We love Jamaican food! After spending several vacations in the Caribbean, we’ve come to crave the bright, bold flavors of Jamaican cuisine as soon as summer arrives. These Caribbean Shrimp Burgers and this Healthy Caribbean Chicken Curry Sheet Pan Dinner are just a couple of examples of some of our favorite island-inspired recipes! We recently shared an authentic recipe for Jamaican Brown Chicken Stew, made with a thick and rich gravy plus lots of vegetables. While they are equally delicious in their own unique ways, this Jamaican Curry Chicken is pretty different from the stew – it’s a spicier, saucier dish that’s perfect to serve with rice and your favorite Caribbean side dishes.
Original Jamaican Chicken Curry Recipe
Spicy yellow chicken curry is loaded with tender potatoes and carrots in a thin, creamy sauce. You can enjoy it in a bowl by itself like a stew, or serve it right on top of white rice or classic Jamaican Peas and Rice. This recipe is ready in just an hour and a half. It’s therefore a bit quicker dish than the brown stew but, is just as delicious and satisfying. And leftovers are fantastic! Make authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken as a relaxing weekend dinner that you can enjoy for several days. The whole family will love it when you bring some Caribbean flavor to the table!
Ingredients You Need
This comforting recipe lets the vibrant seasonings shine. Many ingredients are pantry staples or can be easily found in your local grocery store. For this classic yellow chicken curry recipe you need:
Lime – juiced Bone-in chicken pieces – we use dark meat chicken thighs and drumsticks (I do not recommend boneless chicken breasts) Onion – peeled and chopped Garlic – minced Seasonings/spices – yellow curry powder, adobo seasoning blend (store-bought or try our easy homemade adobo seasoning recipe!), freshly grated ginger, fresh thyme sprigs, allspice Habanero pepper (also known as Scotch bonnet peppers) – seeded and minced Vegetable oil – or preferred high heat cooking oil besides olive oil Potatoes – peeled and chopped Carrots – chopped Bell pepper – chopped Chicken broth – or water + bouillon Green Onion – as a garnish
How to Make Jamaican Curry Chicken from Scratch
Here we share the 4 simple steps to prepare this curry recipe in under 90 minutes.
Step #1 – Prep the Chicken
First, set out a large mixing bowl. Remove the chicken skins but leave the meat and bones intact. Place the chicken in the bowl and squeeze the lime juice over the top of the chicken. Toss to coat.
Step #2 – Marinate the Chicken
To the chicken, add the chopped onion, garlic, curry powder, adobo seasoning, ginger, thyme, allspice, and habanero. Toss well to coat. Then allow the chicken to rest and marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can even do this ahead! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Step #3 – Brown the Caribbean Chicken
Next, set a large 6-8 quart saucepot over medium heat. Add the oil, and once hot, add half of the chicken pieces. Brown the chicken on both sides, for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken pieces, and repeat the browning process with the second batch of chicken pieces. Then add the first batch of chicken back to the pot. Pour in all the onions and seasonings from the marinating bowl. Use tongs to stir the onions and garlic. Brown for 2-3 minutes.
Step #4 – Simmer the Jamaican Curry Chicken
Pour in the chopped potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Cover the pot and simmer for 25 minutes on medium-low. You can reduce the heat if needed. After 25 minutes, uncover and simmer the yellow curry for another 5 minutes or so to thicken the broth. Once the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender, taste, then salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy warm as-is or with your favorite sides. We also like to add sliced scallions for an extra pop of fresh flavor.
What to Serve with Yellow Chicken Curry
Savory and spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken is best to serve with peas and rice or plain white rice. Add a side of Baked Plantains and you’ve got an authentic Caribbean meal that’s delicious to enjoy wherever you live. And don’t forget the Caribbean Spiced Rum Cake for dessert!
How to Store Leftovers
This Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe is great to make ahead! Let the curry cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Yellow chicken curry can even be frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock?
These two things are mostly the same, except broth is made from meat or vegetables and is usually thin in texture. Chicken stock is made from bones and is usually thicker.
Looking for More Delicious Curry and Stew Recipes?
Easy Madras Chicken Curry Instant Pot Butter Chicken Curry Carne Guisada Recipe (Con Papas) Instant Pot Green Chicken Curry Brazilian Feijoada (Pork and Black Bean Stew) Jamaican Curry Goat Thai Pangang Chicken Curry Sauce
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