If you’ve ever tasted Jamaican cuisine, you know it’s all about bold flavors and spices. This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken combines tender chicken simmered in a flavorful sauce made from hot peppers, garlic, chicken stock, and creamy coconut milk. It’s a dish that brings the heat and comfort together in every bite. Perfect for spice lovers, this recipe is a comforting favorite for many Jamaicans and is completely dairy-free with an option for a gluten-free version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Jamaican Curry Chicken is a dish packed with vibrant spices and delicious textures. The chicken, marinated in a blend of authentic Jamaican seasonings and curry powder, is simmered to tender perfection in a rich coconut milk sauce. The addition of scotch bonnet peppers gives it that signature Jamaican heat, while potatoes and carrots soak up the flavorful gravy. Serve it with rice, veggies, or bread, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Jamaica!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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3-4 lbs organic chicken, skin removed (Drumsticks & Thigh pieces work great!)
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1-2 tbsp browning (optional, see notes)
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2-3 tbsp Jamaican Green Seasoning (can substitute with all-purpose seasoning)
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2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
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2 tsp On Everything All-Purpose Blend (use my homemade blend, see notes)
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1 tsp sea salt
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½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Spicy Jamaican Curry Sauce:
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4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp organic brown sugar
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1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
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2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
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1 medium bell pepper, cored and chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tsp minced fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
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1-3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust based on your spice preference; can use habanero peppers)
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2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped
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2 fresh thyme sprigs
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1 cup organic chicken stock, low-sodium (or chicken bone broth)
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2½ tbsp Jamaican curry powder
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1 tbsp Jamaican pepper sauce (or substitute with your favorite hot sauce)
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1 tsp ground allspice
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Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine your cleaned chicken with browning, Green Seasoning, salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and curry powder. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated. Place the chicken in a sealed ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best). Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
2. Brown the Chicken:
Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the brown sugar and stir until it becomes slightly wet and begins to dissolve. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until seared. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
3. Burn the Curry Powder:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil. Once heated, add the Jamaican curry powder and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to darken and become fragrant.
4. Make the Curry Sauce:
Add garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the pot, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in allspice, salt, and black pepper. Add the coconut milk, chicken stock, and pepper sauce, stirring to combine. Bring it to a boil for about 1 minute.
5. Simmer the Chicken:
Add the browned chicken, potatoes, thyme sprigs, and stir well. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve over rice, with vegetables, or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 55 minutes
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Servings: 4
Tips & Tricks
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop with a bit of chicken stock for a saucy consistency.
Turmeric: You can add 1 tsp of turmeric to the sauce for extra flavor and health benefits, as it’s a natural anti-inflammatory.
Jamaican Seasonings: Authentic Jamaican seasonings can be found on Amazon or at specialty stores. If not, substitute with your favorite seasoning brand.
Burning the Curry Powder: This step is essential when using Jamaican curry powder as it prevents digestive discomfort and enhances the flavor. It also releases a deeper color in the curry.
Gluten-Free Option: Make sure all ingredients are gluten-free certified to maintain a gluten-free dish.
Conclusion
Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean. The tender chicken simmered in a spicy, creamy coconut sauce is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with rice, veggies, or even crusty bread, and enjoy the bold flavors of Jamaica!
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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Experience the bold flavors of Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken with tender chicken simmered in a rich, spicy coconut milk sauce. Infused with Jamaican seasonings, scotch bonnet peppers, and hearty vegetables, this flavorful dish brings the heat and comfort together in every bite. Perfect for spice lovers, it’s an easy, comforting meal to enjoy with rice or bread. A true taste of Jamaica in every dish!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
3–4 lbs organic chicken, skin removed (Drumsticks & Thigh pieces work great!)
1–2 tbsp browning (optional, see notes)
2–3 tbsp Jamaican Green Seasoning (or all-purpose seasoning)
2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
2 tsp On Everything All-Purpose Blend (homemade blend, see notes)
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Spicy Jamaican Curry Sauce:
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp organic brown sugar
1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 medium bell pepper, cored and chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp minced fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
1–3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust spice level to taste, can use habanero)
2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped
2 fresh thyme sprigs
1 cup organic chicken stock, low-sodium (or chicken bone broth)
2½ tbsp Jamaican curry powder
1 tbsp Jamaican pepper sauce (or hot sauce of choice)
1 tsp ground allspice
Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine cleaned chicken with browning, Green Seasoning, salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and curry powder. Mix until chicken is fully coated. Seal in a ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight preferred). Allow chicken to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar and stir until it becomes slightly wet and dissolves. Add marinated chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Set the chicken aside.
- Burn the Curry Powder:
- In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Once hot, add Jamaican curry powder and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to darken and become fragrant.
- Make the Curry Sauce:
- Add garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing for 2-3 minutes. Stir in allspice, salt, and black pepper. Add coconut milk, chicken stock, and pepper sauce, mixing to combine. Bring to a boil for about 1 minute.
- Simmer the Chicken:
- Add the browned chicken, potatoes, thyme sprigs, and stir well. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and chicken is tender.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat, discard thyme sprigs, and stir in lemon juice. Garnish with fresh thyme. Serve over rice, with vegetables, or bread to soak up the delicious curry sauce.
Notes
- Jamaican Seasonings: Authentic Jamaican seasonings can be found at specialty stores or on Amazon. If unavailable, substitute with your favorite all-purpose seasoning.
- Burning the Curry Powder: This is an essential step as it enhances flavor and prevents digestive discomfort from raw curry powder.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified to maintain a gluten-free dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican
