Jamaican Curry Chicken: A bold Caribbean feast featuring bone-in chicken, Jamaican curry powder, allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, and coconut milk. This spicy, flavor-rich dish pairs wonderfully with rice and peas or roti, making for a satisfying meal.
In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with crushed ginger, garlic, curry powder, chicken seasoning, turmeric, allspice berries, spring onions, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Ensure everything is well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers until they soften and slightly brown, creating a sweet and savory foundation for the curry.
Add 1 tablespoon of Jamaican curry powder to the pan. Stir and cook until it becomes fragrant, enhancing the curry's aroma.
Place the marinated chicken in the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes without stirring, allowing it to develop a flavorful crust.
Incorporate sliced ginger, chopped garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper into the pan. Cover and cook until the chicken begins to release its juices.
Once the chicken juices are released, add potatoes and carrots, and a bit more salt if needed. Mix well, ensuring the vegetables absorb the curry flavors.
Add coconut milk and extra thyme to the curry. Stir well for an even, creamy texture. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors are well-integrated.
Open the lid, stir in fresh spring onions for a burst of freshness, and then take the pan off the heat. Your Jamaican Chicken Curry is ready to be served and savored!
To Serve
Enjoy your Jamaican Chicken Curry alongside versatile options such as white rice, fragrant basmati rice, traditional rice and peas, or soft roti for a complete and delightful meal experience. For more pairing ideas, refer to the serving suggestions section.
Notes
Cooking Tips for Perfect Jamaican Curry Chicken:
Marination: Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. This crucial step ensures the spices penetrate the meat, enhancing its flavor and tenderness.
Curry Powder Blooming: Gently sauté the curry powder until it becomes fragrant. This method is key to unlocking the full range of flavors from the spices without burning them, which could otherwise alter the overall taste of the dish.
Aromatic Additions: Tailor the amount of ginger, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper to your taste. Be mindful with scotch bonnet pepper; it's quite spicy, so adjust according to your heat preference.
Trapping Moisture: When cooking the chicken, keep the pan covered. This method traps steam and moisture, resulting in the chicken releasing its natural juices, which adds depth and richness to the curry's flavor.
Simmering: Allow the curry to simmer gently, covered, for 20-25 minutes. This slow cooking process ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly and the flavors meld beautifully.
Taste and Adjust: Sample the curry and adjust the seasoning, such as salt, to ensure a final balanced flavor.
Jamaican Curry Powder: Incorporate Jamaican curry powder for an authentic flavor profile. If unavailable, regular curry powder is a suitable substitute. Alternatively, you can create your own blend using the recipe provided in the preparation section below.