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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 134 reviews

This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe offers a rich, fragrant, and spicy taste true to Jamaican cuisine. Marinated in bold spices and Jamaican green seasoning, then browned before simmering in a flavorful curry sauce made with coconut milk, scotch bonnet peppers, and fresh vegetables. Perfectly tender chicken with a thick, savory sauce ideal for serving over rice or with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 3-4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (drumsticks + thigh pieces work great!)
  • 1-2 Tbsps browning, optional
  • 2-3 Tbsps Jamaican Green Seasoning (or substitute with all-purpose seasoning)
  • 2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder
  • 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend (store-bought or homemade blend recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Spicy Jamaican Curry Sauce

  • 4 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 Tbsps 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 tsps minced fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1-3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to desired spiciness; habaneros can be used)
  • 2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped (scallion)
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 cup organic chicken stock, low-sodium (or chicken bone broth)
  • 2 ½ Tbsps Jamaican curry powder (authentic brand recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon Jamaican pepper sauce (or favorite hot sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cleaned chicken with browning (if using), Jamaican Green Seasoning, sea salt, All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and curry powder. Mix thoroughly until chicken is fully coated. Seal the coated chicken in a ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. Before cooking, let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar and stir until it becomes wet and semi-dissolved. Add the marinated chicken and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Burn the Curry Powder: In the same skillet, heat another 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Jamaican curry powder and stir it into the oil. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the curry powder darkens and becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for authentic flavor.
  4. Prepare the Curry Sauce: Add minced garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and golden. Stir in ground allspice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  5. Simmer the Curry: Pour in coconut milk, chicken stock, and pepper sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the browned chicken pieces, cubed potatoes, crushed scallion, and thyme sprigs. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  6. Serve: Remove thyme sprigs and serve the curry chicken hot with rice, vegetables, or your preferred side. Garnish optionally with chopped scallions or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Notes

  • Browning sauce is optional but helps achieve a rich, deep color characteristic of Jamaican curry chicken.
  • Burning the curry powder in oil intensifies the flavor; do not skip this step for authentic taste.
  • Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet peppers according to your spice tolerance; habaneros are a good substitute.
  • Marinating overnight results in more flavorful and tender chicken.
  • You can substitute Jamaican Green Seasoning with any all-purpose seasoning blend if unavailable.
  • Serve with rice and peas or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/authentic-jamaican-curry-chicken-recipe/