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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 94 reviews

Experience the rich and vibrant flavors of Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken, a classic Caribbean dish featuring tender marinated chicken simmered in a fragrant sauce made with Jamaican curry powder, coconut milk, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. This hearty, deeply spiced curry delivers a perfect balance of warmth and spice, ideal for a satisfying family meal served alongside rice or your favorite sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 3–4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (drumsticks and thigh pieces preferred)
  • 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

Curry Sauce & Vegetables

  • 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, deseeded, and chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsps minced fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1–3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste; habaneros can be substituted)
  • 2 green onions (scallions), lightly crushed or chopped
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 cup organic low-sodium chicken stock (or chicken bone broth)
  • 2 1/2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder (for sauce)
  • 1 Tbsp Jamaican pepper sauce
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cleaned chicken with browning (if using), Jamaican Green Seasoning, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and curry powder. Mix well until chicken is fully coated. Transfer to a sealed ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. Before cooking, let the chicken sit 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. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves into a wet texture. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Burn the Curry Powder: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Jamaican curry powder and stir continuously until it darkens to a deep brown color and releases a fragrant aroma, about 2-3 minutes. This process enhances the flavor deeply.
  4. Prepare the Curry Sauce: Add minced garlic, fresh ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and the vegetables start to soften and turn golden. Stir in ground allspice, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  5. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk, chicken stock, and Jamaican pepper sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  6. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: Return the browned chicken to the pot along with cubed potatoes, additional chopped green onions, and thyme sprigs. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
  7. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat. Serve the curry chicken hot with your preferred side dish such as rice or steamed vegetables. Garnish with extra chopped scallions or sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

  • Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the chicken for best results.
  • Browning the chicken along with brown sugar creates a deep, rich color and caramelized flavor, making the browning sauce optional.
  • “Burning” the curry powder by frying it in oil until dark brown is essential to unlocking authentic Jamaican curry flavors without bitterness.
  • Adjust the number of Scotch bonnet peppers according to your preferred heat level; removing seeds can reduce spiciness.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamy and rich curry sauce.
  • Serve with traditional sides such as white rice, rice and peas, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Jamaican curry chicken, Caribbean chicken curry, authentic Jamaican recipe, spicy chicken curry, coconut milk curry, island cuisine

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