Mary'S Chicken Curry
A flavorful chicken curry with smoky bacon, aromatic spices, and a creamy sauce, perfect for comforting meals and loved by those who enjoy rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crispy.
- Drain grease, reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings.
- Crumble bacon and set aside.
- Cook celery, onion, and garlic in the bacon drippings, blending in flour.
- Stir in milk, water, applesauce, tomato paste, crushed bouillon, and curry powder.
- Add the cooked bacon and cubed chicken to the sauce and simmer until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve over rice, such as Near East Rice pilaf.
- Offer small bowls of condiments like shredded coconut, cashew pieces, peanuts, mango chutney, dried fruits, diced peppers, and almond slivers to sprinkle on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding some ginger to the sautéed vegetables. You can substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu for variation. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more flour or let it simmer longer. If you like it spicier, try adding some cayenne pepper or using a spicier curry powder. This dish is a great way to explore Indian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken curry over rice, such as Near East Rice pilaf, for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with naan bread and a side salad. For added texture and flavor, offer small bowls of condiments like shredded coconut, cashew pieces, and mango chutney to sprinkle on top. This makes for a delightful presentation and variety, reminiscent of Chicken Curry With Almond-Raisin Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Chicken Curry contains roughly 313 calories, with 14g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 601mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken curry in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the curry a day ahead. Allow it to cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you don't have applesauce on hand, you can substitute it with mashed banana or pureed pumpkin for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, just omit it if you prefer a more traditional curry flavor, but applesauce adds a nice sweetness that balances the spices.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chicken curry freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).