If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich in flavor and bursting with Caribbean spices, this Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken will transport you straight to the islands. The combination of aromatic herbs, creamy coconut milk, and the heat from scotch bonnet peppers makes this a meal to remember! Whether you’re familiar with Jamaican cuisine or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds.
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Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Caribbean flavor: This dish combines bold Jamaican curry with the creaminess of coconut milk, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Customizable heat: Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer things milder, you can easily adjust the heat level.
- One-pot wonder: Perfect for weeknight dinners, everything simmers together for a comforting, hearty meal.
- Tender chicken: The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine a creamy, velvety sauce infused with the distinct taste of curry powder and herbs, spiked with just the right amount of heat from scotch bonnet pepper. The chicken is juicy and perfectly seasoned, while the potatoes and carrots soak up the flavorful broth, adding a satisfying bite. Itโs a balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet, with layers of flavor in every bite!
Ingredients for Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken
- 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
Tools Youโll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon for stirring
How to Make Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, season the chicken thighs with Jamaican curry powder, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor!).
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs, browning them on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Sautรฉ the Aromatics
In the same pot, add onions, garlic, scallions, scotch bonnet pepper, and thyme. Sautรฉ for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden.
Step 4: Simmer with Coconut Milk
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in 2 cups of coconut milk and 1 cup of chicken broth. Add the potatoes and carrots, making sure everything is submerged in the liquid.
Step 5: Cook Until Tender
Lower the heat and let the curry chicken simmer gently for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve this Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken hot over rice and peas or steamed white rice. Garnish with extra chopped scallions or thyme for a pop of freshness!
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- Rice and peas (classic Jamaican side dish)
- Steamed white rice
- Fried plantains for a touch of sweetness
- Roti or flatbread to soak up the flavorful curry sauce
Tips for Making the Perfect Jamaican Curry Chicken
- Mild the spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the amount of scotch bonnet pepper, or substitute it with a milder chili pepper like jalapeรฑo.
- Marinate longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach towards the end of cooking for added nutrients.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
How to Store Leftovers
This curry is even better the next day! Here’s how to store it:
- Fridge: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the curry for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
- Reheating: Warm the curry on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used. However, bone-in chicken adds more flavor and keeps the meat juicy during cooking.
What can I substitute for scotch bonnet pepper?
If you canโt find scotch bonnet peppers, you can use habanero for a similar heat, or opt for jalapeรฑo or serrano peppers for a milder kick.
Is Jamaican curry powder different from regular curry powder?
Yes, Jamaican curry powder has a distinct flavor profile with a bit more heat and a stronger emphasis on turmeric compared to traditional curry powders. Itโs worth seeking out for an authentic flavor!
Conclusion: A Flavorful Caribbean Adventure Awaits!
Thereโs nothing quite like the warmth and spice of a Jamaican curry chicken to transport you to the tropics! This recipe is not only rich in flavor but also easy to adapt to your taste preferences. So, grab your ingredients and take your taste buds on a flavorful journey!
More Recipes to Try:
- Glazed Coca-Cola Infused Wings with a Sweet Kick
- Savory Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
If you make this dish, donโt forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We’d love to see your creations!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 35g
Caribbean Delight: Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken is a flavorful, one-pot Caribbean classic featuring tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and a kick of heat from scotch bonnet pepper. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals, this recipe is easy to make, customizable for spice, and absolutely delicious. Serve it over rice for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds! Try it now and enjoy the bold, authentic taste of Jamaica.
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
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Season chicken thighs with Jamaican curry powder, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Sautรฉ Aromatics: In the same pot, add onions, garlic, scallions, scotch bonnet pepper, and thyme. Sautรฉ until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Simmer with Coconut Milk: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add coconut milk, chicken broth, potatoes, and carrots.
- Cook Until Tender: Lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve hot with rice and peas or steamed rice.
Notes
- Adjust Heat: Use less scotch bonnet pepper for a milder version, or substitute with a milder chili like jalapeรฑo.
- Thicker Sauce: Let the curry simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Vegetable Additions: You can add bell peppers or spinach towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken, Jamaican curry chicken recipe, one-pot chicken curry, Caribbean curry recipe