Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe. Tender chicken marinated in a blend of Jamaican spices is browned and simmered in a fragrant curry sauce packed with scotch bonnet peppers, fresh herbs, garlic, ginger, and creamy coconut milk. This comforting and spicy dish brings a true taste of Jamaica to your table, perfect for a flavorful dinner that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 3-4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (Drumsticks + Thigh pieces work great!)
- 1-2 tablespoons browning, optional
- 2-3 tablespoons Jamaican Green Seasoning (or all-purpose seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
- 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Spicy Jamaican Curry Sauce
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons organic brown sugar
- 1 (14 oz) can 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 teaspoons minced fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1-3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to spice preference; habanero can be used)
- 2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 cup organic low-sodium chicken stock or bone broth
- 2 ½ tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican pepper sauce (or favorite hot sauce)
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cleaned and rinsed chicken with browning, Jamaican Green Seasoning, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and 2 tablespoons of curry powder. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is fully coated. Transfer the chicken to a sealed ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight. Before cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, stir in the brown sugar and allow it to dissolve slightly until it becomes wet in texture. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Burn the Curry Powder: In the same skillet or pot, add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 ½ tablespoons curry powder and stir it into the oil. Allow the powder to cook, stirring occasionally, until it darkens to a deep brown and becomes aromatic, about 2-3 minutes. This intensifies the curry flavor.
- Prepare the Curry Sauce: Add the minced garlic, fresh ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the browned curry powder. Sauté until the vegetables are fragrant and golden. Stir in ground allspice, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the coconut milk, chicken stock or broth, and Jamaican pepper sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: Add the seared chicken pieces back into the pot along with cubed potatoes, crushed green onions, and fresh thyme sprigs. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and the sauce has thickened to a gravy-like consistency.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the curry chicken hot with your favorite sides such as rice or vegetables. Garnish with chopped scallions or red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your authentic Jamaican meal!
Notes
- Browning sauce is optional; it helps achieve a rich brown color but is not necessary if you prefer to avoid it.
- “Burning” the curry powder by heating it in oil is essential to develop authentic Jamaican curry flavors.
- If you cannot find Jamaican Green Seasoning, substitute with a mild all-purpose seasoning blend.
- Scotch bonnet peppers are very spicy; adjust quantity based on your heat tolerance. Habaneros are a suitable alternative.
- Always handle hot peppers with care, and wash hands thoroughly after contact.