Slow Cooker Japanese Chicken Curry

Mild, thick, and flavorful Japanese-style chicken curry with tender chicken and vegetables, made effortlessly in a slow cooker.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 240 min
Total Time: 255 min
Servings: 4
JapaneseEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-FreeHigh-Protein

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 Large yellow onion
  • 2 Medium carrots
  • 2 Medium potatoes (e.g., Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 3 cups Water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 120 g Japanese curry roux blocks (e.g., S&B Golden Curry Mild or Medium Hot)
  • for serving Steamed white rice

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cut the chicken thighs into approximately 1.5-inch (3-4 cm) pieces.

  2. 2.

    Peel the onion and cut it into large, rough chunks.

  3. 3.

    Peel the carrots and cut them into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick rounds or half-moons.

  4. 4.

    Peel the potatoes and cut them into approximately 1.5-inch (3-4 cm) chunks. If desired, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain well.

  5. 5.

    Place the cut chicken, onion, carrots, and potatoes into the slow cooker pot.

  6. 6.

    Pour in the water or chicken broth, ensuring most of the ingredients are submerged. Do not stir at this stage.

  7. 7.

    Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.

  8. 8.

    About 30-45 minutes before serving, open the slow cooker. Break the Japanese curry roux blocks into smaller pieces and add them directly into the hot liquid in the pot.

  9. 9.

    Stir well until the roux blocks are completely melted and dissolved, and the curry sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If it's too thick, you can add a small splash of hot water or broth. If not thick enough, continue to cook on high with the lid off for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  10. 10.

    Taste the curry and adjust seasoning if necessary. Japanese curry is typically well-seasoned from the roux, but a dash of soy sauce or a pinch of sugar can enhance the flavor if desired.

  11. 11.

    Serve the Slow Cooker Japanese Chicken Curry hot over freshly steamed white rice.

Tips

  • 💡For an extra layer of sweetness and depth, add 1/2 grated apple or 1 tablespoon of honey along with the curry roux blocks in step 8.
  • 💡Japanese curry is traditionally served with fukujinzuke (pickled daikon) or rakkyo (pickled shallots) on the side to cut through the richness.
  • 💡Leftover curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully. It often tastes even better the next day!
  • 💡To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with firm tofu (added during the last hour of cooking) or additional hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or kabocha squash.
  • 💡Adjust the spice level by choosing a mild, medium-hot, or hot variety of Japanese curry roux blocks.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Shannon Williams