Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is a flavorful, aromatic dish brimming with rich spices and tender chicken. This recipe blends traditional Caribbean ingredients to create a comforting and vibrant meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (drumsticks and thigh pieces recommended)
• 1-2 tablespoons browning, optional
• 2-3 tablespoons Jamaican Green Seasoning
• 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
• 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons organic brown sugar
• 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper, cored, removed, and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger (or substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1-3 scotch bonnet peppers, adjusted to taste (can substitute habanero peppers)
• 2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped
• 2 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 cup organic chicken stock, low-sodium (or chicken bone broth)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
• 1 tablespoon Jamaican pepper sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cleaned chicken with browning (if using), Jamaican Green Seasoning, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and 2 tablespoons curry powder. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated. Transfer the chicken to a securely sealed ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight. Before cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it becomes wet and partially dissolves. Add the marinated chicken and sear on each side for 3-4 minutes, until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add 2 1/2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the powder darkens and becomes fragrant. This “burning” step is crucial for authentic flavor.
4. Step 4: Add minced garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and golden, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in ground allspice, sea salt, and black pepper until combined. Pour in the coconut milk, chicken stock, and Jamaican pepper sauce, stirring well. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.
6. Step 6: Return the browned chicken to the skillet along with cubed potatoes, additional chopped green onions, and fresh thyme sprigs. Stir to incorporate all ingredients. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the chicken is tender, stirring occasionally.
7. Step 7: Once cooked, remove from heat. Serve the curry chicken hot with your favorite sides such as rice or steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
• If you don’t have Jamaican Green Seasoning, substitute with a mixture of scallions, garlic, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers blended together.
• Adjust the number of Scotch bonnet peppers based on your preferred spice level, or use milder peppers for less heat.
• The browning step is optional but adds a rich color and depth to the chicken.
• For a thicker sauce, simmer the curry uncovered until your desired consistency is achieved.

Storage

Store leftover Jamaican Curry Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent drying out, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole cut-up chicken. Bone-in pieces add extra flavor to the sauce during cooking.

What can I serve with Jamaican Curry Chicken?

This curry pairs excellently with steamed white rice, coconut rice, fried plantains, or sautéed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 72 reviews

This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe brings the rich flavors of Jamaica to your table with tender, marinated chicken simmered in a fragrant curry sauce made from burnt Jamaican curry powder, fresh vegetables, and creamy coconut milk. Perfectly spiced and hearty, it offers a delicious taste of Caribbean cuisine that pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 3 hours to overnight marinating)
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes to overnight (including marinating)
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Jamaican
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 3–4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (drumsticks and thigh pieces work great)
• 1–2 Tbsps browning (optional)
• 2–3 Tbsps Jamaican Green Seasoning
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder

Curry Sauce and Vegetables

• 4 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 2 Tbsps organic brown sugar
• 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper, cored, removed, and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsps minced fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
• 1–3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste, habanero can be used)
• 2 green onions (scallions), lightly crushed or chopped
• 2 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 cup organic low-sodium chicken stock or chicken bone broth
• 2 1/2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder
• 1 Tbsp Jamaican pepper sauce
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cleaned and rinsed chicken with browning (if using), Jamaican Green Seasoning, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and 2 tablespoons of Jamaican curry powder. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is fully coated. Place the chicken in a ziplock bag, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. Remove the chicken from the fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and becomes wet in texture. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until well browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
3. Burn the Curry Powder: In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add 2 1/2 tablespoons of Jamaican curry powder and stir it into the oil. Let it cook, without stirring too much, until the powder darkens to a rich brown color and becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for developing authentic flavors.
4. Make the Curry Sauce: Add minced garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the browned curry powder. Sauté until the vegetables are golden and fragrant. Stir in allspice, salt, and black pepper to combine well.
5. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the coconut milk, chicken stock, and Jamaican pepper sauce, mixing everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil for about a minute. Then add the seared chicken, cubed potatoes, additional crushed scallions, and thyme sprigs. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve the curry chicken hot with your choice of side such as rice or vegetables. Garnish with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken!

Notes

• Using browning is optional but helps enhance the rich brown color of the chicken.
• Burning the curry powder is important to release its deep, fragrant flavors and replicate authentic Jamaican curry.
• Adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers according to your heat preference; use gloves when handling peppers to avoid skin irritation.
• Marinating the chicken overnight yields the best flavor absorption.
• Serve with steamed rice or plantains to complete the meal.

Keywords: Jamaican curry chicken, Caribbean recipe, authentic curry chicken, spicy chicken stew, coconut curry chicken