Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

Why make this recipe

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Jamaica right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, a cozy dinner, or when you want to impress your guests. The combination of spices, chicken, and vegetables creates a wonderful meal that is both satisfying and comforting. Plus, it’s fairly easy to prepare, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

How to make Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs chicken, bone-in and skinless (cut into small pieces)
• 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, pierced)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the Jamaican curry powder and cook for about a minute to release its aroma.
4. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are coated in the spice mixture.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the allspice, ginger, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add the potatoes and the pierced Scotch bonnet pepper.
7. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
8. Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
9. Stir in the scallions and thyme just before serving.
10. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving, if desired.
11. Serve hot with rice or bread.

How to serve Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is best served hot. Pair it with fluffy rice or soft bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garnish with extra scallions or thyme for an added touch.

How to store Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

To store any leftovers, let the chicken cool down completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it should last for about 2-3 months. When reheating, make sure it’s heated all the way through.

Tips to make Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

• For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in curry powder, salt, and ginger for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• If you like your curry spicy, leave the Scotch bonnet pepper intact while cooking or add more chili powder to the dish.
• Use fresh spices for the best taste, and try grinding whole spices if possible.

Variation

You can easily customize this dish by adding other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans. For a twist, substitute chicken with goat meat or tofu for a vegetarian version.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken if you prefer, but bone-in chicken provides a richer flavor.

2. What if I can’t find Jamaican curry powder?
You can use any curry powder available, but it may not have the same authentic taste. You can also mix turmeric, coriander, and cumin to create a similar flavor.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
The Scotch bonnet pepper adds heat, but since it’s pierced, the spice level is moderate. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your heat preference.

Jamaican Curry Chicken

A hearty and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Jamaica, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Jamaican

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken, bone-in and skinless (cut into small pieces)
• 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 scallions chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper (pierced) Leave intact for spicier curry.
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method

 

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the Jamaican curry powder and cook for about a minute to release its aroma.
4. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are coated in the spice mixture.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the allspice, ginger, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add the potatoes and the pierced Scotch bonnet pepper.
7. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
8. Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
9. Stir in the scallions and thyme just before serving.
10. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving, if desired.
11. Serve hot with rice or bread.

Notes

For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in curry powder, salt, and ginger for a few hours or overnight before cooking. You can substitute the chicken with goat meat or tofu for a vegetarian version.