If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing an authentic Jamaican curry recipe, you’re in for a treat!

Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of spices floating through your kitchen, instantly transporting you to the vibrant streets of Jamaica.

This traditional and flavorful Jamaican curry chicken recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a rich blend of Jamaican spices, all simmered to perfection in a Jamaican curry sauce.

It’s a dish that’s popular in Jamaica and also loved by people worldwide.

Whether you’re making this dish for the first time or looking to perfect it, this Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe will make your taste buds dance!

What is Jamaican Curry Chicken?

Jamaican Curry Chicken is a beloved dish that showcases the island’s unique take on curry. Unlike other curry dishes, Jamaican curry has a distinct flavor profile, thanks to the use of Jamaican curry powder.

Its bright yellow color comes from Jamaican curry powder. The dish’s origins trace back to the arrival of Indian indentured laborers in Jamaica in the 19th century, who brought their culinary traditions with them.

Over time, these spices were adapted to local tastes, resulting in the flavorful and tasty dish we know today.

Which Curry Powder Should I use?

For an authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken, it’s essential to use Jamaican curry powder. Jamaican curry powder is what gives this dish its signature bright yellow color, which sets it apart from other types of curry.

Without Jamaican curry powder, the dish loses that authentic flair. It will also neither look like Jamaican Curry Chicken, smell like it, nor taste like it. So, using Jamaican curry powder isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a must.

Without it, the dish simply won’t capture the true essence of authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken.

Why You Will Love This Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

1. Bold and vibrant flavors: The blend of spices creates a rich, delicious curry that’s both comforting and exciting. Jamaican curry powder gives the dish its signature warmth and depth.

2. Versatility: This recipe is also incredibly versatile—perfect for a family dinner, yet sophisticated enough to impress guests.

3. Easy to Make: It’s easy to make, with straightforward steps that ensure a delicious result every time.

4. Comforting – With its rich curry sauce and tender chicken, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner.

5. Authentically Jamaican – If you love exploring new cultures through food, this dish is a delicious representation of Jamaica’s culinary heritage.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients for Jamaican Curry Chicken

To create an authentic and flavorful Jamaican Curry Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

Chicken
Jamaican Curry Powder
All-purpose seasoning or chicken seasoning
Scotch Bonnet Pepper
Onion
Garlic
Ginger
Thyme
Scallions
Pimento Berries (allspice)
Carrot
Potato (white)
Bell Pepper
Coconut Milk (optional)
Vegetable Oil
Salt
Lime
Vinegar
Boiled water

Essential Kitchen Tools

To make Jamaican Curry Chicken, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here are the essential tools that you need:

Dutch Pot, Heavy-Bottomed Pot or a Large saucepan: For evenly cooking the chicken and infusing the flavors of the spices.
Sharp Knife: A high-quality knife will make prepping your ingredients quicker and more efficient.
Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip cutting board is vital for safety and ease of chopping.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring the curry without scratching your cookware.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements ensure the best flavor balance.
Garlic Press: For easily mincing garlic.

How to Make Jamaican Curry Chicken

Making authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken involves preparing and marinating the chicken, cooking it with a blend of fresh vegetables and spices, and simmering it to perfection.

This dish captures the essence of Jamaican flavors, combining the heat of Scotch bonnet peppers with the richness of Jamaican curry powder, and finishing with tender carrots, potatoes, and thyme.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Step 3: Season the Chicken and leave it to marinate
Step 4: Burn the Curry
Step 5: Add the Chicken, add water, then cover the pot and leave it to simmer
Step 6: Add the Vegetables
Step 7: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Step 8: Taste the chicken to confirm it’s cooked
Step 9: Serve and enjoy!

🍴✨ You can view the full Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe below.

What To Serve Jamaican Curry Chicken With

Jamaican Curry Chicken pairs perfectly with several traditional Jamaican Sides:

Rice and Peas: A classic Jamaican side dish made with kidney beans, coconut milk, and rice.
Steamed White Rice: A simple and traditional choice that balances the rich flavors of the curry chicken.
Coconut Rice: A fragrant and creamy side dish made with coconut milk, which adds a subtle sweetness that complements curry chicken well.
Ground provisions: This includes boiled provisions such as green bananas, yams, and dumplings, which are hearty and perfect for soaking up the curry sauce.

Garnishing: Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or scallions on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Curry chicken with Steamed White Rice
Curry Chicken with Rice and Peas

Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe Tips

Here are some Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe tips for achieving the best flavor and texture:

Marinating Time: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, marinating overnight in the refrigerator will intensify the flavors.
Browning the Chicken: Don’t skip the step of browning the chicken pieces. It helps to develop a deeper flavor in the curry.
Layering Flavors: Add ingredients in stages as described to build depth of flavor and to ensure the vegetables maintain their texture and don’t become overcooked.

Mistakes to Avoid:

Overcooking the Vegetables: To avoid this, add the vegetables during the last 20 minutes (approximately) of cooking to ensure they are tender but not mushy..
Too Much Spice: If you’re not used to very spicy food, start with a smaller amount of Scotch bonnet pepper and adjust to taste.
Skipping the Simmer: Let the curry simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld together properly. Rushing this step can result in a less flavorful dish.

Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe: FAQS

1. Should I use Bone-In Chicken or Boneless Chicken?
There is no right or wrong choice for the type of chicken to use in this dish. Many Jamaicans use a variety of bone-in cuts, such as wings, thighs, drumsticks, legs, or a whole chicken chopped into pieces. The decision to leave the skin on or off is a matter of personal preference.

2. What does marinating the chicken means?
Marinating the chicken means adding all the ingredients to the chicken except the potato, carrot and thyme. Rub the seasoning thoroughly into the chicken to ensure it is well-coated. Then, let the chicken sit and soak in the flavors. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will become.

3. What does “burn the curry” means?
In the context of the Jamaican curry chicken recipe, “burn the curry” refers to briefly cooking the curry powder in oil before adding other ingredients. This step enhances the flavor by releasing the aromatic oils and deepening the taste of the curry. The term “burn” doesn’t mean literally burning the curry; instead, it involves cooking the curry powder until it achieves a golden brown color. This careful process prevents bitterness and ensures a rich, flavorful base for the dish. See video below:

4. How do I store leftover curry chicken?
Store leftover curry chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the curry completely before refrigerating or freezing.

5. How do I reheat curry chicken?
Reheat the curry chicken in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, in 1-minute intervals until hot.

6. How can I make the curry less spicy?
To make the curry less spicy, reduce the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper or omit it altogether.

7. Do I have to use Jamaican Curry Powder?
Yes, to achieve the authentic taste of Jamaican curry chicken, be sure to use Jamaican curry powder.

8. Should I use coconut milk?
This curry chicken recipe can sometimes include coconut milk, which enhances the dish with added body and a rich, creamy flavor. This ingredient is optional.

Enjoy this delicious and authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken dish and bring the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean right into your kitchen!

Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

Recipe by easyjamaicanrecipes.comCourse: Main CourseCuisine: Jamaican

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Enjoy this delicious and easy Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe and bring the vibrant flavors of Jamaica right into your kitchen!

Ingredients

Chicken: 2 pounds of chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Jamaican Curry Powder: 3 tablespoons (a brand like Betapac is a good choice).
All-purpose seasoning or chicken seasoning: 2 tablespoons.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper: 1, finely chopped (use gloves to handle) (optional).
Onion: 1 large, finely chopped.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated.
Thyme: 2 sprigs, fresh.
Scallions: 2, chopped.
Pimento Berries (allspice): 5
Carrot: 1 large, sliced.
Potato (white): 2 medium, peeled and diced.
Bell Pepper: 1 small, chopped.
Coconut Milk: 1 cup (Grace or other authentic brands). (optional)
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons.
Salt: to taste.
Lime: 1, juiced, to wash the chicken.
Vinegar: 1 tablespoon, to wash the chicken.
Boiled water: As needed.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken into small pieces. Wash the chicken thoroughly in a mixture of water, lime juice, and vinegar. Drain all excess water from the chicken, and pat it dry with a kitchen towel if necessary.
Prepare the Vegetables:
Finely chop the onion, garlic, ginger, scallions, and bell pepper.
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, bell pepper, Scotch bonnet pepper, pimento berries, ginger, chicken seasoning or all-purpose seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of the Jamaican curry powder. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the seasonings. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for more intense flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat.
“Burn the curry:” This means, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of Jamaican curry powder to the pot and cook it for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. You’ll know when the curry is ready when it becomes fragrant and the curry powder has turned a rich golden-brown color.
Remove the excess seasoning (onion, garlic, bell pepper, Scotch bonnet pepper, pimento berries, ginger) from the marinated chicken and place the marinated chicken pieces into the pot, being careful not to overcrowd.
Cook the chicken until they are lightly browned on both sides, for about 2-3 minutes. The chicken will release its own juices, but be careful not to let the pot burn. If needed, add 2-3 teaspoons of hot water to prevent sticking.
Pour in hot water and bring it to a rolling boil. (If you’re using coconut milk, substitute it for the boiling water.)
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add Remaining Ingredients:
Add the carrots, potatoes and thyme. Stir well to combine.
Add the sliced onion, garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper, pimento berries, and ginger that were used to marinate the chicken to the pot. Gently stir the ingredients together.
Allow the chicken and vegetables to cook for 20 minutes, ensuring there is enough liquid in the pot. If the water level is low or the gravy is too thick, add a small amount of water as needed.
Taste and adjust by adding more chicken seasoning, all-purpose seasoning or salt.
Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, and the liquid slowly reduces into a rich, flavorful curry gravy, it’s time to serve.
Serve:
Serve the Jamaican Curry Chicken. Remove the thyme sprigs before serving.

Notes

Note: For a milder version of Jamaican Curry Chicken, use half of a Scotch bonnet pepper with the seeds and inner membrane removed, as these parts contain most of the heat. If you prefer more spice, you can leave the pepper whole for moderate heat, or chop it finely for extra fiery heat. Keep in mind that the seeds and membrane significantly increase the spiciness, so adjust based on your spice preference

Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe: FAQS

1. Should I use Bone-In Chicken or Boneless Chicken?
There is no right or wrong choice for the type of chicken to use in this dish. Many Jamaicans use a variety of bone-in cuts, such as wings, thighs, drumsticks, legs, or a whole chicken chopped into pieces. The decision to leave the skin on or off is a matter of personal preference.

2. What does marinating the chicken means?
Marinating the chicken means adding all the ingredients to the chicken except the potato, carrot and thyme. Rub the seasoning thoroughly into the chicken to ensure it is well-coated. Then, let the chicken sit and soak in the flavors. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will become.

3. What does “burn the curry” means?
In the context of the Jamaican curry chicken recipe, “burn the curry” refers to briefly cooking the curry powder in oil before adding other ingredients. This step enhances the flavor by releasing the aromatic oils and deepening the taste of the curry. The term “burn” doesn’t mean literally burning the curry; instead, it involves cooking the curry powder until it achieves a golden brown color. This careful process prevents bitterness and ensures a rich, flavorful base for the dish.

4. How can I make the curry less spicy?
To make the curry less spicy, reduce the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper or omit it altogether.

5. Do I have to use Jamaican Curry Powder
Yes, to achieve the authentic taste of Jamaican curry chicken, be sure to use Jamaican curry powder.

6. Should I use coconut milk?
This curry chicken recipe can sometimes include coconut milk, which enhances the dish with added body and a rich, creamy flavor. This ingredient is optional.

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