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Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

4.6 from 150 reviews

This authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe combines tender chicken pieces simmered in a fragrant curry sauce made with curry powder, onions, and garlic. This one-pot dish is a delicious Caribbean favorite that’s easy to prepare and perfect served alongside steamed rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them generously with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of curry powder. This step infuses the meat with the signature warm and earthy flavors of Jamaican curry.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add Chicken and Curry Powder: Add the seasoned chicken into the pan and brown each side for 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining curry powder over the chicken and stir well to coat the pieces evenly with the spices.
  4. Simmer the Chicken: Add about 1 cup of water or chicken broth to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat and serve hot with steamed white rice or your preferred side dish.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add Scotch bonnet peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions.
  • Bone-in chicken thighs provide more flavor and stay moist, but boneless can be used for quicker cooking.
  • To deepen the curry flavor, you can toast the curry powder briefly in the dry pan before adding oil and aromatics.
  • Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.

Keywords: Jamaican, Curry Chicken, Caribbean, chicken recipe, one-pot meal, easy dinner