Description
This rich and creamy Jamaican Curry Chicken is a soul-warming dish with bold island spices, juicy chicken chunks, and a silky coconut curry sauce. Infused with thyme, scotch bonnet heat, and a touch of allspice, this recipe delivers authentic Caribbean comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs (900g) bone-in or boneless chicken (thighs or breast), cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (seeded & finely chopped, optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) water or chicken broth
- 1 large potato, peeled and cubed (optional for added body)
- 2 scallions, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken – Combine chicken with all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and marinate at least 1 hour (or overnight for max flavor).
- Sear the Chicken – In a large pot, heat oil and brown chicken on all sides (in batches if needed). Remove and set aside.
- Build the Curry – In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger for 2–3 minutes. Add curry powder and toast for 1 minute. Return chicken to the pot. Pour in coconut milk and water/broth. Add potatoes and scallions.
- Simmer – Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 35–45 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens. Stir occasionally. Adjust salt.
- Serve – Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve with steamed rice, roti, or fried plantains.
Notes
- Use Jamaican curry powder like Betapac or Grace for authentic flavor.
- Coconut milk makes it creamy, but you can skip for a more classic dry-style curry.
- Store leftovers for up to 3 days — tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg