Description
Jamaican Curry Chicken is a hearty Caribbean dish made with bone-in chicken simmered in aromatic Jamaican curry spices, potatoes, and herbs. Bold, comforting, and rich in flavor, it’s a classic that pairs perfectly with rice or roti.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds chicken pieces (bone-in thighs and drumsticks preferred)
- 3 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder (plus 1 tablespoon for oil)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole or sliced (optional, for heat)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 3 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for marinating)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash chicken with lime juice and water, then pat dry. Season with 3 tablespoons curry powder, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, and half the onion. Marinate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon curry powder to the oil and stir for 1–2 minutes to release aroma (“burn” the curry).
- Add chicken pieces and sear until browned on all sides.
- Add remaining onion, garlic, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper. Pour in broth to cover about half the chicken.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot with rice, peas, or roti.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken adds the most flavor, but boneless thighs work too.
- Coconut milk can replace broth for a creamier curry.
- Simmer uncovered near the end for a thicker sauce.
- Handle Scotch bonnet carefully — use whole for milder heat or omit entirely.
- Best enjoyed with rice and peas or fried plantains.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
