Jamaican chicken soup is anything but boring. Caribbean seasonings make this vibrant soup taste amazing. Plus, loads of vegetables ramp up the nutritional value and deliver an exciting array of textures and flavors. And did I mention how easy this recipe is? Even getting all the ingredients is a breeze if you have a Caribbean market nearby! Once you gather the ingredients, it’s literally a matter of a few minutes to saute, assemble everything in the pot, and cook for half an hour. Then you’ve got a healthy pot of soup for pure comfort food. Many Jamaicans add dumplings or spinners to the mix. I skipped them in this recipe, but feel free to add them in. Of course, we can’t forget the pumpkin. The Caribbean pumpkin or calabaza is traditional, but I used butternut because it’s easier to find in the States.
What You’ll Need
How to Make Jamaican Chicken and Pumpkin Soup
Saute the Aromatics -Heat a stock pot or Dutch oven with oil, then add onions, green onions, garlic, thyme, allspice, bay leaf, and scotch bonnet pepper or hot sauce. Stir for about 3 minutes to get the aromatics going. (Photo 1) Add the chicken, salt, and pepper. Stir for about a minute, then add the broth (or water and bouillon) to the pot. (Photo 2) Assemble – Finally, toss in the vegetables: green plantains, squash, pumpkin, chayote, carrots, plus the cock soup bouillon. (Photos 3-4) Simmer – Cover and cook on medium-low for about 30 minutes. Serve – Adjust the salt to taste, remove from the heat, and serve with bread or dumplings.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
Let the chicken soup cool before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep it refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat over medium heat on the stovetop when ready to serve it.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Serve Jamaican chicken and pumpkin soup hot, with some dipping bread. Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days or freeze them for 2-3 months. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
What Goes With Jamaican Chicken and Pumpkin Soup
Serve this hearty soup with some bread! I like to make either no-knead or homemade garlic bread. Round out your meal with a side of rice and a simple tossed salad. 🥗
More Sensational Jamaican Soups & Stews to Try
This blog post was originally published in November 2016 and has been updated with additional tips and gorgeous photos
