Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is a traditional Caribbean dish bursting with rich, bold flavors. This classic recipe features bone-in chicken marinated with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, seared to lock in flavor, and then simmered in a savory broth. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that pairs beautifully with rice and beans, grilled vegetables, or other Caribbean sides.
What You’ll Find On This Page
What sets this dish apart is its slow-cooking process, similar to Jamaican curry chicken. The long marination and gentle simmering allow the chicken to soak up the spices and seasonings, creating a perfectly balanced and flavorful stew.
More than just a dish, Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken holds a special place in Jamaican culture, often shared during family gatherings, festive celebrations, and lively parties. If you enjoy exploring new cuisines and bold flavors, this Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is a must-try recipe!
Enjoy Flavourful Chicken Curry Recipes:
- Chicken Curry
- Coconut Chicken Curry
- Japanese Chicken Curry
- Butter Chicken
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Chicken Korma
- Chicken Karahi
- Yellow Chicken Curry
- Green Curry
- Red Curry
- Panang Curry
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, you’ll need a mix of fresh produce, aromatic spices, and a few specialty Caribbean ingredients. Most of these should be easy to find at your local grocery store, especially in the international foods section. Let’s go through them below.
Main Ingredients
- Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken pieces create a rich, flavorful base for this stew. The bones release their juices during simmering, adding depth to the flavor. I recommend using curry-cut chicken pieces, which are slightly larger and ideal for stews. If you prefer boneless or smaller pieces, go ahead and use them—they cook faster and still taste amazing!
- Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and ginger are key to the warm, garlicky, and slightly caramelized flavors that make this brown stew so delicious.
- Peppers: Red and orange bell peppers add a mix of sweetness, crunch, and savory flavor. For that authentic Caribbean touch, Scotch bonnet peppers are included. They bring heat and a unique flavor signature to this dish. To tone down the spice, remove the seeds and use only the skin. You can also skip them entirely if you prefer a milder stew.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme leaves and green onions bring a touch of earthiness and freshness, elevating the overall flavor of the dish.
Spices and Seasonings
- Spice Powders: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt creates a perfectly balanced flavor base. Adding allspice powder brings the authentic Caribbean touch that makes this dish stand out.
- Browning Sauce: This sauce gives the stew its signature deep, rich color and a light smoky, caramelized flavor. If you can’t find it, mix dark soy sauce with a small amount of molasses or caramelized sugar for a similar result.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar adds sweetness and a subtle caramel-like flavor, perfectly balancing the spices and enhancing the overall taste.
- Ketchup: Ketchup adds a slight tanginess and a hint of sweetness. You can substitute it with tomato paste for a similar flavor, depending on your preference.
- Broth: Chicken broth deepens the stew’s savory flavors. I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt levels and keep the dish flavorful without being overly salty.
How to Make Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken at Home?
Let’s make a flavorful Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken together! I’ll show you how to marinate the chicken with aromatics and spices, braise it to bring out bold flavors, and simmer it into a hearty, comforting stew. Each step comes with photos and a helpful video to make it easy for you to follow along. Let’s get started!
Enjoy More Comforting Soup and Stew Recipes:
- Chicken Soup
- Taco Soup
- Chicken and Rice Soup
- Chicken Gnocchi
- Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
- Chicken Ramen
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Egg Drop Soup
- Minestrone Soup
- Lentil Soup
- Hot and Sour Soup
Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
Enjoy authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, packed with bold Caribbean flavors! This dish features tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices, then braised and simmered to perfection. Perfect for both lunch and dinner, it pairs wonderfully with rice, fried plantains, or grilled veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Ingredients
For Marination
- 2 lb Chicken, bone-in curry cut-size pieces
- 1 small bunch Green Onion, chopped
- 1½ tsp Brown Sugar
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Browning Sauce
- 1½ tsp Onion Powder
- 1½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ¼ tsp Allspice Powder
- 1 inch Ginger, minced
- 1 Onion, chopped
- ½ Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- ½ Yellow Bell Pepper, chopped
For the Stew
- 2 sprigs Thyme Leaves
- 1 Scotch Bonnet, chopped
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- ½ cup Water
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Marinating Chicken and Aromatics
- In a large bowl, combine the bone-in chicken with the spice powders—onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, brown sugar, browning sauce, salt, and allspice powder. Add the chopped bell peppers, minced ginger and garlic, onions, and spring onions. These fresh spices, veggies, and aromatics lay the foundation for the rich flavors of your stew.
- Mix everything thoroughly, making sure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning. Cover the bowl with a lid and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or longer if possible. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deliciously flavorful stew.
Searing the Chicken
- After marinating, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, separate the chicken pieces from the marinade, setting the aromatics and veggies aside for later. Add the chicken to the pan in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd it—this helps achieve a perfect crusty exterior. Sear the chicken for about 2–3 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 2–3 minutes. Once both sides are seared, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for later use.
Making Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
- In the same pan used for searing the chicken, add the reserved veggies and aromatics from the marinade. Cooking them in the same pan allows the vegetables to soak up the flavorful bits left from the chicken, adding depth to the stew. Sauté until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add the chopped Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme leaves, ketchup, and seared chicken to the pan. Toss everything together to evenly coat the chicken and vegetables with the spices and seasonings. This step layers the flavors, bringing an authentic Caribbean taste to the dish.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, then mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. This step helps deglaze the pan, loosening up all the delicious flavors and forming a rich, flavorful base for the stew.
- Once the mixture begins to boil, cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer gently for 20–25 minutes. During this time, the chicken will soak up the rich flavors from the broth, becoming tender and juicy.
- Remove the lid and check the stew’s consistency. If it’s thicker than you prefer, add a little water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes until it thickens to your liking. Once ready, let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving. It’s now ready to enjoy!
Serving
- Enjoy this flavor-packed Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken with rice and beans, your favorite vegetables, or other classic Caribbean sides. For more pairing ideas, take a look at the serving suggestions section below.
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Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some tips to help you make a flavorful and authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken every time:
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Always marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or even overnight if you can. This step lets the spices and seasonings deeply infuse into the chicken, giving the stew its bold, authentic flavors. Trust me, it’s worth the wait and makes a huge difference, so try not to skip this part!
- Trim Excess Fat from the Chicken: Before marinating, trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken pieces. This helps keep the stew from becoming overly greasy and gives it a cleaner taste.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh aromatics, vegetables, herbs, and spices are key to a vibrant and flavorful stew. Choosing fresh, fragrant ingredients helps bring out the best in the dish and makes it taste amazing.
- Use Browning Sauce Wisely: Browning sauce is great for adding color and a hint of smoky flavor, but it’s strong! Start with the amount in the recipe and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want a deeper color, but it’s best to add it gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Adjust the Heat to Your Liking: Scotch bonnet peppers bring authentic Caribbean heat, but if they’re too spicy for you, remove the seeds to reduce the heat or swap them for milder options like jalapeños. You can also use a splash of hot sauce for more control over the spice level. Start mild and adjust as you go—it’s always easier to add more heat later!
- Keep the Sauce Consistent: If your stew gets too thick while cooking, add a bit of water or broth to loosen it up. If it’s too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken to your liking.
- Balance the Sweetness: The brown sugar and ketchup in the stew add the perfect touch of sweetness. However, if it feels a bit too sweet for your liking, balance it out with a splash of lime juice or vinegar.
- Add Vegetables Strategically: If you’re adding hearty vegetables like carrots or potatoes, put them in during the simmering stage to absorb the stew's rich flavors. Add softer vegetables like zucchini later so they don’t overcook.
- Cook in a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven works best for this recipe. It distributes heat evenly, prevents sticking or burning, and ensures the chicken cooks tender and juicy.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Once the stew is done, let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Allowing it to rest gives the flavors time to settle and blend beautifully, making the stew rich and delicious.
- Customize Your Protein: While bone-in chicken is the traditional choice, you can switch it up with other proteins like oxtail or turkey for a unique twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose to achieve tender and flavorful results.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 371mg | Potassium: 396mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 751IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Brown Stew Chicken is a versatile and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some of my favorite options—you might enjoy them too!
- Rice and Peas: This traditional Jamaican side dish is a perfect base for brown stew chicken, soaking up the rich and flavorful gravy.
- Rice Dishes: Serve the stew over steamed white rice, basmati, or even brown rice for a simple and satisfying meal. For a tropical twist, pair the stew with coconut rice. The creamy, slightly sweet flavor of coconut rice complements the bold, savory stew beautifully.
- Flatbread or Roti: A soft flatbread or roti can serve as a handy side to enjoy with the stew, especially for dipping into the gravy.
- Fried Plantains: Pair the stew with rice and fried plantains. Their sweet, caramelized flavor complements the savory stew beautifully—a classic Caribbean pairing!
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers add a healthy, hearty side that complements the stew and rice dishes perfectly.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a fusion twist, creamy mashed potatoes make a great option to soak up the flavorful stew.
- Boiled Dumplings or Festivals: For an authentic Caribbean experience, serve your brown stew with boiled dumplings or sweet, fried festivals.
- Garden Salad: Add a fresh green or garden salad to your meal for a crisp, refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the stew.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of baked or fried sweet potato fries complements the spices in the stew for a delicious combination.
- Jasmine Tea or Iced Lemon Tea: A refreshing drink like jasmine tea or iced lemon tea helps cleanse the palate between bites.
Storage Suggestions
I recommend serving Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken warm—there’s nothing quite like enjoying it fresh with its comforting, aromatic flavors. But if you have leftovers, don’t worry—they taste just as good the next day! Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the stew in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s warmed through. I like to add a little bit of broth or water while reheating to keep it moist and flavorful, just like when it was freshly made.
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