Creamy chicken curry served over a bed of perfectly steamed rice, finished with a mix of crunchy, salty, and sweet toppings for a truly flavorful meal. This is a longtime favorite at our house—easy to customize and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
When I was a child, birthday dinners were a big deal and we always got to pick the meal. This creamy chicken curry was often my choice. It’s the sort of dish everyone loves because each bowl can be personalized with an array of toppings—salty, sweet, crunchy, and creamy. You may know a similar dish called Hawaiian Haystacks; around here we simply call it Chicken Curry. It’s comforting, adaptable, and always a hit.
The best part of this meal is the toppings. Toppings add texture and contrast—crunch from chips or nuts, creaminess from chopped eggs, and a touch of sweetness from toasted coconut. Mix and match to make each serving exactly how you like it.
Chicken Curry with All the Toppings
This creamy chicken curry is an easy, family-friendly meal that’s great for weeknights or gatherings. Serve it over steamed rice and offer a selection of toppings so everyone can build their own bowl.
Ingredients
-
2
chicken breasts
cooked and shredded -
1/2
onion
diced fine -
1
clove
garlic
minced -
3
tablespoons
butter -
1/2
cup
flour -
2
cups
chicken broth
(Better than Bouillon recommended) -
2
cups
milk -
1
tsp.
curry powder -
salt and pepper
to taste -
2
cups
white rice
steamed
TOPPINGS
-
4
hard boiled eggs
chopped -
1
cup
bacon bits with potato chips
crushed -
1
cup
roasted salted peanuts
crushed -
1/2
package
sweetened coconut flakes
toasted -
1/2
cup
sweet pickle relish
Instructions
-
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the 1/2 cup of flour to form a smooth paste, cooking briefly to remove the raw flour taste.
-
Remove the pan from the heat and slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
-
Return the pan to medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes silky.
-
Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the sauce and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes so the flavors meld together.
-
Stir in the curry powder, tasting and adding more if you prefer a stronger curry flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve the chicken curry over steamed white rice and offer an assortment of toppings so everyone can customize their bowl. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
This recipe is very flexible. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a shortcut—shred it and use it cold or warm. Jarred minced garlic and concentrated bouillon (such as “Better than Bouillon”) are convenient options that save time without sacrificing flavor. Toast the coconut and lightly crush nuts or chips just before serving to keep them crisp.
For serving and leftovers: refrigerate any unused curry in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Offer rice and toppings separately so bowls stay fresh and toppings maintain their texture.
Making this recipe? Tag us on Instagram using the hashtag #NoBiggieRecipes so we can see your creations!
Favorite Chicken Curry Toppings:
* Chopped hard boiled eggs
* Crushed bacon crumbles with crushed potato chips
* Crushed salted peanuts
* Toasted sweetened coconut flakes
* Sweet pickle relish
Hawaiian Haystacks are very similar in concept—both are built bowls loaded with toppings. If you want to broaden the topping bar, consider these popular Hawaiian Haystack additions:
Favorite Hawaiian Haystack Toppings:
* Chow mein noodles
* Diced tomatoes
* Sliced olives
* Chopped celery
* Diced green onions
* Red or green bell peppers, thinly sliced
* Pineapple chunks or mandarin oranges
* Toasted coconut flakes
* Grated cheese
* Slivered almonds or chopped cashews
This dish is easy to scale up for a crowd and encourages everyone to personalize their plate, which is why it’s remained a family favorite for years. I hope you give it a try and enjoy building your own bowl full of flavor and texture.
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