Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe is a flavorful dish made using seasoned chicken, fresh herbs, peppers, and a rich, savory brown sauce. This dish tastes incredibly delicious because of its bold spices and slow-cooked depth.
I made this Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe because I felt inspired after watching a Caribbean cooking show highlighting traditional Jamaican meals.
The main specialty of this recipe is the deep browning of the chicken and the slow simmering method that brings out rich flavors.
I will now show up and walk through each step-by-step process used to prepare this hearty and deeply satisfying Jamaican dish.
What Makes This Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe Special?
What makes this Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe special is its rich combination of deep, smoky browning, fresh herbs, bold spices, and slow simmering that brings everything together.
The flavors soak into the chicken, creating a tender, savory dish with just the right kick of heat. It’s a comforting, home-style recipe that reflects true Jamaican cooking traditions, turning simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
How To Prepare Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Jamaican / Caribbean
Difficulty: Medium
Yield: Serves 4–6
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Large bowl (for marinating)
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 770g (1.7 lbs) chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings; breast optional)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- ¼ each red and green bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 small tomato, diced
- ¼ Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 tbsp browning sauce (e.g., Grace)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 5 whole pimento berries (allspice) or 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1½ tsp all-purpose or chicken seasoning
- 1½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp ketchup (or substitute: 1 tsp cornstarch + pinch of brown sugar)
- 1½ cups water or chicken broth
- Optional: splash of soy sauce or pinch of brown sugar for extra depth
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with chopped onion, scallion, garlic, bell peppers, ginger, tomato, Scotch bonnet pepper, browning sauce, thyme, paprika, allspice, all-purpose seasoning, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.
2. Brown the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove chicken pieces from the marinade (set marinade aside) and brown them on all sides in batches. This helps seal in flavor.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
After browning the chicken, reduce heat slightly and add the remaining marinade to the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and spices to become fragrant.
4. Simmer the Stew:
Add the browned chicken back to the pot. Stir in carrots, bay leaves, ketchup (or substitute), and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
5. Final Adjustments:
Taste and adjust seasoning. If you like a slightly sweeter stew, add a touch of brown sugar or a splash of soy sauce. Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.
6. Serve Hot:
Best enjoyed with white rice, rice and peas, fried plantains, or boiled dumplings.
Nutrition Facts Of Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410–450 kcal |
| Protein | 35–40 g |
| Fat | 24–26 g |
| Carbs | 12–15 g |
| Sugars | 5–6 g |
| Sodium | 900–1150 mg |
Expert Tips To Make Your Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe Even Better
1. Marinate Overnight
Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the spices and herbs to fully penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.
2. Use Bone-In Chicken
Bone-in pieces like thighs, legs, or wings add more flavor and keep the chicken moist during cooking.
3. Brown Chicken Properly
Searing the chicken before stewing builds a rich, deep flavor in the sauce. Don’t skip this step.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Brown the chicken in batches to ensure a proper sear without steaming.
5. Adjust Heat to Taste
Start with a small amount of Scotch bonnet and add more if you enjoy extra heat this pepper is very spicy.
How To Make Delicious Of Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe?
To make Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe even more delicious, focus on building flavor at every step. Marinate the chicken overnight with fresh herbs, spices, and browning sauce.
Sear the chicken until golden to lock in flavor, then slowly simmer it with fresh vegetables, thyme, and a touch of Scotch bonnet pepper.
Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer sauce, and finish with a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of brown sugar to balance the heat and bring out deeper flavor.
Amazing Serving Ideas For Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe
1. Rice and Peas
A classic Jamaican combo savory coconut rice cooked with kidney beans perfectly complements the rich stew.
2. Fried Plantains
Sweet, caramelized plantains add a delicious contrast to the bold, spicy flavors of the chicken.
3. Boiled Dumplings and Ground Provisions
Serve with boiled dumplings, yam, or green banana for a hearty, traditional island meal.
4. White Rice
Simple steamed rice soaks up the flavorful gravy and keeps the focus on the stew.
5. Festival (Jamaican Fried Dough)
Slightly sweet and crispy, festival is great for dipping in the savory brown stew sauce.
How To Store Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe?
To store Jamaican brown stew chicken Recipe, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator and store for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until fully heated through. Always ensure the chicken is reheated to a safe internal temperature before serving.
Conclusion
My easy and delicious Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe turned out to be a great success, and I truly enjoyed making it. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe in your own kitchen.
It’s easy to make and full of bold, satisfying flavor. Now that you’ve seen how simple it is, I believe you will make it soon. After you cook it, let me know how much you enjoyed it and how delicious it turned out for you.
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