Jamaican curry chicken is a delightful blend of bold flavors and vibrant colors. A must-try recipe that will surely become a new favorite. This hearty curry dish will make you crave for more when you pair it with Jamaican Rice and Peas.
What is Jamaican Curry Chicken?
Jamaican curry chicken is a staple in Jamaican cuisine that locals and tourists enjoy. It is made by marinating chicken pieces in a blend of spices and curry powder and then slow-cooking in a rich, fragrant sauce.
The Jamaican Curry chicken is a one-pot meal with fantastic flavors. You will discover how tasty Caribbean food can be if you have tried Caribbean dishes like Jamaican curry Goat, Jamaican oxtails, or Jamaican Rice and Peas.
Why You’ll Love this dish
- Rich flavor that is hard to resist.
- Tender and Juicy Chicken infused with the flavor of spices and herbs.
- Versatile that can be customized to suit your preferences.
- Easy to Make with just a few simple ingredients.
- Warm and comforting flavors of Jamaican curry chicken.
- Healthy and satisfying meal.
If you love curry recipes as I do, I’m sure you will love this easy curry chicken recipe and this coconut curry fish!
Ingredients used for Jamaican Curry Chicken
- Chicken pieces – We used Bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces in this because they add more flavor and richness to the dish.
- Jamaican Curry powder – is a blend of various spices, including coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. The curry powder gives the dish its signature spicy and aromatic flavor, which sets it apart from other chicken recipes.
- Allspice – made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant. It has a warm, sweet, and slightly peppery flavor that complements the heat of the curry powder.
- Dried thyme – adds an earthy and slightly floral flavor to the dish. You can also use dry thyme.
- Salt and black pepper enhance the dish’s flavor and balance the spices’ heat.
- Vegetable oil – for cooking the chicken and sautéing the aromatics. It has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for high-heat cooking.
- Onion – adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
- Garlic – adds an aromatic and savory flavor to the dish.
- Ginger – Fresh adds a zesty and slightly sweet flavor to the recipe.
- Scotch bonnet pepper – adds heat and fruity flavor to the dish.
- Chicken broth – adds a savory and rich flavor to the dish.
- Coconut milk – for a creamy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Veggies: cut in potatoes and carrots for a wholesome meal.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley – for garnish. This is optional.
How do you make Jamaican curry Chicken
This is a simple guide for making a delicious Jamaican Curry Chicken. Catch the complete guide on the recipe card at the end of the article.
- Step 1 – Marinate the chicken
- Step 2 – Brown the chicken
- Step 3 – Add liquid and vegetables
- Step 4 – Simmer the curry
- Step 5 – Finish and serve
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients like spices, herbs, and vegetables will give your curry the most flavor.
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight can help infuse the flavors into the meat and make it more tender.
- Adjust the spice level: Jamaican curry chicken is traditionally spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot peppers.
- Use gloves while cutting and deseeding the scotch bonnet because it’s a hot pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jamaican curry chicken a spicy dish?
Jamaican curry chicken is typically spicy and made with aromatic spices and hot peppers like scotch bonnets. You can adjust the recipe if you prefer your Jamaican curry chicken to be less spicy.
Can I use boneless chicken for Jamaican curry chicken?
While bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces are traditional for this dish, you can use boneless chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Can I make Jamaican curry chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Jamaican curry chicken ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors may deepen and develop more after sitting in the fridge overnight.
What is the best cut of chicken to use?
The best chicken cut for this dish is bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, and wings mix. This chicken cut is perfect for slow cooking as it stays moist and flavorful while absorbing the spices and flavors of the curry. The skin on the chicken thighs adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat moist during the cooking process. Once the curry is cooked, you can easily remove the skin if desired.
How long does it take to cook Jamaican Curry Chicken?
The cooking time for Jamaican curry chicken can vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces you use. Generally, the chicken usually takes 30-45 minutes to cook, and the sauce thickens.
Substitute Ingredients
If you don’t have all the ingredients for Jamaican curry chicken, here are some substitutions that you can use:
- Scotch bonnet peppers: If you can’t find scotch bonnet peppers, you can substitute them with habanero peppers or cayenne pepper. Use less if you prefer a milder curry.
- Coconut milk: If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
- Allspice: Allspice is a key ingredient in Jamaican cuisine, but if you don’t have it, you can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to replicate the flavor.
How to Store the Recipe
If you have leftovers of Jamaican curry chicken, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. To store Jamaican curry chicken in the refrigerator, allow it to cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, you can warm it up in the microwave, stovetop, or oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To thaw, simply transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Recommended Tools to Make Jamaican Chicken Curry
- Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- A sharp chef’s knife
- A sturdy cutting board
- Blender or Food Processor
What to Serve with Jamaican Curry Chicken
Jamaican curry chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that pairs well with various sides. Mix in milder, sweeter, or refreshing sides to balance out the bold and spicy flavors. Experiment with different sides to find the perfect combination.
Check out our delicious Jamaican recipe favs:
- Jamaican Browning Sauce
- Jamaican Oxtails
- Creamy Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
- Brown Stew Chicken
- Jamaican Meat Pie (Jamaican Beef Patty)
- Jamaican jerk seasoning Spice Blend
- Instant Pot Curry Goat
- Deliciously Simple Jamaican Callaloo Recipe
Jamaican Curry Chicken
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- A sharp chef’s knife
- A sturdy cutting board
- Blender or Food Processor
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken pieces preferably a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and wings
- 2 teaspoons All purpose seasoning or bouillon powder
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger grated
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper seeds removed and finely chopped (use gloves to handle)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 large carrot peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, all-purpose-seasoning or bouillon powder, 1 tablespoon of Jamaican curry powder, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme leaves, 1/2 teaspoon of allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, ensuring that the chicken is well coated with the spices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Brown the chicken: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Jamaican curry powder and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot, and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Add liquid and vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the cubed potatoes and chopped carrot, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer the curry: Cover the pot and let the curry simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. If the curry needs more liquid, add a bit more chicken broth or water.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the coconut milk, and let the curry cook for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve the Jamaican curry chicken over steamed white rice or with roti bread.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients like spices, herbs, and vegetables will give your curry the most flavor
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight can help infuse the flavors into the meat and make it more tender.
- Adjust the spice level: Jamaican curry chicken is traditionally spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot peppers.
- Experiment with other vegetables: Add other vegetables like sweet potatoes, green beans, or even chickpeas to your curry for added nutrition and variety.
Nutrition
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