Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s known for its bold spices and vibrant color. The chicken is marinated in a rich blend of curry powder, scotch bonnet peppers, and fresh herbs, giving it a distinct heat and depth of flavor. This dish is typically served with rice and peas, making for a perfect Caribbean-inspired meal that’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds chicken, cut into pieces (bone-in or boneless)
2 tablespoons curry powder (preferably Jamaican curry powder)
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (or substitute with habanero for less heat)
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional, for added heartiness)
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Directions:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the curry powder, allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix well to coat the chicken in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned on all sides.
Add the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion and potatoes (if using) to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Simmer the Chicken:
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the curry and add salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a spicier curry, you can add more scotch bonnet pepper or hot sauce.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve the curry chicken over rice or alongside your favorite side dishes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx., serves 4):
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg
Sodium: 450 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 4 g
Protein: 35 g