Flavorful Chinese Curry Chicken Recipe: Simple & Tasty

Sizzling aromas waft through the kitchen as this easy Chinese curry chicken recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly in a rich, golden sauce that captures authentic Asian flavors.

Fragrant spices dance together, creating a harmonious blend that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this simple yet delicious dish with just a few key ingredients.

The creamy curry sauce coats each morsel of chicken, delivering a comforting warmth that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners just got more exciting with this quick and flavorful recipe that brings restaurant-quality taste directly to your plate.

You’ll love how effortlessly this dish comes together, making it a go-to meal for busy evenings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Chinese Curry Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs marinade beautifully, choose fresh boneless chicken thighs or breasts for best texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and helps tenderize the chicken, use sea salt or kosher salt for deeper taste.
• Dry Sherry: Adds subtle depth and helps tenderize, select a quality cooking sherry from wine section.
• Cornstarch: Creates silky coating that locks in moisture and helps thicken sauce, use fresh, fine-ground variety.

• Onions: Provides sweet base flavor, select yellow or white onions for classic curry profile.
• Ginger: Adds zesty warmth and traditional Asian flavor, choose fresh root with smooth, firm skin.
• Bell Pepper: Brings color and crisp texture, mix red and green for visual appeal.
• Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, select firm, bright orange carrots.

• Curry Powder: Core flavor foundation, choose high-quality blend for authentic taste.
• Turmeric: Provides golden color and earthy undertones, select bright yellow powder.
• Chili Flakes: Optional heat enhancer, adjust according to spice preference.
• Chicken Broth: Creates silky sauce base, use low-sodium for better control.
• Sugar: Balances spices and adds subtle sweetness, use white or brown sugar.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds umami depth, select traditional Chinese-style sauce.
• Cooking Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking, use neutral oil like vegetable or canola.

Tools for Chinese Curry Chicken

• Large skillet: Essential for stir-frying vegetables and cooking chicken with perfect heat control.
• Medium-sized bowl: Ideal for marinating chicken and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Spatula: Crucial for separating chicken pieces and stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, ginger, bell pepper, and carrots safely.
• Sharp knife: Critical for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurate spice and seasoning measurements.

Instructions for Chinese Curry Chicken

• Chicken Preparation

Blend chicken with seasoning in a bowl, ensuring even coating. Let it rest and absorb flavors.

• Vegetable Foundation

Warm oil in large skillet. Toss onions until they become translucent and fragrant.

• Spice Symphony

Introduce ginger, bell pepper, carrot, and aromatic spices. Stir until vegetables soften and release their delightful essence.

• Liquid Magic

Stream chicken broth into skillet. Incorporate sugar and savory sauces, bringing mixture to gentle bubbling.

• Chicken Dance

Lower heat, slide marinated chicken into simmering sauce. Gently separate pieces, allowing each to cook evenly. Watch as sauce thickens and chicken becomes perfectly tender.

• Plating Moment

Transfer golden curry chicken onto fresh plate. Nestle alongside steamed rice, creating a colorful and inviting meal ready to delight taste buds.

Chinese Curry Chicken Tips & Add-Ons

• Cut chicken into uniform, thin pieces to ensure even cooking and quick marination. Thinner slices absorb flavors faster and cook more quickly.
• Adjust curry powder and chili flakes to match your heat preference. Start with less spice and gradually increase for personalized flavor intensity.
• Swap or add vegetables like zucchini, snow peas, or mushrooms to create different texture and nutritional profiles. Chop veggies into similar sizes for consistent cooking.
• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a versatile curry experience. Each protein brings unique taste and cooking requirements, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
• If dry sherry isn't available, substitute with rice wine, white wine, or apple cider vinegar to maintain the marinade's tenderizing and flavor-enhancing properties.

Serve Up Chinese Curry Chicken Boldly

• Rice Pairing Paradise: Fluffy jasmine or fragrant basmati rice create the perfect foundation for soaking up the rich, spicy curry sauce, elevating every single bite with delightful texture and flavor.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or toasted sesame seeds on top to add a burst of color, freshness, and subtle crunch that complements the tender chicken.
• Comfort Companion Sides: Serve alongside crisp cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or warm naan bread to balance the curry's warmth and provide a cooling contrast that makes the meal feel complete and satisfying.
• Spice Level Customization: Keep some extra chili flakes or sriracha sauce on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat intensity according to their personal spice tolerance and preference.

How to Store Chinese Curry Chicken Right

• Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up extra curry chicken and divide into individual portions for quick weeknight meals during busy schedules. Perfect for lunch prep or last-minute dinner solutions.
• Refrigerator Champion: Store leftover curry chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Stays fresh and delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the curry completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Maintains excellent flavor and texture for up to 2 months when properly sealed and frozen.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed curry chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's original vibrant flavors.

Saucy Chinese Curry Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Savory simmering curry chicken brings comfort from Chinese kitchens with aromatic spices and tender meat. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to explore this delightful culinary journey through traditional regional cooking.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz / 340 g chicken breast, thinly sliced against the grain into ¼-inch (5 mm) thick pieces
• ½ large white onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice level)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½-inch piece (1 cm) ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp dry sherry
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsps peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinade: Blend chicken with salt, dry sherry, and cornstarch, allowing ingredients to intermingle and tenderize for enhanced flavor profile.
2. Sauté Base: Heat skillet on medium-high, introduce oil, then quickly caramelize onions until translucent and slightly golden, creating aromatic foundation.
3. Spice Integration: Fold in ginger, bell pepper, carrot, and spice constellation – curry powder, turmeric, and optional chili flakes – releasing their vibrant essences and developing complex undertones.
4. Liquid Composition: Pour chicken broth, incorporate sugar, salt, and oyster sauce, whisking smoothly to construct a harmonious, rich sauce.
5. Protein Cooking: Lower heat to gentle simmer, distribute marinated chicken pieces across pan, ensuring uniform cooking and gradual sauce thickening.
6. Finalization: Monitor chicken’s transformation, achieving succulent tenderness and complete flavor absorption, creating a cohesive, aromatic curry experience.
7. Presentation: Cascade curry chicken over steamed rice, crafting a visually enticing and deeply satisfying culinary masterpiece that celebrates Chinese-inspired gastronomy.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken rest in seasoning mixture for 15-20 minutes to enhance depth and tenderness.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without burning ingredients.
• Spice Awakening Technique: Toast curry powder and spices briefly to release maximum aromatic compounds and intensify flavor profile.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Simmer gently and stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure smooth, rich sauce texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg