In Malaysia, curry is a staple dish for lazy people like me cause well … it goes all the way with a plain bowl of egg noodles, steamed rice or toasted white bread :) And if you have extras, save it for breakfast, lunch and dinner the next day.
This dish reminds me of my mom, who makes the best curry chicken. Every year when I go back to Malaysia, I would always request my mom to make this dish. By making the curry paste from scratch, you get to taste the spices that goes into the curry and to have that fragrant aroma fill up the kitchen.
And it does not just smell good – it tastes better than any curries that I’ve ever tasted! Better get enough bread and steamed rice to soak up all that sauce because if not, I’m telling you, “You will regret.” ;-)
This recipe is adapted from Patsie Cheong’s Mixed Rice Stall.
PrintChinese-style Chicken Curry
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A delightful and comforting dish to make and share with your whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 pounds) chicken drumsticks, cut into small chunks
- 500 g (18 ounces or 1 pound 2 ounces) yellow potatoes, washed, peeled and cut into wedges
- 150 g (5.3 ounces) coconut milk
- pinch of salt
- 150 g (5.3 ounces) red shallots
- 80 g (2.8 ounces) garlic
- 2 pieces candlenut
- 1/2 cup water
Curry paste
- 3 tbsp curry powder
- 2 tbsp chilli paste
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tbsp coriander powder
- 3 lemongrass, sectioned
- 5 stalks fresh curry leaves
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Blend or pound together shallots, garlic and candlenut until you get a paste-like consistency. Heat up a 1/2 cup of peanut oil in a wok and add the blended ingredients with curry paste ingredients. Stir fry until fragrant.
- Add chicken chunks and cut potatoes into the wok. With a wok spatula, mix them well and ensure they are coated with curry paste. Pour in the other 1/2 cup water or just enough to cover all the ingredients in the wok.
- Cover with wok lid and bring to boil. Taste and adjust seasoning with sugar or salt. Reduce to medium and simmer for about 40 mins or till cooked.
- Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt to taste. Stir to mix the coconut milk well into the curry. Cook for another 3-5 mins. Serve.
Notes
All ingredients can be found at Asian Grocery Stores
- Category: Main Courses
- Cuisine: Chinese
Frequently Asked Questions
What spices should I include in the homemade curry paste?
For the homemade curry paste, be sure to include spices like turmeric, coriander, and cumin to capture the authentic flavor.
Can I use other types of protein instead of chicken for this curry?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or even tofu, but adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
What is the best way to serve this Chinese-style Chicken Curry?
This curry pairs well with steamed rice, egg noodles, or toasted white bread to soak up the sauce.




Hello Josephine,
The recipe looks great. Could you tell us more about the curry powder and the chilli paste? It would be useful to know which brand you purchase at the Asian grocery stores.
Thank you!