Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Malaysian Chicken Curry. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with a blend of fragrant spices and creamy coconut milk, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this curry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to visit a supermarket for a few specific ingredients. Curry powder is essential for the dish's signature flavor, and coconut milk adds a creamy texture. Fresh ginger and garlic are also crucial for the aromatic base. Ensure you have these on hand to create an authentic Malaysian Chicken Curry.

Ingredients For Malaysian Chicken Curry Recipe
Chicken: Cut into pieces, this forms the protein base of the curry.
Curry powder: A blend of spices that gives the curry its distinctive flavor.
Coconut milk: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the curry.
Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics.
Onion: Chopped, it forms the base of the curry's flavor.
Garlic: Minced, it adds depth and aroma.
Ginger: Minced, it provides a fresh and spicy note.
Water: Helps to create the curry sauce.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and seasoning.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your Malaysian chicken curry, consider toasting the curry powder in the oil for a minute or two before adding the onion, garlic, and ginger. This will release the essential oils and deepen the aroma of the spices, giving your dish a richer and more complex taste.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great vegetarian alternative that absorbs flavors well.
curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala provides a similar depth of flavor with a slightly different spice profile.
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used for a lighter, less creamy texture.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor that complements the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter taste compared to onions.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, though it may lack some of the fresh aroma.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger, though it will have a less vibrant flavor.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth and richness to the curry.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the dish.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit more heat and a different flavor profile.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the Malaysian chicken curry to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery curry.
Transfer the cooled curry into airtight containers. For portion control, consider using smaller containers so you can defrost only what you need.
Label the containers with the date of preparation. This ensures you can keep track of how long the curry has been stored.
Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the curry within 3-4 days. The coconut milk in the curry can spoil if left for too long.
For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The chicken curry can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor and texture.
When ready to reheat, thaw the curry in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the quality of the chicken and coconut milk.
Reheat the curry in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through to distribute the heat.
If the curry appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or coconut milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary, as flavors can sometimes mellow during storage.
Serve the reheated Malaysian chicken curry hot, ideally with freshly cooked rice or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Reheat Leftovers
For stovetop reheating:
- Place the leftover Malaysian chicken curry in a saucepan.
- Add a splash of water or coconut milk to maintain its creamy texture.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook until the curry is heated through, approximately 10-15 minutes.
For microwave reheating:
- Transfer the Malaysian chicken curry to a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir the curry and continue heating in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly warmed.
For oven reheating:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Malaysian chicken curry in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the curry is heated through.
For slow cooker reheating:
- Transfer the Malaysian chicken curry to your slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat.
- Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the curry is hot and ready to serve.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: A deep and spacious pot to accommodate all the ingredients and allow for even cooking.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the curry powder and vegetable oil.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the coconut milk and water precisely.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic and ginger.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for safely chopping and mincing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Useful for holding the chicken pieces before adding them to the pot.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.
Grater: Useful for mincing the ginger if you prefer not to use a knife.
Serving spoon: Perfect for serving the curry once it's ready.
Rice cooker: Convenient for cooking rice to serve with the curry.
Ladle: Ideal for scooping and serving the curry.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the onion, garlic, and ginger ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.
Use pre-cut chicken: Buy chicken that's already cut into pieces to save on prep time.
Measure spices beforehand: Measure out the curry powder, salt, and pepper before you start cooking.
Utilize a food processor: Mince the garlic and ginger quickly using a food processor.
Cook in batches: If your pot is small, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.
Use a rice cooker: Prepare your rice in a rice cooker while you cook the curry to save time.

Malaysian Chicken Curry
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoon Curry Powder
- 1 cup Coconut Milk
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 inch Ginger minced
- 2 cups Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add curry powder and stir well.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink.
- Pour in coconut milk and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with rice.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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