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A full Jamaican meal featuring curry chicken, rice and peas, and fried plantains.

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe – Spicy & Flavorful Caribbean Dish

This Jamaican curry chicken recipe is a rich, bold, and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a fragrant curry sauce with Jamaican spices, Scotch bonnet pepper, and creamy coconut milk. Served with rice and peas or roti, this Caribbean favorite is perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Jamaican, Caribbean
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Bowl for marinating
  • Tongs for handling chicken

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 2 lbs bone-in chicken cut into pieces
  • 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 2 scallions chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper finely chopped, optional
  • 1 tbsp vinegar or lime juice for cleaning chicken
  • For Cooking:
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil vegetable or coconut oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 medium tomato diced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 cup coconut milk optional, for creaminess
  • 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
  • ½ tsp pimento allspice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Additional salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Chicken
  • Rinse the chicken with vinegar or lime juice, then wash it under cold water.
  • Pat dry and place in a bowl.
  • Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
  • Add Jamaican curry powder, salt, black pepper, all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, scallions, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper to the chicken.
  • Mix well, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for the best flavor).
  • Step 3: Burn the Curry Powder
  • Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add 1 tbsp of Jamaican curry powder to the oil and stir continuously for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Step 4: Sear the Chicken
  • Add the marinated chicken to the pot.
  • Stir well to coat it with the toasted curry.
  • Brown the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Step 5: Build the Curry Sauce
  • Add onions, tomatoes, and ginger to the pot. Stir well.
  • Pour in coconut milk (if using) and chicken broth or water.
  • Add potatoes, paprika, and pimento (allspice). Stir everything together.
  • Step 6: Simmer the Curry
  • Cover and let the curry simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
  • Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
  • Serve your Jamaican curry chicken with:
  • ✅ Steamed white rice or rice and peas
  • ✅ Roti or fried dumplings
  • ✅ A side of coleslaw or steamed vegetables

Notes

For extra spice, chop the Scotch bonnet pepper and add it to the marinade.
For a drier curry, reduce the amount of broth or water.
Coconut milk is optional but adds a creamy texture to the sauce.
Marinating overnight enhances the flavor significantly.