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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 75 reviews

This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe delivers a flavorful and spicy Caribbean classic that is perfectly balanced with aromatic spices, Scotch bonnet peppers, and creamy coconut milk. Tender chicken drumsticks are marinated and simmered with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers in a rich curry sauce, offering a comforting and vibrant dish that captures the true taste of Jamaica. Perfect served over steamed rice or rice and peas, this recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, bringing a warm and zesty meal to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 3–4 chicken drumsticks (skin-on or skinless)
  • 2 Tbsp Jamaican curry powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1–2 tsp all-purpose seasoning or Flavo Rice (optional)
  • 1 ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1–2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 Tbsp browning (optional, for deeper color and flavor)

For the Curry Sauce

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 14 oz (1 can) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 8 Tbsp low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2–3 Scotch bonnet peppers (or habaneros for milder heat)
  • 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp Jamaican curry powder
  • 1 Tbsp Jamaican hot sauce (or your favorite brand)
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: Clean and pat the chicken dry and place it in a large bowl. Add sea salt, black pepper, browning (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried parsley, all-purpose seasoning if desired, and Jamaican curry powder. Toss well to coat all the chicken pieces thoroughly. Transfer the coated chicken to a sealed bag or covered bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to develop. Before cooking, let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
  2. Burn the curry powder: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the Jamaican curry powder and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until the powder darkens and releases a strong aromatic fragrance. This step deepens the flavor base of the curry.
  3. Build the flavor base: To the skillet, add minced garlic, fresh ginger, chopped Scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, and chopped bell pepper. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and slightly golden, enhancing the aroma and taste. Stir in ground allspice, sea salt, and black pepper to complement the flavors further.
  4. Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken drumsticks to the skillet, searing each side for 3–4 minutes until browned, locking in flavor and texture.
  5. Simmer the curry: Pour in low-sodium soy sauce, chicken stock, Jamaican hot sauce, and full-fat coconut milk. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Then add cubed potatoes, chopped carrots, and fresh thyme sprigs. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender, the vegetables are cooked, and the sauce thickens to a rich consistency.
  6. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the curry to rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with additional parsley or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve the Jamaican curry chicken hot over steamed rice, rice and peas, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a hearty meal.

Notes

  • Use Scotch bonnet peppers for authentic Jamaican heat; substitute habaneros for a milder spice.
  • Marinate the chicken overnight to maximize flavor penetration.
  • For a thicker curry sauce, simmer uncovered during the last few minutes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
  • This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Keywords: Jamaican curry chicken, Caribbean curry, authentic Jamaican recipe, spicy chicken curry, Scotch bonnet peppers, gluten-free curry

Find it online: https://foodarohub.com/authentic-jamaican-curry-chicken-recipe/