Celebrate with Chicken n Things - 15% OFF everything storewide for a limited time only!

Hāngī-Style Chicken Curry Recipe: Reinventing a Kiwi Classic with Smoky Flavours

Hāngī-Style Chicken Curry Recipe: Reinventing a Kiwi Classic with Smoky Flavours

Meet the dish that redefines tradition. We took the smoky, slow-cooked magic of a Kiwi hāngī. We paired it with the comforting, aromatic spices of a creamy curry—creating a flavour experience that feels entirely new, yet unmistakably Kiwi. Tender chicken, kumara, potato, and pumpkin come together in a dish that honours heritage while boldly innovating with modern twists. Locally sourced and fresh, it’s a culinary innovation you can taste at home.

With fresh, locally sourced chicken from Chicken n Things, every piece is juicy, succulent, and packed with flavour the moment it hits your pot. This recipe is long, indulgent, and meant to be savoured—both while cooking and eating.

Let’s cook something brilliant.

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

  • 1 kg chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks, bone-in for best flavour, available fresh from Chicken n Things)

  • 2 medium kumara – peeled and cubed. The soul of this dish is naturally sweet.

  • 2 potatoes

  • 2 carrots

  • ¼ pumpkin – peeled and cubed; adds depth and creaminess

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger – grated for subtle warmth

  • 2 tbsp mild curry powder – the innovative twist

  • 1 tsp turmeric

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 400 ml coconut milk

  • 1 cup chicken stock

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper. Essential seasoning, don’t skimp!

  • Fresh coriander or parsley

Cooking Instruction

1. Prepare the base 

  • Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot or casserole over medium heat.

  • Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

  • Cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant, filling the air with anticipation..

2. Build the curry flavour

  • Sprinkle in the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. 

  • Stir briskly as the spices awaken and release a rich, nutty scent.

3. Add the chicken

  • Place the chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless thighs) in the pot and turn to coat evenly with the spices.

  • Cook 3–4 minutes per side until the edges caramelize and juices stay locked in.

4. Prepare the vegetables

  • Cut kumara and potatoes into roughly 2-3 cm chunks. 

  • Slice the carrots thickly and cube the pumpkin. 

  • Toss carefully so every chunk glistens and retains shape while soaking up the sauce.

  • Season with salt and pepper. Let the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the warmth of the spices blend beautifully.

5. Add liquid

  • Pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock. The liquid should just cover the vegetables at the bottom of the pot. 

  • Stir gently until everything is bathed in a creamy, velvety sauce.

6. Slow cook

  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. 

  • Cover the pot and let the curry simmer gently for 45–60 minutes.

  • Stir every 15-20 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. (Oven option: place the covered casserole dish in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 1 hour.)

  • If the curry is too thick, add a little more stock; if too watery, remove the lid for the last 10–15 minutes to thicken.

7. Check doneness

  • For bone-in pieces, pierce the thickest part of the chicken: the juices should run clear.

  • For boneless thighs, the meat should be opaque and tender throughout.

8. Finish & serve

  • Taste and adjust seasoning; finish with fresh coriander or parsley for a herbaceous lift.

  • Serve piping hot with steamed rice or flatbread; each mouthful delivers layers of creamy, spiced, subtly sweet, and smoky flavours that are impossible to resist. 

Serving Tips

This Hāngī-inspired chicken curry reinvents comfort. Flavours deepen overnight, turning leftovers into a ready-made solution for busy weekdays.  Serve it straight from the pot, and taste a traditional dish crackling with spice, smoky sweetness, and creamy richness. For a more casual family gathering, simply dish it out in the centre of the table for everyone to help themselves. It’s authentic, comforting, and effortlessly satisfying.

Why Use Chicken n Things?

Elevate your everyday meals with Chicken n Things. Fresh, locally sourced chicken, cut and packed the very same day, ensures every dish starts with the finest ingredients. Create authentic Kiwi-inspired meals that impress, like this slow-cooked, flavour-packed Hāngī-Style Chicken Curry, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Order now and experience premium, fresh poultry delivered straight to your door—simple, effortless, and unforgettable.

 

Previous Next