What makes this version special is its make-ahead convenience—portioned and frozen, it maintains its complex flavor profile and hearty texture when reheated. The balanced combination of warm spices, subtle sweetness, and umami depth creates a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Simply prepare a large batch, freeze in individual portions, and enjoy this wholesome, homemade curry whenever you need a quick, comforting dinner.

Freezer-Friendly Japanese Curry With Chicken - Ingredients laid out ready for cooking

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Cooking Method: Simmering

Cuisine: Japanese

Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Description

A hearty, rich Japanese curry featuring tender chunks of chicken, carrots, and potatoes in a thick, aromatic sauce served over steaming white rice. This comfort food dish is a perfect blend of Eastern and Western flavours, adapted from British curry powder into a uniquely Japanese creation.

Japanese curry is milder and sweeter than its Indian counterpart, with a distinctive dark brown colour and thick gravy-like consistency. Made with curry roux blocks, this dish has become one of Japan's most popular home-cooked meals.

Ingredients

500 g Chicken Thighs (Cut Into Bite-sized Pieces)
2 Onions (Diced)
2 Carrots (Cut Into Large Chunks)
2 Potatoes (Cut Into Large Chunks)
2 Blocks Japanese Curry Roux
1 l Chicken Stock
30 ml Vegetable Oil
15 ml Soy Sauce
10 g Ginger (Fresh Minced)
2 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
400 g Long Grain Rice (Steamed, For Serving)

Instructions

1
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2
Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides.
3
Remove chicken and set aside.
4
In the same pot, sauté onions, ginger, and garlic until softened.
5
Return chicken to pot.
6
Add carrots and potatoes.
7
Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.
8
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
9
Break curry roux blocks into pieces and add to pot.
10
Stir until completely dissolved and sauce thickens.
11
Add soy sauce and simmer for 5 more minutes.
12
Serve hot over steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 921.2kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 31.83g49%
Saturated Fat 7.17g36%
Trans Fat 0.16g
Cholesterol 130.1mg44%
Sodium 721.31mg31%
Potassium 1311.73mg38%
Total Carbohydrate 117.8g40%
Dietary Fiber 5.56g23%
Sugars 9.16g
Protein 37.77g76%

Vitamin A 285.96 IU
Vitamin C 28.5 mg
Calcium 86.02 mg
Iron 3.36 mg
Vitamin D 0.12 IU
Vitamin E 2.22 IU
Vitamin K 9.66 mcg
Thiamin 0.39 mg
Riboflavin 0.52 mg
Niacin 13 mg
Vitamin B6 1.21 mg
Folate 58.96 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.77 mcg
Phosphorus 479.08 mg
Magnesium 96.49 mg
Zinc 3.61 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Cooking Tips: For extra depth of flavour, add a grated apple or honey to the curry. Allow the curry to rest for 30 minutes before serving to develop fuller flavours. Store leftover curry in an airtight container - it often tastes better the next day as the flavours continue to develop.

Perfect Winter Meal Plan

When winter's chill settles in, this warming curry makes an ideal centrepiece for your cold-weather meal planning. You'll love how it fills your home with aromatic spices while simmering on the hob, creating the perfect antidote to frosty days.

To complete your winter meal, serve the curry alongside fluffy steamed rice and quick-pickled vegetables for a balanced combination. Add a simple miso soup if you're craving extra warmth, or include a crisp green salad dressed with sesame vinaigrette for freshness. Don't forget to make extra - this curry's flavours actually improve overnight, making it perfect for lunch the next day.

For busy weeknights, portion the leftovers into freezer containers, and you'll have a comforting dinner ready whenever those winter winds blow.

Conclusion

You'll love how this Japanese curry becomes your go-to freezer meal, delivering incredible flavour with minimal effort. By making a double batch, you're setting yourself up for future success - just thaw, reheat, and dinner's ready. Whether you're cooking for your family or meal prepping for busy days ahead, this curry's rich, comforting taste and make-ahead convenience will keep you coming back for more.

Read it online: https://easyrecipes.pro/recipe/freezer-friendly-japanese-curry-with-chicken/

Nick Jolliffe

Home Cook, Foodie, and Recipe Tinkerer

Nick Jolliffe is a self-proclaimed food enthusiast who loves nothing more than experimenting with new flavours and ingredients at home. With a passion for cooking that borders on obsession, Nick is always on the lookout for inspiration to create delicious, mouth-watering dishes to share with friends and family. When he's not busy scouring cookbooks or browsing food blogs, you can find him whipping up a storm in his kitchen, always eager to try out new recipes and techniques.