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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 10 reviews

This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe offers a rich, flavorful dish that features tender, marinated chicken simmered in a spicy and aromatic curry sauce made with traditional Jamaican ingredients like Scotch bonnet peppers, fresh thyme, and allspice. Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of brown sugar and the creaminess of coconut milk, this dish captures the essence of Jamaican cuisine and is ideal for serving with rice or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 3–4 lbs organic chicken, skin removed (drumsticks + thigh pieces recommended)
  • 1–2 tablespoons browning (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons Jamaican Green Seasoning (or all-purpose seasoning)
  • 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend (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 spiciness, can substitute habaneros)
  • 2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped (scallions)
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 cup organic chicken stock, low-sodium (or bone broth)
  • 2½ tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon Jamaican pepper sauce (or favorite hot sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cleaned chicken with browning, Jamaican Green Seasoning, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and curry powder. Mix until all pieces are fully coated. Transfer the chicken to a sealable ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. Before cooking, allow the chicken to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and becomes moist. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until well browned. Remove chicken from the heat and set aside on a plate. This browning step develops a deep color and enhances flavor, making the use of browning sauce optional.
  3. Burn the Curry Powder: In the same skillet or pot, add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the Jamaican curry powder and stir continuously, allowing it to cook until it turns a dark brown and becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This process intensifies the curry flavor.
  4. Make the Curry Sauce: Add the minced garlic, ginger, Scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, carrots, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables are fragrant and slightly golden. Stir in the ground allspice, sea salt, and black pepper. Pour in the coconut milk, chicken stock, and Jamaican pepper sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer the Chicken: Add the browned chicken back into the skillet along with the cubed potatoes, crushed scallions, and thyme sprigs. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove from heat once done.
  6. Serve: Dish out the curry chicken with your choice of sides such as steamed rice or vegetables. Garnish with chopped scallions or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your authentic Jamaican curry chicken!

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before cooking.
  • The browning step creates a beautiful color and rich flavor, making the use of browning sauce optional.
  • Be cautious with Scotch bonnet peppers as they are very spicy; adjust quantity to suit your heat tolerance or substitute with habanero peppers.
  • “Burning” the curry powder amplifies its aroma and depth of flavor – do not skip this step when using authentic Jamaican curry powder.
  • You may add 1 teaspoon turmeric to the curry sauce for added health benefits and color if desired.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in microwave or stovetop, adding chicken stock to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • If authentic Jamaican seasonings are not accessible, substitute with your preferred brands or purchase them online.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jamaican curry chicken, authentic Jamaican recipe, Caribbean chicken curry, spicy curry chicken, traditional Jamaican dish

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