Description
This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe features bone-in chicken simmered in a rich and spicy curry sauce made with traditional Jamaican curry powder, scotch bonnet pepper, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a comforting Caribbean dinner, it’s bold, flavorful, and easy to make. Enjoy with rice, roti, or fried plantains for the ultimate meal.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken (bone-in, skinless thighs or drumsticks)
3 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and chopped
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 teaspoon pimento seeds (whole allspice)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
3 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional)
Instructions
1. Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces, then season with salt, black pepper, 2 tablespoons of curry powder, garlic, ginger, green onions, and thyme. Let marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon curry powder and toast it for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the marinated chicken and brown on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. Add the chopped onion, pimento seeds, and scotch bonnet pepper. Pour in water or broth to cover the chicken. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 to 40 minutes.
5. Add diced potatoes if using, and continue cooking uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes to thicken the sauce. Stir occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
This curry tastes even better the next day.
If you can’t find scotch bonnet, substitute with habanero or adjust heat to taste.
For a richer sauce, use chicken broth instead of water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg