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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 67 reviews

This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe brings the rich and bold flavors of Jamaica right to your kitchen. Packed with tender chicken pieces marinated in Jamaican curry powder and green seasoning, then simmered in a fragrant, spicy coconut curry sauce with potatoes, carrots, and bold spices. Perfectly balanced with heat from scotch bonnet peppers and depth from fresh thyme and allspice, this dish is a hearty, comforting Caribbean classic that’s easy to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Chicken:

  • 3-4 lbs organic chicken, skin removed (drumsticks and thigh pieces recommended)
  • 1-2 tablespoons browning (optional)
  • 2-3 tablespoons Jamaican Green Seasoning (or substitute with all-purpose seasoning)
  • 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend (store-bought or homemade blend)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Spicy Jamaican Curry Sauce:

  • 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 and chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1-3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust for spice level; habaneros 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 ½ tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon Jamaican pepper sauce (or preferred hot sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Remove the skin from the chicken pieces (preferably drumsticks and thighs). In a large bowl, combine the chicken with 1-2 tablespoons browning (if using), 2-3 tablespoons Jamaican Green Seasoning, 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder, 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Heat the Oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. This will be the base for your curry sauce.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot oil and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Browning helps develop flavor and seals in the juices.
  4. Add Aromatics and Veggies: To the pot, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger, 1-3 scotch bonnet peppers, 2 green onions, and 2 fresh thyme sprigs. Stir and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add Spices and Sugar: Mix in 2 ½ tablespoons Jamaican curry powder, 1 tablespoon Jamaican pepper sauce, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, and 2 tablespoons organic brown sugar to the pot. Stir well to coat the chicken and aromatics evenly with the spices.
  6. Add Vegetables and Liquids: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes, chopped carrots, chopped bell pepper, the can of full-fat coconut milk, and 1 cup organic low-sodium chicken stock. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  7. Simmer the Curry: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the curry simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender, and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend flavors.
  8. Season to Taste: Towards the end of cooking, taste the curry and adjust seasoning with sea salt and black pepper as needed. Remove the thyme sprigs before serving.
  9. Serve: Serve the Jamaican Curry Chicken hot, ideally with steamed rice, roti, or your favorite Caribbean side dishes to complete the meal.

Notes

  • Browning: Using browning sauce adds a rich color and depth to the curry but is optional. If unavailable, you can skip it without affecting the flavor too much.
  • Jamaican Green Seasoning: This is a blend of herbs commonly used in Caribbean cooking for authentic flavor. Can be substituted with all-purpose seasoning if needed.
  • On Everything All-Purpose Blend: This seasoning is optional but recommended for a more authentic taste; you can make your own blend combining garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and other spices.
  • Scotch Bonnet Peppers: These are very hot peppers traditional to Jamaican cuisine. Adjust the quantity based on your heat tolerance.
  • Storage: Leftover curry can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to preserve flavors and texture.
  • For a milder curry, remove scotch bonnet seeds or use fewer peppers.

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