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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

Tender chicken thighs and drumsticks cooked in a fragrant blend of Jamaican spices, coconut milk, and herbs for a classic Caribbean dish.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs and drumsticks skin removed, cut into pieces
  • 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2-3 scallions chopped
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper deseeded and chopped, optional
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 lime juice from 1 lime
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Marinate chicken with 1 tbsp curry powder, allspice, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet or Dutch oven. Brown chicken pieces on all sides, 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté onion, garlic, scallions, and scotch bonnet pepper for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add remaining 1 tbsp curry powder and fresh thyme. Stir for 1 minute.
  5. Return chicken to skillet. Add coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir, cover, and simmer 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked and tender.
  6. Adjust salt, pepper, and heat to taste. Serve over steamed rice.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate chicken overnight. Adjust scotch bonnet pepper to control heat.