Why Make This Recipe
Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean right to your kitchen. This recipe blends vibrant spices and tender chicken, providing a hearty meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. With a mix of vegetables and a rich coconut milk sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or any gathering. Making this dish at home allows you to control the spice level and ingredients, ensuring a delicious meal everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder
- 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 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 1/2 tsp 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 1/2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder
- 1 Tbsp Jamaican pepper sauce
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- Sea salt + black pepper, to taste
Directions
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with Jamaican green seasoning, browning (if using), Jamaican curry powder, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, sea salt, and smoked paprika. Mix well and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Brown the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. This step adds flavor and depth to the dish.
Burn the Curry Powder: Once the chicken is browned, add the curry powder to the pot. Stir it around for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their oils and flavors into the chicken.
To Make the Curry Sauce: Add the garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper to the pot. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock, then stir in the brown sugar, Jamaican pepper sauce, and ground allspice. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
How to Serve Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Serve the curry warm over a bed of rice or with traditional Jamaican dumplings. Add some fresh sliced green onions on top for a burst of flavor and color. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the curry for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
- If you prefer a cooler dish, reduce the number of scotch bonnet peppers or omit them entirely.
- Make sure to brown the chicken well to maximize the flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed, tasting along the way, to get the perfect balance for your palate.
Variation
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can follow the same cooking process, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
FAQs
1. Can I use other parts of the chicken?
Yes, you can use any chicken parts you like. Breasts, wings, and thighs are all great options.
2. Is Jamaican curry chicken spicy?
It can be, depending on how many scotch bonnet peppers you use. You can adjust the spice level to your taste or replace them with milder peppers.
3. Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Jamaican
- Diet: None
Description
A flavorful Jamaican Curry Chicken dish with vibrant spices and tender chicken, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed
- 1-2 Tbsps browning, optional
- 2-3 Tbsps Jamaican Green Seasoning
- 2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder
- 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsps organic brown sugar
- 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsps minced fresh ginger
- 1-3 scotch bonnet peppers, to taste
- 2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 cup organic chicken stock, low-sodium
- 2 1/2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder
- 1 Tbsp Jamaican pepper sauce
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with Jamaican green seasoning, browning (if using), Jamaican curry powder, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, sea salt, and smoked paprika. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
- Once the chicken is browned, add the curry powder to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper to the pot. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock, then stir in brown sugar, Jamaican pepper sauce, and ground allspice. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, and then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
Notes
Adjust number of scotch bonnet peppers for spice level. Serve over rice or with dumplings.
