Jamaican Curry Chicken is a hearty dish made with tender chicken pieces, marinated and cooked in a flavorful blend of Jamaican curry powder, aromatics, and vegetables. It’s typically simmered to perfection in a rich, spiced coconut-based sauce, resulting in a meal that’s savory, slightly spicy, and utterly satisfying.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Jamaican Curry Chicken
- Choose the Right Curry Powder: Jamaican curry powder differs from Indian or Thai varieties, featuring turmeric, allspice, fenugreek, and pimento. Look for authentic brands like Grace or Blue Mountain for an authentic flavor.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinate your chicken with curry powder, scallions, garlic, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper for at least two hours (overnight is even better). This step ensures that the spices deeply infuse into the meat.
- Don’t Skip the Scotch Bonnet Pepper: This chili gives the dish its signature kick. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds or substitute with habanero pepper.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in pieces like drumsticks or thighs add depth to the flavor as they cook. They’re also more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
- Cook Low and Slow: Allow the curry to simmer gently so the flavors meld and the chicken becomes fall-off-the-bone tender.
Variations of Jamaican Curry Chicken
- Vegan or Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower.
- Coconut-Free Option: While coconut milk adds creaminess, you can replace it with chicken broth for a lighter version.
- Seafood Twist: Swap chicken for shrimp, fish, or crab for a Jamaican curry seafood dish.
- Mild Curry Chicken: For those with a low spice tolerance, use a milder curry powder and omit the scotch bonnet pepper.
How to Serve Jamaican Curry Chicken
Jamaican Curry Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Rice and Peas: The classic accompaniment, made with rice, kidney beans, and coconut milk.
- Steamed White Rice: A simple option to soak up the flavorful curry sauce.
- Fried Dumplings or Festival: For a slightly sweet and doughy side, these are perfect for dipping in the curry sauce.
- Roti or Flatbread: Ideal for scooping up every last drop of sauce.
- Sautéed Vegetables: A lighter, healthier side to balance the richness of the curry.
How to Store and Reheat Jamaican Curry Chicken
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Jamaican Curry Chicken freezes beautifully. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Recipe FAQs
1. What is the difference between Jamaican curry powder and other curry powders?
Jamaican curry powder is lighter in color and contains unique spices like allspice and pimento, giving it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from Indian or Thai curries.
2. Can I make Jamaican Curry Chicken without coconut milk?
Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with chicken broth or water for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less creamy.
3. What can I use instead of scotch bonnet pepper?
You can substitute with habanero pepper or even jalapeño for a milder heat, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
4. Why is my curry bitter?
Overcooking the curry powder during the sautéing step can result in a bitter taste. Toast the spices briefly and stir constantly to prevent burning.
5. What cut of chicken works best?
Bone-in pieces like thighs, drumsticks, or whole chicken cut into pieces are ideal for this recipe. However, boneless options like thighs or breast can also be used.
Jamaican Curry Chicken
Jamaican Curry Chicken is a hearty dish made with tender chicken pieces, marinated and cooked in a flavorful blend of Jamaican curry powder, aromatics, and vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 pounds chicken (leg and thigh quarters work best), washed with vinegar and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
- 1 tbsp adobo seasoning
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Curry:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Scotch Bonnet pepper, chopped (optional for spice)
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tbsp ginger, chopped
- 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
- 1 cup coconut milk (or chicken broth/water as an alternative)
- 1 lb yellow potatoes, diced (peeled if desired)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- Salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss the chicken in curry powder, adobo seasoning, allspice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it sit while prepping the curry base.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until softened.
- "Burn" the Curry: Add green onions, garlic, ginger, and curry powder to the pot. Stir for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavor. Don’t worry—"burning the curry" doesn’t mean actually burning it!
- Brown the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
- Simmer the Curry: Stir in coconut milk (or chicken broth/water), potatoes, carrots, and optional fresh thyme. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of hot sauce to taste.
- Cook Until Tender: Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Serve with steamed rice, roti, or traditional Jamaican sides.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 559Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 160mgSodium 340mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 4gSugar 2gProtein 44g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
With its tantalizing aroma, vibrant color, and explosion of flavors, Jamaican Curry Chicken is a dish that’s sure to win over your family and guests. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings the warm and inviting spirit of the Caribbean to your table. So grab your ingredients, follow this guide, and enjoy a taste of Jamaica in your kitchen!
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