Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe: Island Magic in a Pot

Jamaican curry chicken bursts with vibrant island flavors that dance across your palate.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this remarkable dish through generations of culinary passion.

Aromatic spices blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of tastes that transport you directly to caribbean kitchens.

Warm turmeric, fragrant allspice, and rich scotch bonnet peppers form the heart of this extraordinary recipe.

Each bite tells a story of cultural heritage and loving preparation.

Succulent chicken absorbs complex seasonings, promising a meal that connects you to Jamaican culinary traditions.

Let’s embark on a delicious journey that will awaken your taste buds and bring caribbean warmth to your table.

What Makes Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Special

• Dive into a genuine Jamaican culinary experience that transports your taste buds straight to the Caribbean with rich, aromatic spices and traditional cooking techniques.
• Prepare this delightful curry chicken with minimal steps and straightforward ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated preparation.
• Enjoy this recipe as a comforting family dinner, impressive weekend gathering dish, or meal prep option that pairs wonderfully with rice, flatbread, or your favorite side dishes.
• Benefit from a nutritious chicken dish loaded with protein, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome ingredients that provide a balanced and satisfying meal for health-conscious food lovers.

Essential Ingredients for Jamaican Curry Chicken

• Chicken: Fresh and bone-in chicken pieces that provide the hearty base for this traditional Jamaican dish.

• Curry Powder: Signature spice blend that gives the dish its rich, warm Jamaican flavor profile.
• Ginger, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and complexity to the chicken marinade.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the curry.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy ingredient that creates a smooth, rich sauce with a subtle tropical undertone.
• Chicken Broth: Adds additional flavor and helps create the perfect cooking liquid for the chicken.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that provide a fresh crunch and slightly sweet flavor to the curry.
• Onions: Foundational vegetable that adds sweetness and aromatic base to the dish.

Cooking Oil: Neutral oil used for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

How to Cook Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Flavor Bomb

Grab your chicken and give it a flavor-packed massage with curry powder, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Let it chill and soak up all those amazing spices for at least an hour – this is where the magic begins!

• Chicken
• Curry powder
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 2: Sizzle Those Onions

Heat up some oil in a big pan and toss in chopped onions.

Watch them turn golden and super fragrant, releasing their sweet, tangy aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Slide in the marinated chicken and cook it down until it’s perfectly golden and no longer pink.

This is where the flavor starts to build!

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in rich coconut milk and savory chicken broth.

Let everything bubble together gently, creating a luxurious, creamy sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Add Some Color and Depth

Toss in vibrant bell peppers and let everything simmer on low heat.

The sauce will thicken and become even more delicious, concentrating all those killer Jamaican flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up this mouthwatering curry chicken over fluffy rice and get ready for a taste explosion that’ll transport you straight to the Caribbean!

Pro Tips for Jamaican Curry Chicken

• Let chicken sit in spices for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator to develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Adjust curry powder quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and gradually increasing.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for richer taste and more tender meat during slow cooking.
• Stir coconut milk gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce consistency.
• Add bell peppers closer to end of cooking to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color.

Storing and Reheating Jamaican Curry Chicken

• Store leftover curry chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
• Transfer cooled curry chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Frozen curry maintains best quality when stored flat.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm curry in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring chicken is thoroughly warmed without overcooking.

Perfect Pairings for Jamaican Curry Chicken

• Elevate Spicy Harmony: Pair this vibrant Jamaican curry chicken with a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling that balances the dish's bold spices and cuts through its richness.
• Cool Caribbean Companion: Serve alongside an ice-cold Red Stripe beer from Jamaica, which refreshes the palate and complements the curry's warm, complex flavors.
• Rice and Reggae Combo: Plate the curry over fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the luscious sauce, creating a perfect base that enhances every delicious bite of the chicken.
• Tropical Side Kick: Add a bright mango salsa on the side to introduce a fresh, sweet counterpoint that brightens the curry's deep, spicy profile and adds a zesty Caribbean touch.

Fresh Takes on Jamaican Curry Chicken

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Lighter Option: Swap coconut milk with low-fat coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calorie content while preserving the creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking curry powder and chicken broth labels to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spice Intensity Modification: Adjust curry powder quantity for milder or more intense flavor profiles, catering to individual heat preferences without compromising the recipe's authentic Jamaican essence.

FAQs

• What type of curry powder works best for this recipe?

Jamaican-style curry powder is ideal, offering a richer, more complex flavor profile compared to standard curry powders. If unavailable, look for Caribbean or West Indian curry blends in specialty stores.

• Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts can be used. However, bone-in chicken provides more depth of flavor and tends to be more tender during slow cooking.

• Is this dish spicy?

Traditional Jamaican curry chicken has a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by adding scotch bonnet peppers or increasing the amount of black pepper in the marinade.

• How important is marinating the chicken?

Marinating is crucial as it allows the spices to penetrate the meat, creating a more flavorful and tender dish. Aim for at least one hour, but overnight marination will yield even better results.

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamaican curry chicken brings Caribbean warmth to your kitchen with fragrant spices and tender meat. Succulent chicken simmered in rich, spicy sauce promises a delicious journey through island flavors you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Spices and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium onion, chopped

Liquid and Vegetables:

• 1 can (13.5 ounces / 400 milliliters) coconut milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with aromatic curry powder, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and seasoning, allowing flavors to penetrate for a minimum of 60 minutes in refrigeration.
2. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet and gently caramelize onions until they turn translucent and develop a soft, golden hue.
3. Introduce marinated chicken to the skillet, stirring consistently to ensure even cooking and eliminate raw pink sections.
4. Pour creamy coconut milk and rich chicken broth into the pan, creating a luxurious sauce base that will gradually intensify the dish’s flavor profile.
5. Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently, enabling the sauce to gradually thicken and develop complex flavor layers.
6. Incorporate vibrant bell peppers into the simmering curry, which will add color, texture, and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
7. Continue cooking for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked and sauce reaches a desired consistency with a velvety, rich appearance.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or curry powder to enhance the overall flavor balance before serving.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken overnight in the refrigerator for deeper spice penetration.
• Opt for bone-in chicken pieces to create richer, more authentic Jamaican taste and improved texture.
• Consider using fresh Scotch bonnet peppers instead of bell peppers for traditional Caribbean heat and complexity.
• Make the dish gluten-free by ensuring all broth and spice brands are certified gluten-free, perfect for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg