Original Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe: Best N’ Easy

If you’re a fan of bold and flavorful dishes, you’re in for a treat with this original Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe.

This recipe combines juicy chicken with aromatic spices and rich curry flavor, creating a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

The unique blend of seasonings, including pimento, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper, brings out the vibrant and delicious taste of Jamaican cuisine.

Making authentic Jamaican curry chicken at home may seem challenging, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow the right steps.

From marinating the chicken to simmering it with vegetables and curry powder, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this classic comfort food.

Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can adjust the heat level to suit your preference.

Ready to dive into the world of Jamaican cooking?

Let’s get started on this flavorful journey and turn your kitchen into a Caribbean oasis.

Grab your ingredients, and let’s make some mouth-watering curry chicken together!

Key Takeaways

• Learn to make authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken.
• Discover key ingredients and proper measurements.
• Simple steps for preparation and cooking are provided.

Ingredients and Measurements

This recipe is all about creating a flavorful and authentic Jamaican curry chicken. I’ll break down the main ingredients and the essential spices and seasonings you need to nail this dish.

Main Ingredients

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  Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re tender and absorb flavors well. You’ll need about 2 pounds.

  
  
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  Onion: One large yellow onion, finely chopped. It adds sweetness and depth.

  
  
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  Garlic: Use 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic amplifies the taste.

  
  
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  Scotch Bonnet Pepper: For authentic heat, include one finely chopped Scotch Bonnet pepper. Be cautious; it’s very spicy.

  
  
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  Potatoes and Carrots: Add two russet potatoes and two carrots, diced. These veggies soak up the curry flavors beautifully.

  
  
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  Bell Pepper: I prefer a medium bell pepper, chopped. It gives a subtle sweetness and crunch.

  
  
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  Vinegar: Rinse the chicken with 1/3 cup of vinegar to clean and tenderize it.

  
  
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  Olive Oil: You’ll need a few tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing.

  
  
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  Coconut Milk: Use one can of coconut milk to add richness and creaminess.

  
  
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  Water: Enough to cover the chicken and vegetables in the pot.

  
  

Spices and Seasonings

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  Curry Powder: 2 tablespoons of Jamaican curry powder give this dish its signature color and taste.

  
  
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  Allspice: A teaspoon of allspice or a few berries. This spice is key in Jamaican cuisine.

  
  
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  Black Pepper and Salt: Season with black pepper and salt to taste. These basics enhance all other flavors.

  
  
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  Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. It adds an earthy note.

  
  
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  Ginger: A small piece of fresh ginger, grated. It brings a warm, spicy undertone.

  
  
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  Garlic Powder: You can add a teaspoon of garlic powder for extra garlic flavor.

  
  
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  Cumin: A teaspoon of cumin brightens the spices without overpowering them.

  
  
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  Pimento: Also known as allspice, you can use ground or whole pimento.

  
  
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  Turmeric: A pinch of turmeric boosts the color and earthiness of the curry.

  
  
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  Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken before serving. It adds a zesty finish.

  
  

Preparation and Cooking

Creating an original Jamaican curry chicken recipe involves two main stages: marinating the chicken and the cooking process. Each step ensures that the chicken is flavorful, tender, and distinctively Jamaican in style.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is crucial for deep flavor.

First, I cut the chicken into the desired pieces, often using chicken breasts for a leaner meal or thighs for more richness.

I rinse the chicken with water mixed with a bit of vinegar to clean it effectively. Then, I pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

For the marinade, I use a mix of Jamaican curry powder, minced garlic, chopped Scotch bonnet peppers, pimento, salt, and black pepper.

These ingredients are essential for that signature taste and yellow color.

I coat each piece thoroughly and let the chicken sit for at least 2 hours, though overnight marination is best.

Cooking Process

Once marinated, I heat a bit of cooking oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

I sauté chopped garlic, ginger, and red onions until they’re fragrant. Then, I add the marinated chicken, browning it on all sides. This step is crucial for developing deep flavors.

I add diced carrots, bell peppers, and green onions (scallions) to the pot.

Pouring in full-fat coconut milk and chicken stock gives the curry a rich, creamy base.

I bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.

For accompaniments, I serve the curry chicken with Jamaican rice and peas, basmati rice, or a fresh salad.

This combination makes for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve collected common questions about making authentic Jamaican curry chicken. Let’s dive into how to handle ingredients, the unique aspects of this dish, and a bit of its history.

How can I make Jamaican curry chicken if I don’t have coconut milk?

If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use evaporated milk or regular whole milk. It won’t be as creamy, but it will still be tasty.

You can also try using almond milk or another dairy-free substitute to maintain the creamy texture.

What makes a Jamaican curry chicken recipe authentic?

Authentic Jamaican curry chicken uses specific spices like allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers.

The chicken is often marinated with curry powder, all-purpose seasoning, and green seasoning to give it that rich, flavorful taste.

Can you suggest a simple way to prepare original Jamaican curry chicken?

First, marinate the chicken with curry powder, thyme, and allspice.

Brown the chicken in a pot, then add vegetables like carrots and potatoes.

Pour in chicken stock or broth, let it simmer until everything is cooked through, and the flavors are blended well.

What ingredients are essential for a traditional Jamaican curry sauce?

To make a traditional Jamaican curry sauce, you’ll need garlic, ginger, Scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, carrots, and bell peppers.

Cooking these together with spices like allspice, salt, and black pepper is key. Adding coconut milk and chicken stock completes the sauce.

How does Jamaican curry differ from other types of curry?

Jamaican curry is distinct because it uses allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers, giving it a unique, spicy kick.

The curry powder itself also contains a different blend of spices compared to Indian or Thai curry powders. This gives Jamaican curry its signature flavor.

What’s the history behind the creation of Jamaican curry chicken?

Jamaican curry chicken has roots in Indian cuisine brought to Jamaica by indentured laborers. They introduced the use of curry powder.

Then, they blended the curry powder with local Jamaican spices and ingredients. Over time, this fusion resulted in the beloved dish we enjoy today.