Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe
Jamaican Curry Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich and aromatic curry sauce with potatoes and onions. This classic Jamaican recipe brings together the warmth of curry powder and the heartiness of vegetables, perfect for a satisfying meal.
- Author: Yana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless, skin-on for best flavor)
Spices and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, sliced
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole or chopped (optional, for authentic heat)
- Season the chicken: In a large bowl, coat the chicken pieces evenly with the Jamaican curry powder, salt, and pepper. For enhanced flavor, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic (if using), sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Brown the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This process helps to develop deep flavors.
- Add potatoes and liquid: Stir in the diced potatoes and add the water or chicken broth along with the Scotch bonnet pepper if using. Ensure the liquid covers the chicken and potatoes partially.
- Simmer the curry: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the potatoes are soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt or spice as needed. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving if you want to reduce the heat. Serve hot with rice and peas or plain white rice.
Notes
- For an authentic Jamaican flavor, using Jamaican curry powder is essential.
- Bone-in chicken offers more flavor, but boneless will cook faster.
- Simmering gently ensures tender chicken and well-cooked potatoes without drying out.
- Adjust the Scotch bonnet pepper cautiously; it is very spicy.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
Keywords: Jamaican curry chicken, curry chicken recipe, Caribbean chicken, spicy chicken stew, one-pot curry chicken