– 2 pounds chicken (bone-in, skinless preferred)
– 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
– 1 teaspoon allspice
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
– 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
– 1 bell pepper (green or red), chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, diced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
– Fresh thyme (a few sprigs)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
– 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
Creating Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is straightforward if you follow these steps:
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the curry powder, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
3. Add Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pot and brown on all sides. This process should take around 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate Vegetables: Stir in the chopped Scotch bonnet peppers and bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Potatoes: Mix in the diced potatoes, ensuring they are well integrated with the chicken and spices.
6. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Season and Simmer: Stir in fresh thyme and soy sauce (if using). Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
8. Finish and Garnish: Taste the curry and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, leave the lid off for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
9. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions.