The aroma of brown stew chicken Jamaican wafts through the air, filling your kitchen with a warm embrace that instantly transports you to a sun-drenched Caribbean island. Juicy chicken pieces simmer in a spicy, savory broth, infused with the vibrant flavors of thyme, garlic, and bell peppers, promising an explosion of taste in every bite.
Imagine gathering around the dinner table with family and friends, laughter echoing as everyone digs into this comforting dish. With its rich flavors and tender texture, brown stew chicken Jamaican is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to lively backyard barbecues.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Brown stew chicken Jamaican offers effortless preparation without sacrificing flavor
- The stunning colors and aromas make every plate eye-catching
- Perfect for any meal yet versatile enough for leftovers
- You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds
Sharing this recipe with my friends led to spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen as we appreciated every mouthful together.
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 enhances flavor; thighs or drumsticks work best for juicy results.
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Bell Peppers: Any color will do; they add sweetness and a beautiful pop of color to the dish.
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Onion: A medium onion balances the dish’s sweetness; slice it thinly for even cooking.
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Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential here; they provide depth and aroma that elevate the dish.
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Thyme: Fresh thyme brings an earthy flavor; feel free to use dried if fresh isn’t available.
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Scotch Bonnet Pepper: For authentic heat, but remove the seeds if you prefer milder flavors.
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while adding umami richness.
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Brown Sugar: It balances out the savory elements beautifully, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
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Chicken Broth: Homemade or store-bought works; it’s crucial for creating that flavorful base sauce.
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Vegetable Oil: For browning the chicken; choose a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
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Pimento Seeds (Allspice): They add a warm, aromatic essence that’s characteristic in Jamaican cuisine.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Before diving into cooking, let’s gather our ingredients and channel our inner chefs! Cooking should be fun and fragrant.
Prepare Your Chicken: Rinse your chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Peppers: Toss in minced garlic and chopped bell peppers along with scotch bonnet pepper for heat. Sauté until everything softens beautifully—this should take around 3 minutes.
Brown the Chicken: Increase heat slightly, add seasoned chicken pieces skin-side down. Brown each side until golden brown—approximately 4-5 minutes per side gives fantastic color!
Create Your Sauce: Pour in soy sauce, sprinkle brown sugar over everything, then add thyme and pimento seeds. Stir gently to distribute flavors evenly throughout—let it simmer for about 1 minute.
Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth until it covers half of the chicken pieces. Reduce heat to low; cover and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until tender and deliciously fragrant.
Now that you have your brown stew chicken Jamaican bubbling away, prepare yourself for an unforgettable feast where every bite bursts with flavor! Enjoy it with rice or plantains—your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- Brown stew chicken Jamaican is not just a meal; it’s a celebration in a pot
- The combination of spices and tender chicken creates aromas that’ll make your neighbors think you’re throwing a party
- Serve it with rice and peas for the ultimate experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least two hours to enhance flavors. Sear it until golden, then simmer in a rich sauce for maximum tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in your fridge. Add bell peppers for sweetness or scotch bonnet for heat, tailoring the dish to your tastes.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain flavor and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always taste the marinade before adding the chicken; this ensures all flavors are balanced
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking makes it juicier
- Use fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor that elevates your brown stew chicken Jamaican experience
There was that one time I made brown stew chicken Jamaican for a family gathering, and it disappeared faster than my cousin could say “pass me some more!” Everyone couldn’t stop raving about how tender and flavorful it was—definitely a moment I’ll cherish forever!
FAQ
What can I serve with brown stew chicken Jamaican?
Serve it with rice and peas or fried plantains for a complete meal.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least two hours enhances flavor; overnight is even better!
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken works great but may cook faster than bone-in cuts.
Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Experience the vibrant essence of Jamaica with this delightful brown stew chicken recipe. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this dish features succulent chicken pieces simmered in a rich, savory sauce, creating a comforting meal that brings family and friends together. Perfect for any occasion, serve it alongside rice or plantains for an authentic Caribbean feast that will transport your taste buds to sun-soaked shores.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole (remove seeds for milder flavor)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 pimento seeds (allspice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse chicken pieces under cold water and pat dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and chopped bell peppers along with the scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
- Increase heat slightly, add chicken pieces skin-side down, and brown on both sides for about 4-5 minutes each.
- Pour in soy sauce and sprinkle brown sugar over the chicken. Add thyme and pimento seeds; stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth until it covers half the chicken pieces. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Braised
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
