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Jamaican Curry Chicken

Jamaican Curry Chicken

Discover a quick and easy recipe for authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken that delivers bold, vibrant flavors in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, aromatic curry sauce with a colorful blend of herbs and spices create a deliciously satisfying dish inspired by Jamaica’s culinary traditions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 1.5 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces)

Spices and Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated or minced
  • 1 Scotch Bonnet pepper, whole or chopped (optional, adjust for heat)
  • 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Liquids

  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional)
  • 1 cup coconut milk or water

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces; finely chop onions, garlic, and ginger. Measure out curry powder and thyme for easy use later.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Jamaican curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the spices to penetrate the meat, enhancing flavor.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and Scotch Bonnet pepper. Cook until fragrant and the onions soften, forming a flavorful base for the curry.
  4. Brown the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Sauté the chicken until lightly browned on all sides, sealing in juices and adding depth to the sauce.
  5. Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in coconut milk or water, then add thyme and diced potatoes if using. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove Scotch Bonnet pepper if you prefer less heat. Serve hot with preferred sides and enjoy the bold Jamaican flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh Jamaican curry powder for best flavor; stale spices can dull the taste.
  • Marinate chicken even for a short time to infuse deeper flavors.
  • Handle Scotch Bonnet peppers carefully; remove seeds to reduce heat if desired.
  • Properly brown the chicken to develop rich flavors and a beautiful sauce base.
  • Simmer gently on low heat to keep chicken tender and sauce perfectly thickened.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jamaican curry chicken, curry chicken recipe, Caribbean chicken recipe, quick curry, spicy chicken dish, gluten free curry