Why Make This Recipe
Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken brings a taste of the Caribbean right to your kitchen. This recipe is a perfect blend of spices, tender chicken, and creamy coconut milk. It’s easy to prepare and is sure to delight your family and friends. If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich in flavor and tradition, this curry chicken is the way to go!
How to Make Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 hot peppers (scotch bonnet or habanero), chopped
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh thyme (optional)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with curry powder, salt, and garlic for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add onions and hot peppers, cooking until the onions are soft.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pot and brown on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken stock and coconut milk, bringing to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Stir in fresh thyme if using, and adjust seasonings.
- Serve hot with rice or bread.
How to Serve Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Serve this warm and hearty dish with fluffy rice or fresh bread. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, making every bite delicious. You could also serve it with a side of fried plantains for a truly authentic experience.
How to Store Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving again. You can also freeze it for up to one month. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
- For more heat, keep the seeds in the hot peppers or add extra peppers if you like spicy food.
- Let the chicken marinate longer for a deeper flavor; a few hours or even overnight works great.
- You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more chicken stock or coconut milk, depending on your preference.
Variation
You can also make this dish with different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for seafood.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or wings if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use unsweetened almond milk instead, but this will alter the flavor.
3. How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply reduce the number of hot peppers used, or remove the seeds, which carry most of the heat.

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 pieces hot peppers (scotch bonnet or habanero), chopped Adjust for desired heat
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk Can substitute with unsweetened almond milk for a lower-fat option
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For cooking
- to taste teaspoon Salt
- Fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
Marination
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with curry powder, salt, and garlic for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add onions and hot peppers, cooking until the onions are soft.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pot and brown on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken stock and coconut milk, bringing to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Stir in fresh thyme if using, and adjust seasonings.
