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Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

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This flavorful Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is a savory, comforting dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced sauce. With the perfect balance of heat from scotch bonnet peppers and sweetness from vegetables, this dish is a true taste of the Caribbean. Serve it with rice or fried dumplings for an authentic experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  1. 2 1/2 pounds chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or a mix)
  2. 1 lime or lemon (for washing chicken)
  3. 2 teaspoons salt
  4. 1 teaspoon black pepper
  5. 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  6. 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
  7. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  8. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  9. 1 medium onion, sliced
  10. 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
  11. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  12. 2 medium carrots, sliced
  13. 3 scallions, chopped
  14. 1 sprig of thyme
  15. 1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole or sliced, optional for spice)
  16. 1 tablespoon ketchup
  17. 1 teaspoon browning sauce
  18. 1 cup chicken stock or water

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken:
    Wash the chicken pieces with lime or lemon and water, then pat dry.
    Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, all-purpose seasoning, and soy sauce.
    Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).

  • Brown the Chicken:
    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

  • Sauté the Vegetables:
    In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, garlic, carrots, and scallions until softened.

  • Build the Flavor:
    Add thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, ketchup, and browning sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
    Pour in the chicken stock or water and bring to a simmer.

  • Simmer the Stew:
    Return the browned chicken to the skillet, ensuring the pieces are nestled into the sauce.
    Cover and let simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

 

  • Final Touches & Serving:
    Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
    Serve hot with rice, fried dumplings, or your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Scotch bonnet pepper is optional, but it adds a distinctive heat and flavor typical of Jamaican cuisine. Adjust according to your spice preference.
  • Browning sauce gives the dish its signature deep color, but you can omit it for a lighter version.

 

  • Letting the chicken marinate overnight results in more intense flavors.

Nutrition