Samoan Chicken Curry (An Easy and Delicious Beginner-Friendly Favourite)

A simple Samoan chicken curry made with tender chicken, vegetables, and mild curry spices. A comforting island-style dinner perfect for families and weeknight meals.

RECIPESFAMILY FAVOURITESPACIFIC ISLAND & SAMOAN RECIPESBUDGET-FRIENDLY RECIPESONE-PAN MEALS

12/11/20252 min read

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Serves: 4–6
Best For: Weeknight dinners, to‘ona‘i, family meals

A Simple, Comforting Island Curry Everyone Loves

Samoan Chicken Curry is one of the easiest and most comforting meals you can make. With just chicken, vegetables, and a good curry powder, you get a warm, flavourful dish perfect for feeding the family on busy nights. No complicated spices or fancy techniques — just simple, hearty goodness the way many Samoan homes make it.

This dish carries the familiar flavours of home, togetherness, and everyday cooking. Serve it with rice, taro, or roti for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal that brings comfort to the whole family.

Ingredients for Samoan Chicken Curry

  • Chicken (about 1 kg – thighs, breast, wings, or a mix; whatever you prefer)

  • 1 large onion, sliced

  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2–3 tbsp curry powder (Keen’s Traditional Curry recommended)

  • 3–4 potatoes, peeled & cubed

  • 1 carrot, sliced

  • Salt, to taste

  • Water, as needed

Optional / Shortcuts:

  • A bag of frozen mixed vegetables (carrot, corn, peas) — easy and budget-friendly

  • Pinch of sugar to balance flavour

  • Coconut cream optional for a creamier texture (many families omit this)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics. Heat a little oil in a pot and cook onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.

  2. Add curry powder. Stir in the curry powder and toast lightly for 30 seconds to release flavour.

  3. Add chicken. Add the chicken pieces and stir well to coat in the curry mixture. Cook for a few minutes until lightly browned.

  4. Add vegetables. Add potatoes and carrot (or frozen mixed veggies).

  5. Add water. Pour in enough water to cover the chicken and vegetables.

  6. Season. Add salt to taste.

  7. Simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes, until the potatoes are soft and the chicken is cooked through.

  8. Adjust consistency. Add a little extra water if needed, or simmer uncovered to thicken.

  9. Serve. Enjoy hot with rice, taro, roti, or your favourite sides.

Helpful Tips

  • Keen’s Curry Powder gives an authentic Samoan flavour — mild and family-friendly.

  • Frozen mixed veggies are a great shortcut and work perfectly.

  • Thighs and wings hold the most flavour, but any cut of chicken works.

  • Add a splash of coconut cream if you like it richer — optional but delicious.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Uses simple ingredients you already have at home.

  • Mild flavour that suits both kids and adults.

  • One-pot meal — minimal dishes and easy cleanup.

  • Budget-friendly and perfect for large families.

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