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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Jamaican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Bring bold Caribbean flavor to your table with this Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken—a rich, hearty, and easy dinner packed with warm spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked potatoes. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a balance of heat, savory depth, and comforting texture. If you’re looking for dinner ideas, food ideas, or a satisfying one-pot meal, this dish delivers a truly unforgettable experience.


Ingredients

Scale

2 to 2.5 lbs chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or mixed pieces)

2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder

1 tsp allspice

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

4 cloves garlic minced

1 tbsp fresh ginger grated

2 stalks scallion chopped

1 tsp dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

1 tbsp curry powder

1 medium onion chopped

3 cloves garlic minced

1 Scotch bonnet pepper

2 medium potatoes chopped

2 cups water or chicken stock

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp turmeric


Instructions

1. Clean the chicken with lime or vinegar and rinse with cold water, then pat dry.

2. Season the chicken with curry powder, allspice, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, scallions, thyme, soy sauce, and oil. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

3. Heat oil in a heavy pot and add curry powder, stirring for 1–2 minutes to burn the curry.

4. Add the marinated chicken and brown on all sides for 5–7 minutes.

5. Add onions, garlic, and thyme, and cook until fragrant.

6. Pour in water or stock and stir well.

7. Add potatoes and whole Scotch bonnet pepper.

8. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–35 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.

9. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.

10. Remove pepper if whole and serve hot.


Notes

Always burn the curry powder to enhance flavor and remove bitterness.

Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor penetration.

Keep the Scotch bonnet whole if you prefer less heat.

 

Calories: 450 kcal

Protein: 30g

Fat: 24g

Carbohydrates: 22g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 4g

Sodium: 700mg


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Jamaican curry chicken, easy dinner, Caribbean recipe, one pot meal, spicy chicken, comfort food