Description
Tender chicken simmered in a rich Jamaican brown stew sauce with caramelized seasoning, peppers, onions, garlic, and aromatic spices. This comforting Caribbean dish is packed with bold, savory flavor that embodies the vibrant taste of Jamaica.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 kg chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp allspice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tbsp browning sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, optional
- 1½ cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, allspice, garlic, ginger, and lime juice. Coat the chicken pieces evenly and marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Heat oil and brown chicken: Warm olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and brown them on all sides to develop a rich color and enhance taste. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add sliced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in chopped tomatoes, green onions, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and browning sauce, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Return chicken and add broth: Place browned chicken back into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add the Scotch bonnet pepper whole if using, to add heat and flavor.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 35 to 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and intensify in flavor.
- Serve: Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Serve your Jamaican brown stew chicken with a side of rice and peas or steamed vegetables for a complete hearty meal.
Notes
- Browning sauce is key to achieving the dish’s signature deep color and rich flavor.
- The Scotch bonnet pepper adds significant heat; using it whole provides flavor with less spiciness.
- Chicken thighs are preferred as they stay tender and juicy during the long simmer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican, Caribbean
