Name: Caribbean Delight: Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless; 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder; 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 scallions, chopped; 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (adjust for spice level); 1 tbsp fresh thyme; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 cups coconut milk; 2 potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 carrot, sliced; 1 cup chicken broth

Jamaican cuisine is celebrated for its bold flavors, and one of the most iconic dishes is the Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken. This recipe perfectly captures the essence of the Caribbean, combining the richness of coconut milk with the vibrant heat of scotch bonnet peppers, and the earthy spices of curry powder. If you’re looking for a meal that packs both flavor and a bit of heat, this Jamaican curry chicken will transport your taste buds straight to the islands. The dish is hearty, comforting, and pairs beautifully with rice, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

This recipe uses chicken thighs for their tenderness and rich flavor, but feel free to substitute with your preferred cuts of chicken. Whether you’re new to Caribbean cooking or a seasoned pro, this spicy Jamaican curry chicken will soon become a household favorite.

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 scallions, chopped
1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (adjust for spice level)
1 tbsp fresh thyme
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups coconut milk
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 carrot, sliced
1 cup chicken broth

Preparation:

Step 1:

In a large bowl, season the chicken thighs with the Jamaican curry powder, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavors, you can also let it marinate overnight.

Step 2:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs. Brown the chicken on all sides, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Step 3:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, scallions, scotch bonnet pepper, and fresh thyme. Sauté the vegetables and herbs until fragrant and the onions become translucent. This step helps develop the base flavors of the curry, so take your time to ensure the aromatics are well-cooked, usually about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4:

Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is submerged in the liquid. Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrot. Stir everything together, ensuring the ingredients are well mixed and the potatoes are spread out evenly to cook.

Step 5:

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the curry simmer gently for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check the liquid levels. The sauce should begin to thicken, and the chicken should become tender. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

COOKING Note:

The spiciness of this Jamaican curry chicken largely comes from the scotch bonnet pepper. If you prefer a milder curry, you can reduce the amount of scotch bonnet used or substitute it with a milder chili like jalapeño. For those who love the heat, leaving the seeds of the scotch bonnet pepper intact will intensify the spice level.

Also, Jamaican curry powder has a distinct flavor compared to other curry powders, so try to use it for the most authentic taste. It has a warm, earthy profile with hints of turmeric, coriander, and allspice, which are central to Jamaican cuisine.

Serving Suggestions:

Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken is best served hot alongside traditional Caribbean side dishes like rice and peas, steamed jasmine rice, or even roti. You can garnish with fresh thyme or cilantro for added freshness and a pop of color. For a complete Caribbean experience, consider serving the curry with fried plantains or a side of steamed vegetables like okra or callaloo.

Tips:

If you’re short on time, you can cut the marinating time to 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
If the curry becomes too thick during the simmering process, you can adjust the consistency by adding more chicken broth or water.
For a creamier texture, you can add an additional half cup of coconut milk toward the end of the cooking time.
Be cautious when handling scotch bonnet peppers as they are extremely hot. Consider wearing gloves while chopping, and avoid touching your face or eyes.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often intensify, making the curry even more delicious the next day!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Marinate Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 500 kcal
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 800mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or even chicken breast if you prefer. However, bone-in chicken adds a richer flavor to the curry, so if possible, try to keep the bones in.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for scotch bonnet peppers?
A: If scotch bonnet peppers are too spicy for your liking or unavailable, you can substitute them with habanero peppers or a milder chili like jalapeños. For a completely mild curry, you can omit the chili altogether.

Q: Can I make this curry ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Jamaican curry chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Simply reheat it on the stove over low heat before serving.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, this curry freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the curry?
A: Yes, feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or green beans to the curry to make it more hearty and nutritious.

Conclusion:

Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the warmth and flavor of the Caribbean to your table. The combination of tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic spices creates a comforting yet vibrant meal that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re a spice lover or someone looking for a rich, flavorful dish, this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy your culinary journey to Jamaica with this incredible curry, and don’t forget to serve it with some traditional sides for the full Caribbean experience!