Delicious Jamaican Curry Chicken served on a plate with rice and vegetables

Jamaican Curry Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Jamaican Curry Chicken is a flavorful and vibrant dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your home kitchen. It’s packed with spices and has a rich gravy that makes it simply irresistible. You can delight your family and friends with this dish, and it’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner. Plus, it’s relatively simple to make, requiring straightforward ingredients and easy steps.

How to Make Jamaican Curry Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup curry powder, divided
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme, leaves stripped
  • 1 pinch ground allspice, or more to taste
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 1/4 pounds whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 potato, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 2 scallions (green onions), chopped
  • 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger root, minced
  • 1 Scotch bonnet chile pepper, chopped, or to taste

Directions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of curry powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, onion powder, salt, thyme leaves, allspice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Coat the chicken pieces with the curry mixture until each piece is wet and well-covered.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of curry powder and heat it until hot and the color changes, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil mixture. Lower the heat to medium.
  5. Pour in the water, followed by the diced potato, chopped carrots, scallions, minced ginger, and chopped Scotch bonnet chile pepper.
  6. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 30 to 40 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
  7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a serving dish. If the gravy needs thickening, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer.
  8. Finally, serve the chicken with the rich gravy poured over it.

How to Serve Jamaican Curry Chicken

Serve Jamaican Curry Chicken hot, accompanied by steamed rice or traditional rice and peas. You can also pair it with a side of fried plantains or a fresh salad to add balance to the meal. Garnish with fresh herbs to make your dish visually appealing.

How to Store Jamaican Curry Chicken

If you have leftovers, cool the chicken completely first. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken and gravy for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a saucepan or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Jamaican Curry Chicken

  • For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper used according to your taste.
  • Use bone-in skin-on chicken pieces for more flavor and moisture.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition and color.

Variation

You can substitute chicken with other proteins like shrimp or tofu for a different twist on the recipe. This can make for a delightful vegetarian or seafood option.

FAQs

Can I use curry paste instead of powder?
Yes, you can substitute curry powder with curry paste. Just adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.

Is Jamaican Curry Chicken spicy?
It can be spicy, especially with Scotch bonnet pepper. You can control the heat by adding less or removing the seeds and membranes of the pepper.

Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Make it ahead of time, and the flavors will develop even more as it sits. Just reheat before serving.