Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and brings a touch of the Caribbean to your table, then my Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is just the ticket! This recipe has been passed down through generations, each adding their own special twist, and it’s one of those meals that can turn an ordinary day into something festive. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this dish never fails to impress.
What I love most about this Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is how comforting it feels while still being packed with vibrant spices. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce creates a delightful harmony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavor: Enjoy the rich and aromatic blend of spices that makes every bite unforgettable.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip this up even on a busy night.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the hearty goodness of this dish!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
- Adaptable Heat Levels: Adjust the spice to match your family’s taste preferences for a personalized touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Each component plays a vital role in creating the mouthwatering experience of Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken.
For the Chicken
- 3-4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (Drumsticks + Thigh pieces work great!)
- 1-2 Tbsps browning, optional (See Notes!)
- 2-3 Tbsps Jamaican Green Seasoning
- 2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder
- 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
For the Sauce
- 2 Tbsps organic brown sugar
- 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled + cubed
- 2 medium carrots, peeled + chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsps minced fresh ginger (You can sub with 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 1-3 scotch bonnet peppers (Adjust to your level of spiciness; You can also use habanero peppers)
- 2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped (AKA Scallion)
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 cup organic chicken stock, low-sodium (You can also use chicken bone broth)
- 2 1/2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder
- 1 Tbsp Jamaican pepper sauce
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- Sea salt + black pepper, to taste
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Swap the protein: Use skinless turkey or tofu for a different protein option that’s just as delicious!
- Add more veggies: Consider tossing in zucchini, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Change up the spice: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the hot peppers entirely.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of dairy-free yogurt at the end for extra creaminess without any dairy.
How to Make Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken with Jamaican Green Seasoning, curry powder, sea salt, and other spices. This step is crucial because it infuses flavor deep into the meat. Aim to let it sit for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have time!
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions until they’re translucent. This process enhances their sweetness and lays a tasty foundation for your sauce.
Step 3: Build Your Sauce
Once your onions are ready, stir in minced garlic and ginger. After a minute or so, add in potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, scotch bonnet peppers, and thyme sprigs. These veggies not only provide flavor but also add texture to your dish.
Step 4: Simmer with Coconut Milk
Pour in coconut milk and chicken stock. Bring everything to a gentle simmer before adding your marinated chicken pieces. Allow it to cook for about 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. This slow cooking helps meld all those lovely flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning & Serve
Taste your curry before serving! Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh green onions for an extra pop of flavor. Serve it hot over rice or with warm naan—it’s absolutely irresistible!
Enjoy creating this Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken!
Pro Tips for Making Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Cooking should be a joyful experience, and these pro tips will help you create a dish that’s bursting with flavor!
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Marinate your chicken: Allowing your chicken to marinate in the Jamaican green seasoning and curry powder for at least an hour (or overnight) will infuse it with deep flavors that make every bite unforgettable.
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Adjust the spice level: If you’re unsure about how spicy you want your curry, start with one scotch bonnet pepper and taste as you go. You can always add more heat, but it’s hard to take it away!
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and thyme not only enhance the flavor but also provide a vibrant aroma that fills your kitchen and makes your dish even more inviting.
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Don’t skip the browning sauce: While optional, browning sauce adds a rich color and depth of flavor to the dish. If you choose to skip it, just adjust your seasoning to ensure the dish remains flavorful.
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Simmer gently: Cooking on low heat allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. It also helps keep the chicken tender and juicy, making for a delightful meal.
How to Serve Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Presenting Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is all about showcasing its vibrant colors and rich flavors! Here are some ideas that will make your table sing with Caribbean flair.
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped herbs adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
- Lime wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice over your curry just before serving brings out all those delicious spices and adds a refreshing zing.
Side Dishes
- Rice and Peas: This traditional side is made with rice cooked in coconut milk and flavored with kidney beans. It’s a perfect companion that soaks up all that flavorful curry sauce!
- Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains offer a delightful contrast to the spicy curry, adding a touch of sweetness that balances out the heat.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots tossed in a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing crunch alongside the tender chicken.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli or green beans add nutrition without overshadowing the star of the meal. Plus, their vibrant colors make for an appealing plate!
With these serving suggestions, your Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken will not only taste amazing but also look absolutely inviting on any dinner table! Enjoy this culinary journey right from your kitchen!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it save you time during the week, but the flavors also deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious on day two or three.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the curry chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Portion out servings for easy thawing later.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating if frozen.
- Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken.
Can I adjust the spiciness of Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken?
Absolutely! You can modify the amount of scotch bonnet or habanero peppers based on your spice preference. Start with one pepper and taste as you go!
What can I serve with Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice and peas, steamed vegetables, or a simple side salad. You can also enjoy it with flatbreads for a delightful meal!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check any pre-made products like sauces or seasoning blends to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can substitute it with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on your choice.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken as much as I do! It’s a vibrant dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Feel free to share your experience and variations—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Happy cooking and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Description
If you’re craving a dish that brings the vibrant essence of the Caribbean right to your kitchen, look no further than Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken. This delightful recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce, infused with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, this comforting meal is sure to impress everyone at your table. With its adaptable spice levels and make-ahead convenience, you can easily create a true crowd-pleaser that not only tastes incredible but also fills your home with inviting aromas.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs organic chicken (skin removed)
- 2–3 Tbsps Jamaican Green Seasoning
- 2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder
- 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 medium russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup organic chicken stock (low-sodium)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken with Jamaican Green Seasoning, curry powder, sea salt, and other spices for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and ginger, then add the cubed potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, scotch bonnet peppers, and thyme.
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock; bring to a gentle simmer before adding marinated chicken pieces.
- Cook for about 40 minutes until the chicken is tender. Adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
