Description
This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe offers a rich and flavorful Caribbean dish featuring tender marinated chicken simmered in a spicy, aromatic curry sauce made with traditional Jamaican seasonings, Scotch bonnet peppers, and coconut milk. Perfectly balanced with hearty potatoes and vibrant vegetables, this dish is a delicious journey into bold island flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
CHICKEN:
- 3-4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (Drumsticks + Thigh pieces)
- 1-2 Tbsps browning, optional
- 2-3 Tbsps Jamaican Green Seasoning (or all-purpose seasoning)
- 2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder
- 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend (or homemade blend: 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
SPICY JAMAICAN CURRY SAUCE:
- 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 ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 1-3 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped (scallions)
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 cup organic low-sodium chicken stock (or chicken bone broth)
- 2 ½ Tbsps Jamaican curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican pepper sauce (or preferred hot sauce)
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cleaned chicken pieces with browning (if using), Jamaican Green Seasoning, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and Jamaican curry powder. Thoroughly coat each piece with the marinade. Transfer the coated chicken to a sealed ziplock bag and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, preferably overnight. Before cooking, allow the chicken to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- 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 nicely browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Burn the Curry Powder: In the same skillet or pot, add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add 2 ½ tablespoons of Jamaican curry powder and stir continuously, letting it cook until the powder darkens and becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This method enhances flavor and avoids digestive discomfort.
- Prepare the Curry Sauce: Add minced garlic, ginger, Scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté the ingredients until fragrant and slightly golden. Stir in the ground allspice, sea salt, and black pepper until combined.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in coconut milk, chicken stock, and Jamaican pepper sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil for about a minute. Then add the browned chicken pieces, cubed potatoes, crushed scallions, and thyme sprigs. Stir everything to incorporate.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low and let the curry simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through and tender. The sauce should be thick but still have enough gravy consistency to accompany side dishes.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the curry chicken hot with your favorite sides like rice or steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped scallions or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your authentic Jamaican delicacy!
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on stovetop or microwave, adding ½ cup chicken stock to loosen sauce if necessary.
- Turmeric: Optional addition of 1 teaspoon turmeric in the curry sauce boosts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
- Jamaican Seasonings: Authentic seasonings like browning, Green Seasoning, and curry powder are available online; substitute with preferred brands if unavailable.
- Burning Curry Powder: This important step adds deep color and better flavor while reducing digestive discomfort caused by raw curry powder.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
- Homemade All-Purpose Blend: Combine equal parts sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried parsley for a versatile seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
