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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 91 reviews

This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe delivers a rich and flavorful experience with tender, marinated chicken simmered in a spicy and aromatic curry sauce. Combining traditional Jamaican seasonings such as green seasoning, Jamaican curry powder, and scotch bonnet peppers, this dish is flavorful and vibrant, perfect served over rice or with your favorite side dishes.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3-4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (Drumsticks + Thigh pieces work great!)
  • 1-2 Tbsps browning, optional (See Notes!)
  • 2-3 Tbsps Jamaican Green Seasoning (You can substitute with all-purpose seasoning!)
  • 2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder
  • 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend (You can purchase my On Everything All-Purpose Blend for authentic flavor or make your own blend—-See Notes)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Spicy Jamaican Curry Sauce

  • 4 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsps organic brown sugar
  • 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled + cubed
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled + chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper, cored removed + chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsps minced fresh ginger (You can sub with ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1-3 scotch bonnet peppers (Adjust to your level of spiciness; You can also use habanero peppers)
  • 2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped (AKA Scallion)
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 cup organic chicken stock, low-sodium (You can also use chicken bone broth)
  • 2 ½ Tbsps Jamaican curry powder (See Amazon Shop for authentic brand)
  • 1 tablespoon Jamaican pepper sauce (You can substitute with your favorite brand of hot sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • sea salt + black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, add freshly cleaned and rinsed chicken along with browning (optional), Green Seasoning, sea salt, All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and curry powder. Mix everything until the chicken is fully coated. Transfer coated chicken to a securely sealed ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. When ready to cook, let chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and becomes wet in texture. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear on each side for about 3-4 minutes until well browned. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate. This step creates a rich brown color and depth of flavor; browning sauce is optional if this step is done.
  3. Burn the Curry Powder: In the same skillet or pot, add another 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Jamaican curry powder and stir continuously until the powder darkens to a deep brown and becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This step unlocks the authentic curry flavor.
  4. Make the Curry Sauce: Add minced garlic, fresh ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Sauté until fragrant and vegetables are golden. Stir in ground allspice, salt, and black pepper to combine.
  5. Simmer the Curry: Pour in the coconut milk, chicken stock, and Jamaican pepper sauce. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a boil. Then add the browned chicken, cubed potatoes, crushed scallion, and fresh thyme sprigs. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the sauce thickens and chicken is tender, stirring occasionally.
  6. Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and serve the curry chicken hot with your favorite side such as rice or vegetables. Garnish with chopped scallion or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and color if desired.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight results in deeper flavor and more tender meat.
  • Browning the chicken with brown sugar in oil creates a rich color and caramelized flavor, making the use of browning sauce optional.
  • Burning the curry powder is essential for authentic Jamaican curry as it releases deep, complex flavors.
  • The spice level can be adjusted by varying the number of scotch bonnet peppers; habaneros can be used as a substitute.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for creaminess and richness in the curry sauce.
  • If you don’t have On Everything All-Purpose Blend, you can substitute with your favorite all-purpose seasoning.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/authentic-jamaican-curry-chicken-recipe/