The aroma of brown stew chicken Jamaican wafts through the air, teasing your senses with a promise of savory goodness. Picture tender chicken simmering in a rich, spiced sauce, with vibrant vegetables mingling for a flavor explosion that dances on your palate.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug from the Caribbean, perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. I remember the first time I tried making it myself—my kitchen turned into an aromatic paradise that had everyone flocking to see what was brewing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This brown stew chicken Jamaican recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests
- With its bold flavor profile, it delights every taste bud
- The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach
- Plus, it’s versatile; serve it with rice, bread, or even pasta depending on your mood!
I once surprised my family with this dish during a family gathering, and their delighted reactions made all the effort worth it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Bone-in Chicken Pieces: Using bone-in pieces adds depth and richness to the stew.
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Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose oils with high smoke points like canola or vegetable oil.
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Onions: Sweet onions enhance the flavor and add a lovely sweetness when sautéed.
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Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers to add visual appeal and crunch.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic base that’s essential to the dish’s flavor.
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Thyme: Fresh thyme enhances the earthiness of the stew; dried works too in a pinch.
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Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth; opt for low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
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Tomato Paste: This brings acidity and richness to balance out flavors beautifully.
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Pimento Seeds (Allspice): These tiny seeds pack a punch of warmth that’s quintessential to Jamaican cooking.
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Scotch Bonnet Pepper: For heat; adjust based on your spice tolerance!
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Carrots and Potatoes: They absorb flavors well and add heartiness to your meal.
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Chicken Broth or Water: Use broth for richer flavor; water will work in a pinch too.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Chicken: Start by rinsing your chicken under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels then season generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat about 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add chicken pieces skin-side down until golden brown—about 7 minutes—and flip them over.
Add Aromatics & Veggies : Toss in sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir until everything softens and you catch whiffs of sweet onion aroma—around 5 minutes.
Create Your Sauce : Mix in tomato paste, soy sauce, thyme, pimento seeds, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Stir while cooking for another minute to meld those flavors together!
Add Liquid & Simmer : Pour in chicken broth or water until everything is just submerged. Bring to a boil then reduce heat; let simmer covered for about 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
Add Final Touches : Finally, stir in chopped carrots and potatoes. Cook uncovered for another 20 minutes until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
And there you have it! Now you’re ready to serve up this brown stew chicken Jamaican style. Enjoy every bite as you savor those incredible flavors!
You Must Know
- This Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe is a flavor explosion
- The marinated chicken simmers in rich spices, creating a delightful aroma
- Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, it’s a dish that warms both the heart and the palate
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve tender, juicy brown stew chicken, start by marinating overnight, then sear the chicken for rich flavor before simmering with vegetables and broth.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or add pineapple for a sweet twist. Experimenting with spices can also yield exciting results!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain tenderness and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always taste and adjust seasoning while cooking to fit your preference; it makes a world of difference
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible to elevate flavors, as they bring brightness to your dish
- Letting the stew sit for a few hours deepens its flavor profile significantly
Sharing this recipe brings back joyful memories of family dinners filled with laughter and my cousin insisting she could cook better—she never could!
FAQ
What is brown stew chicken Jamaican?
Brown stew chicken Jamaican is a flavorful dish made with marinated chicken cooked in rich seasonings.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least four hours, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
Can I freeze brown stew chicken?
Yes, brown stew chicken freezes well; just ensure it’s in an airtight container for best results.
Delicious Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
Experience the vibrant flavors of Jamaica with this delectable brown stew chicken recipe. Tender, marinated chicken simmers in a rich, spiced sauce, infused with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this dish promises a comforting taste of the Caribbean that will delight your senses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (mix of colors)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp pimento seeds (allspice)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole (adjust for heat)
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces skin-side down until golden brown (about 7 minutes), then flip them over.
- Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in tomato paste, soy sauce, thyme, pimento seeds, and scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for another minute to blend flavors.
- Pour in chicken broth or water until chicken is submerged. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer covered for about 30 minutes.
- Stir in carrots and potatoes; cook uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: <0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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