Why Make This Recipe
Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Jamaica right to your kitchen. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that showcases rich spices and tropical ingredients. This recipe offers an easy way to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean, whether you’re planning a family dinner or a festive gathering with friends.
How to Make Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
- 3 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 can (13 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
Directions
- Marinate chicken with salt and the curry powder for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- In a large pot, sauté the diced onions in oil until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring well.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot and brown them for about 7 minutes.
- Stir in the coconut milk and let the mixture simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste. If you used a Scotch bonnet pepper, remove it before serving.
How to Serve Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Serve this delicious curry chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside traditional Jamaican rice and peas. Garnish with chopped scallions for an extra touch of flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with fried plantains or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
- For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate longer, up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the level of heat by using more or less of the Scotch bonnet pepper.
- Use fresh coconut milk for a richer taste, or canned coconut milk for convenience.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like carrots or potatoes. For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken, adjusting cooking times as needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but reduce cooking time to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
2. What if I don’t have Jamaican curry powder?
You can make your own blend using turmeric, coriander, cumin, and allspice. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be tasty.
3. Is this dish spicy?
The heat level depends on the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper you use. You can omit it for a milder flavor.
Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
- 3 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 can (13 ounces) coconut milk Fresh coconut milk can also be used for richer flavor.
- 1 piece Scotch bonnet pepper (optional) Adjust heat level according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate chicken with salt and curry powder for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
- In a large pot, sauté diced onions in oil until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring well.
- Add marinated chicken pieces to the pot and brown for about 7 minutes.
- Stir in coconut milk and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is tender.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; remove Scotch bonnet before serving.