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Ultimate Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

Ultimate Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 21 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Jamaican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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

  1. 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).
  2. Sear the Chicken – In a large pot, heat oil and brown chicken on all sides (in batches if needed). Remove and set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. Simmer – Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 35–45 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens. Stir occasionally. Adjust salt.
  5. 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