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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicke

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicke

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish made with tender chicken, Jamaican curry powder, coconut milk, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a hearty meal, this curry delivers a taste of the Caribbean in every bite.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces (bone-in or boneless)
  • 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional for extra heat)
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Juice of 1 lime (for marinating chicken)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the lime juice, curry powder, turmeric powder, allspice, black pepper, and sea salt.Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a deeper flavor infusion.
  2. Cook the AromaticsHeat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.Add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, scallions, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using).Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Brown the ChickenAdd the marinated chicken to the pot, browning it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in the flavors and adds depth to the dish.
  4. Simmer the CurryAdd the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, coconut milk, chicken broth, and thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  5. ServeOnce the curry is done, garnish with fresh cilantro.Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.

Notes

  • Marinating Time: Marinate the chicken overnight if possible. This allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
  • Heat Level: The scotch bonnet pepper is optional but recommended for those who love a bit of heat. For a milder version, you can skip it or replace it with a milder chili pepper.
  • Coconut Milk: Using full-fat coconut milk will give the curry a rich, creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk.
  • Serving Suggestions: This curry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, roti, or even naan bread for an authentic Caribbean meal.
  • Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Author: Ashely
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Jamaican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Jamaican Chicken Curry, Caribbean Curry Recipe, Spicy Chicken Curry, Jamaican Food Recipes