This authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean right to your kitchen.
Rich, aromatic spices blend perfectly with tender chicken pieces, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exotic.
The secret lies in the perfect balance of curry powder, scotch bonnet peppers, and traditional island seasonings that make this recipe truly special.
Every bite of this Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe tells a story of cultural heritage and culinary tradition.
The slow-simmered sauce develops deep, complex flavors that coat each piece of chicken beautifully.
This dish represents the heart of Caribbean cooking – bold spices, fresh ingredients, and cooking techniques passed down through generations of island cooks.
When I First Got Introduced
I discovered this Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe during my first visit to Kingston. A local family invited me to their Sunday dinner, where this golden, fragrant dish was the star.
The grandmother shared her secret techniques, emphasizing the importance of blooming spices and patience during cooking.
That meal changed my understanding of Caribbean cuisine forever.
Equipment List
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for spice mixing
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs chicken (cut into pieces)
- 3 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (seeded, minced)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 medium potatoes (cubed)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 scallions (chopped)
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper thoroughly.
- Heat oil in large pot over medium heat.
- Add curry powder to hot oil carefully.
- Toast spices for thirty seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces to the seasoned oil.
- Brown chicken on all sides for five minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside on plate.
- Add onions to the same pot immediately.
- Cook onions until soft and translucent completely.
- Add garlic and scotch bonnet pepper next.
- Stir mixture for one minute until aromatic.
- Return browned chicken to the hot pot.
- Pour coconut milk over chicken pieces slowly.
- Add chicken broth and bring to boil.
- Add potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves carefully.
- Reduce heat and simmer for thirty minutes.
- Stir occasionally until chicken is tender completely.
- Garnish with fresh scallions before serving immediately.
Recipe Tips
- This releases essential oils and prevents bitter taste in your Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe.
- These peppers are extremely hot, so start with less and add more if needed.
- Searing chicken creates deep flavor that makes this dish authentic.
- Low, slow cooking ensures tender chicken and well-developed flavors.
- Use fresh thyme when possible for the most authentic Caribbean taste.
What to Serve With Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe
- Rice and Peas: Traditional coconut rice with kidney beans perfectly absorbs the rich curry sauce while adding protein and fiber.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet, caramelized plantains provide a delicious contrast to the spicy curry flavors.
- Festival Bread: These slightly sweet fried dumplings are perfect for soaking up every drop of the flavorful sauce.
Conclusion
This Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe delivers authentic Caribbean flavors that will transport you straight to the islands.
The combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and rich sauce creates a memorable meal that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can master this beloved Caribbean classic in your own kitchen.
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Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for spice mixing
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken cut into pieces
- 3 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper seeded, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 medium potatoes cubed
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 scallions chopped
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper thoroughly.
- Heat oil in large pot over medium heat.
- Add curry powder to hot oil carefully.
- Toast spices for thirty seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces to the seasoned oil.
- Brown chicken on all sides for five minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside on plate.
- Add onions to the same pot immediately.
- Cook onions until soft and translucent completely.
- Add garlic and scotch bonnet pepper next.
- Stir mixture for one minute until aromatic.
- Return browned chicken to the hot pot.
- Pour coconut milk over chicken pieces slowly.
- Add chicken broth and bring to boil.
- Add potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves carefully.
- Reduce heat and simmer for thirty minutes.
- Stir occasionally until chicken is tender completely.
- Garnish with fresh scallions before serving immediately.
Notes
- This releases essential oils and prevents bitter taste in your Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe.
- These peppers are extremely hot, so start with less and add more if needed.
- Searing chicken creates deep flavor that makes this dish authentic.
- Low, slow cooking ensures tender chicken and well-developed flavors.
- Use fresh thyme when possible for the most authentic Caribbean taste.
