Description
This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is a flavorful island classic, loaded with bold spices, aromatic herbs, and tender bone-in chicken simmered until perfectly infused with savory curry flavor. From Sunday dinners to weeknight comfort food, this dish brings the sunshine of Jamaica straight to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2½ lbs chicken (bone-in, skinless thighs or drumsticks), cut into pieces
- 1½ tbsp Jamaican curry powder (such as Betapac or Chief)
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp all-purpose seasoning or chicken seasoning
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 scallions (green onions), chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- Juice of ½ lime or 2 tsp vinegar (for washing chicken)
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or coconut)
- 1½ tbsp Jamaican curry powder (for toasting)
- 1½ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 medium potato, diced (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional for color)
- Extra thyme, scallion, or scotch bonnet for added flavor
Instructions
1. Prep and Clean Chicken
- Rinse chicken with lime juice or vinegar, then pat dry.
- Place chicken in a bowl and season with curry powder, turmeric, salt, pepper, all-purpose seasoning, garlic, ginger, onion, scallion, thyme, and scotch bonnet.
- Mix well to coat thoroughly.
- Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the fridge.
2. Toast the Curry
- In a large Dutch oven or skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add 1½ tbsp Jamaican curry powder and stir for about 1 minute to “burn” or toast the curry—this deepens the flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken
- Add marinated chicken pieces (reserve marinade) to the pan and brown on all sides for about 5–7 minutes.
4. Simmer in Sauce
- Pour in reserved marinade and 1½ cups of water or broth.
- Add diced potato (if using).
- Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Add a bit more water if needed to prevent drying.
5. Taste and Adjust
- Taste the curry and adjust salt, pepper, or add more thyme/scallion for added depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop simmer
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg