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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/authentic-jamaican-curry-chicken-recipe/