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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

A rich, flavorful, and comforting Jamaican curry chicken recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for family meals. Tender chicken cooked in authentic Jamaican spices and coconut milk creates a true Caribbean favorite.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 43 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course dinner
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks skin removed and cleaned
  • 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper finely diced (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • For Cooking:
  • 2 tbsp oil for browning
  • 1 large potato peeled and cubed
  • 1 large carrot sliced
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley or scallions for garnish
  • Optional Sides:
  • Steamed white rice or Jamaican rice and peas
  • Fried plantains or coleslaw

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken with curry powder, allspice, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, Scotch bonnet, thyme, and ginger. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  • Brown the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown chicken pieces on all sides until lightly golden.
  • Sauté Aromatics: Remove chicken, then sauté remaining onions and spices in the same pot for 1–2 minutes.
  • Add Vegetables and Liquid: Return chicken to the pot. Add potatoes, carrots, coconut milk, water or broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
  • Simmer Gently: Cover and simmer over low heat for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
  • Final Touch: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley or scallions, and serve hot with rice, roti, or flatbread.

Notes

  • For richer flavor, use bone-in chicken.
  • Adjust Scotch bonnet pepper for desired heat.
  • This curry tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
  • Serve with traditional Jamaican sides for an authentic experience.
Keyword authentic Jamaican chicken curry, Caribbean curry, Jamaican curry chicken