If you’re craving a dish that transports you straight to the sunny shores of the Caribbean, this Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe will do just that. Bursting with rich, vibrant flavors from aromatic spices, tender chicken, and creamy coconut milk, every bite is a celebration of tradition and soul-satisfying comfort. It’s a perfect mix of bold seasoning and heartwarming goodness that’s truly iconic and a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each ingredient packs a punch that builds layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the earthy warmth of Jamaican curry powder to the subtle sweetness of brown sugar, every component plays a vital role in creating this classic dish.
- 3-4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed: Drumsticks and thighs are ideal for juicy, flavorful meat that soaks up the spices beautifully.
- 1-2 Tbsps browning (optional): Adds a gorgeous color and deep caramel notes, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal and flavor.
- 2-3 Tbsps Jamaican Green Seasoning: This homemade blend brings freshness and a hint of herbal brightness to the marinade.
- 2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder: The backbone of the dish’s signature warmth and spicy complexity.
- 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend: A flavorful seasoning mix that amps up the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Essential to balance and bring out all the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky richness to the curry’s depth.
- 4 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing ingredients to perfection.
- 2 Tbsps organic brown sugar: Provides a slight sweetness that balances the heat and enhances caramelization.
- 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk: Creates a luscious, creamy sauce that softens the spices and gives the curry its silky texture.
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Hearty and filling, they absorb the curry sauce beautifully.
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and a burst of color.
- 1 medium bell pepper, cored and chopped: Brings freshness and a mild crunch to the dish.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: A fragrant punch that builds savory depth.
- 2 tsps minced fresh ginger: Adds brightness and a little zing to complement the curry spices.
- 1-3 scotch bonnet peppers: For authentic heat and that unmistakable Caribbean kick.
- 2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped: Imparts a subtle onion flavor throughout the curry.
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs: Earthy and aromatic, thyme ties the dish together traditionally.
- 1 cup organic chicken stock, low-sodium: Helps build a rich sauce and ensures the chicken stays tender.
- 2 ½ Tbsps Jamaican curry powder: Added again during cooking for a deeply spiced sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican pepper sauce: Introduces an extra layer of heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice: A classic Caribbean spice that provides warm, sweet undertones.
- Sea salt + black pepper, to taste: Final seasoning to perfect the dish.
How to Make Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken pieces with browning (if using), Jamaican Green Seasoning, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and the first batch of Jamaican curry powder in a large bowl. This magical marinade infuses the chicken with those vibrant Jamaican flavors and tenderizes the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or even better, overnight, to let the spices soak in deeply.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil with brown sugar in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Carefully sear the marinated chicken until it gets a beautiful golden-brown crust, locking in the juicy flavors. This caramelization step is crucial for building a rich, complex foundation for the curry sauce. Once seared, set the chicken aside—getting excited yet?
Step 3: Burn the Curry Powder
In the same pan, heat a bit more olive oil and add the remaining Jamaican curry powder. “Burning” or cooking the curry powder briefly until it releases its fragrant aroma unlocks the essential oils and intensifies the flavor. This step is a secret that really brings the dish a robust, earthy character.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Next, toss in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, and chopped vegetables (potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper). Sauté them together until fragrant and slightly softened, soaking up the toasted curry essence. Then, pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock, add thyme sprigs, Jamaican pepper sauce, allspice, more curry powder, and adjust salt and pepper. Nestle the seared chicken into this rich sauce and let the whole pot simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender, about 25-30 minutes. The aromas filling your kitchen by now will have you counting down the minutes!
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Once the curry is thickened and fragrant, remove the thyme sprigs and give a final taste to season if needed. Your Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed piping hot, bursting with layers of taste and warmth.
How to Serve Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add fresh contrasts, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, a squeeze of lime juice, or even some crisp scallion curls. These bright touches complement the rich curry and add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This curry pairs beautifully with traditional sides like steamed white rice or fluffy coconut rice, which soak up the delicious sauce. Try also fried plantains for a touch of sweetness or simple steamed vegetables to balance the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the curry in mini bread bowls or with warm roti wraps to scoop up every last bit. You can also create a vibrant platter with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh mango salsa for cool contrast. The possibilities to impress your guests or family are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more after resting, making it ideal for next-day meals.
Freezing
This curry freezes excellently. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much. Warm, comforting, and ready to brighten your day again!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of drumsticks and thighs?
While chicken breasts can work, drumsticks and thighs are preferred for their juiciness and ability to hold up well during the longer cooking time without drying out.
Is the scotch bonnet pepper very spicy?
Yes, the scotch bonnet is quite hot. You can adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance or remove the seeds to lessen the intensity without losing flavor.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Jamaican Green Seasoning?
Jamaican Green Seasoning is typically a blend of herbs like scallions, thyme, and peppers. You can make a simple mix of finely chopped scallions, fresh thyme, garlic, and Scotch bonnet or jalapeño for a good substitute.
Can this dish be made vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like cauliflower or chickpeas and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegan version.
Why is browning optional in this recipe?
Browning adds color and depth of flavor but is not essential. If you prefer a lighter curry, you can skip it, though the dish will have a slightly different, milder taste and appearance.
Final Thoughts
This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe is truly a treasure to keep in your cooking arsenal. It strikes the perfect balance of fiery, sweet, and savory notes that delight the senses and bring a slice of Jamaican sunshine to your table. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your go-to comfort meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So grab those ingredients and cook up a pot—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Description
This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe brings the vibrant, bold flavors of Jamaica straight to your kitchen. Featuring tender chicken marinated in a blend of Jamaican green seasoning and curry powder, then seared and simmered with aromatic spices, coconut milk, and fresh vegetables, this dish is a comforting and flavorful stew perfect for a hearty meal. Serve it hot with rice or your favorite sides for an unforgettable Caribbean experience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3–4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (Drumsticks + Thigh pieces work great!)
- 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
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Cooking Base and Vegetables
- 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
- 1–3 scotch bonnet peppers
- 2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 cup organic chicken stock, low-sodium
- 2 ½ tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican pepper sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the 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, cover, and refrigerate to marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar to the oil and cook until it melts slightly and begins to caramelize. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear them until they turn golden brown on all sides. Once browned, remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Burn the Curry Powder: In the same pan, add the remaining 2 ½ tablespoons of Jamaican curry powder to the olive oil residue and cook it briefly, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly toasted. This enhances the curry’s flavor and aroma.
- Sauté Vegetables and Build the Stew: Add minced garlic, fresh ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, chopped bell pepper, green onions, carrots, and potatoes to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the ground allspice, Jamaican pepper sauce, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and low-sodium chicken stock. Return the browned chicken and fresh thyme sprigs to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove thyme sprigs before serving. Serve the Jamaican Curry Chicken hot, paired with your favorite sides such as steamed rice, fried plantains, or boiled dumplings. Enjoy the rich, spicy, and comforting flavors of this classic Caribbean dish.
Notes
- For a milder curry, reduce the number of scotch bonnet peppers or remove the seeds before adding.
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
- Browning is optional but adds a deeper color and flavor to the chicken.
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
- Feel free to add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips for variation.
