Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

If you have ever had Jamaican food, you know it’s all about flavor + spice! Embrace the heat with my Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken. This dish features a fragrant blend of spices and tender chicken simmered in a sauce of hot peppers, garlic, and creamy coconut milk. It’s perfect for any occasion — from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. The unique combination of spices provides an explosion of flavor that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Jamaica.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: Experience the rich and spicy notes that only Jamaican curry can offer.
• Comfort Food: A nostalgic dish for many, bringing warmth and familiarity to your table.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, even novice cooks can whip this up without stress.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with rice, bread, or as part of a larger Caribbean feast.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of scotch bonnet peppers.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the chicken evenly while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Ensures easy and precise cutting of meat and vegetables for even cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps maintain accuracy in spice measurements, crucial for balancing flavors.

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Ingredients

To make your Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

Chicken & Seasonings

• 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

Vegetables & Liquids

• 4 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
• 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 removed + chopped

Aromatics & Spices

• 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

Broth & Additional Seasonings

• 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

How to Make Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cleaning the chicken pieces under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with Jamaican Green Seasoning, sea salt, smoked paprika, and curry powder. Mix well to coat each piece evenly.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Aromatics

Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add garlic, ginger, bell pepper, potatoes, carrots, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, and thyme. Sauté for about 5 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer in Coconut Milk

Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in coconut milk and chicken stock. Stir everything together well. Bring it to a gentle boil before reducing it to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook Until Tender

Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Enjoy your meal as you savor every bite of this Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken!

How to Serve Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

Serving Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken can elevate your dining experience. This dish is not only flavorful but also versatile. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will complement the rich flavors of the curry.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice – A classic choice, it absorbs the sauce wonderfully.
• Coconut Rice – Adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the tropical flavors of the dish.

With Bread

• Fried Dumplings – Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for scooping up curry.
• Plantain Chips – Crunchy and slightly sweet, they provide a nice contrast to the spicy curry.

With Vegetables

• Sautéed Green Beans – Lightly seasoned, they add a fresh crunch to your meal.
• Coleslaw – A creamy side helps balance out the heat from the curry.

How to Perfect Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

Perfecting your Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken involves attention to detail and a few cooking tips. Follow these guidelines for an unforgettable dish.

• Marinate Well – Letting the chicken marinate in spices and seasonings overnight intensifies flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs like thyme and ginger make a significant difference in taste.
• Control Spice Level – Adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers based on your heat preference for better enjoyment.
• Simmer Gently – Cooking at a low temperature ensures the chicken becomes tender without drying out.
• Taste as You Go – Season throughout cooking to achieve a well-balanced flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

To create a complete meal with your Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken, pairing it with delicious side dishes is key. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Rice and Peas – A traditional Caribbean dish that combines rice with kidney beans, flavored with coconut milk and scallions.
2. Fried Plantains – Sweet and caramelized, they add a delightful contrast to spicy dishes.
3. Jamaican Festival – Sweet fried dumplings that provide a slightly sweet touch next to savory curry.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with spicy curry flavors.
5. Cornbread – Moist and slightly sweet cornbread complements the richness of your curry chicken.
6. Mixed Greens Salad – A light salad with citrus dressing helps refresh your palate between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Bold seasoning choices: Using too little or too much seasoning can ruin the flavor. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
• Bold cooking temperature: Cooking on high heat can burn your spices. Use medium heat to allow flavors to develop without burning.
• Bold ingredient substitutions: Not using Jamaican curry powder or green seasoning will change the dish’s authenticity. Stick to these key ingredients for genuine flavor.
• Bold neglecting marination: Skipping the marination step can lead to less flavorful chicken. Allow your chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Bold ignoring spice levels: Not adjusting scotch bonnet peppers may result in a dish that’s too spicy or not spicy enough. Start with fewer peppers and add more gradually.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the dish has cooled completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with the date for reference.

Reheating Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken:

What is Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken?

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring chicken simmered with Jamaican spices, coconut milk, and vegetables. It offers a delightful blend of heat and comfort.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef or turkey while maintaining similar cooking times and techniques.

How spicy is Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken?

The spiciness varies based on how many scotch bonnet peppers you use. Start with one pepper and adjust according to your preference.

How can I customize my Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken?

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or peas, or adjust the level of sweetness by modifying the brown sugar amount.

Final Thoughts

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience bursting with rich flavors and warmth. This versatile dish allows you to customize ingredients according to your taste preferences while offering comfort food vibes that everyone will love. Try it out today!