Filipino Chicken Curry: Mild, Sweet and Creamy
Filipino chicken curry is milder and sweeter than its Indian cousins, built on curry powder, coconut milk and a handful of potatoes and bell peppers. It is a family-friendly dish that pairs well with plain rice.
About Filipino Chicken Curry
Filipino chicken curry is milder and sweeter than Indian or Thai curries. It combines curry powder, coconut milk, potatoes, carrots and bell peppers into a thick, golden sauce. It is a popular family dish that is easy to make and gentle enough for children.
Filipino chicken curry is a home-style dish that borrows the idea of curry but adapts it to local tastes and ingredients: a little curry powder, coconut milk, potatoes and carrots, and often bell peppers. It is mild, slightly sweet and creamy, and it is a family favorite that is easy to prepare in one pot.
Ingredient notes
- Curry powder: use a mild, yellow curry powder. Toast it briefly in the oil to bring out its aroma.
- Coconut milk: gives the sauce richness and a faint sweetness. Shake the can before opening.
- Potatoes and carrots: thicken the sauce slightly and make the dish more filling.
- Fish sauce: adds savory depth in place of extra salt.
Tips for the best Filipino Chicken Curry
- Cook the curry powder in oil for a minute to bring out its aroma before adding liquid.
- Add the coconut milk in two stages for a richer sauce.
- Simmer gently; a hard boil can make the coconut milk split.
- Add the bell pepper near the end so it keeps a little crunch.
What to serve with Filipino Chicken Curry
Serve with steamed rice and a side of pickled papaya (atchara) to cut the richness.
Variations and substitutions
- Spicier: add sliced chilies or a pinch of cayenne.
- More vegetables: add green beans or squash.
- Without coconut: use evaporated milk for a lighter sauce.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Curry flavors deepen overnight, and the potatoes absorb sauce, so loosen it with a little water when reheating.
Frequently asked questions
Is Filipino chicken curry spicy?
Usually not. It is mild and slightly sweet. Add chilies if you want heat.
What cut of chicken works best?
Bone-in thighs and drumsticks stay juicy in the sauce.
Can I make the curry thicker?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes, or mash a few pieces of potato into the sauce.
What can I serve with Filipino chicken curry?
Steamed rice is classic. Atchara (pickled papaya) or a simple cucumber salad adds freshness.
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