Sizzling Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

My mom’s legendary jamaican brown stew chicken recipe carries memories of sultry island afternoons and vibrant kitchen conversations.

Generations of cooks have perfected this deeply seasoned dish with intense flavor profiles.

Warm spices and tender meat create an authentic Caribbean experience that transports you directly to jamaica’s culinary landscape.

Rich marinades infuse each tender chicken piece with complex, aromatic notes.

Slow simmering transforms simple ingredients into a robust meal bursting with heritage and tradition.

Marinating overnight intensifies the depth of flavors, ensuring each bite tells a delicious story.

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken That’s Packed With Depth

• Quick Flavor Explosion: Packed with vibrant Caribbean spices that transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering feast.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Marinate chicken ahead of time, then simply sauté and simmer for an effortless one-skillet meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal kitchen work.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or introducing friends to authentic Jamaican cuisine without complex cooking techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses affordable chicken pieces and pantry staples to create a rich, hearty dish that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience at home.

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Combo

• Chicken: The star of the dish, providing rich, tender meat with deep Jamaican flavors.
• Chicken Stock or Water: Essential liquid base for creating a flavorful, moist stew.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, All-Purpose Seasoning: Core spices that build a complex flavor profile for the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the marinade.
• Thyme: Classic Jamaican herb that brings authentic Caribbean taste.
• Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Signature spicy ingredient providing traditional Jamaican heat.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic, Carrots, Scallions: Fresh vegetables that create a rich, layered base for the stew.
• Ketchup, Browning Sauce: Additional flavor enhancers that contribute to the sauce's color and taste.
• Lime or Lemon: Used for cleaning and preparing the chicken, adding subtle citrus notes.
• Vegetable Oil: Necessary for sautéing and browning the chicken and vegetables.

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Cooking Guide

Step 1: Cleanse and Dry Chicken

Rinse chicken pieces with lime juice, thoroughly washing away impurities.

Pat each piece completely dry using paper towels, ensuring crisp exterior for perfect browning.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• All-purpose seasoning
• Soy sauce

Allow chicken to marinate, letting flavors deeply penetrate for rich taste experience.

Step 3: Golden Searing

Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium flame.

Brown chicken pieces until golden, creating delicious caramelized exterior.

Transfer browned chicken to separate plate.

Step 4: Build Aromatic Foundation

• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Scallions

Step 5: Develop Spicy Sauce Base

• Thyme
• Scotch bonnet pepper
• Ketchup
• Browning sauce

Stir ingredients until perfectly combined.

Step 6: Simmer and Cook

Pour chicken stock, creating luxurious cooking liquid.

Nestle browned chicken pieces into sauce.

Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes until chicken becomes tender and succulent.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings.

Plate alongside steamed rice, crispy fried dumplings, or preferred accompaniments.

Enjoy authentic Jamaican culinary experience.

Brown Stew Chicken Tips Worth Knowing

• Use lime or lemon juice to wash chicken, which helps remove impurities and adds a subtle tangy flavor while naturally cleaning the meat.
• Let chicken sit in seasonings for at least an hour or overnight to allow deep flavor penetration and tenderize the meat thoroughly.
• Ensure chicken pieces are golden brown before removing from skillet, which locks in juices and creates a rich, caramelized exterior.
• Stir ingredients like ketchup and browning sauce carefully to create a balanced, complex flavor profile that defines authentic Jamaican brown stew chicken.
• Keep the skillet covered while cooking to trap moisture, allowing chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious sauce flavors.

Brown Stew Chicken That Returns With Depth and Richness

• Store leftover Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 3 months.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly and reach 165°F internal temperature.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

What To Serve With Brown Stew Chicken

• Savor Jamaican Culinary Harmony: Perfect Pairings
• Rum Cocktail Complement: Mix a zesty rum punch with fresh lime and tropical fruit to match the bold, spicy flavors of the brown stew chicken, creating a Caribbean-inspired drinking experience.
• Rice and Beans Sidekick: Prepare traditional Jamaican rice and red beans as the ultimate accompaniment, absorbing the rich, savory sauce and providing a hearty, balanced meal that celebrates island cuisine.
• Fresh Tropical Salad Boost: Craft a light green salad with mango, avocado, and cucumber, dressed in a citrusy vinaigrette to cut through the stew's richness and add refreshing contrast to the intense chicken flavors.
• Cool Cucumber Raita Refresher: Whip up a cooling cucumber raita with yogurt and fresh herbs, offering a creamy, tangy counterpoint that softens the dish's spicy undertones and provides a soothing palate cleanser.

Stew Chicken Caribbean Variants

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free all-purpose seasoning to maintain authentic flavor profile while accommodating celiac needs.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit. Press and marinate protein alternative using same seasoning blend for similar taste experience.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium chicken stock and reduce added salt. Replace regular soy sauce with reduced-sodium version to control sodium intake without compromising flavor.
• Spice-Level Adjustment: Remove scotch bonnet pepper for mild version. Add extra black pepper or cayenne for those wanting increased heat intensity without traditional pepper's extreme spiciness.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Marinate the chicken with lime or lemon to help tenderize the meat and avoid overcooking. Always cook on low to medium heat and let it simmer gently to keep the chicken moist and tender.

• Can I use a different type of pepper instead of scotch bonnet?

While scotch bonnet is traditional, you can substitute with habanero or jalapeño peppers. Each will provide a different heat level, so adjust according to your spice tolerance.

• What's the purpose of browning the chicken before simmering?

Browning creates a rich, caramelized exterior that adds deep flavor and helps seal in the chicken’s juices. This technique enhances the overall taste and texture of the stew.

• Is this dish spicy?

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken can be moderately spicy due to the scotch bonnet pepper. You can control the heat by removing the pepper’s seeds or using less pepper to suit your preference.

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken delivers a spicy Caribbean melody of flavors dancing through tender meat and rich, caramelized sauce. Simmered with aromatic herbs and traditional island spices, this hearty dish invites you to savor authentic Jamaican culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2.5 pounds chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or a mix)
• 1 lime or lemon (for washing chicken)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon browning sauce
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole or sliced, optional for spice)

Supporting Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 1 cup chicken stock or water

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Instructions

1. Cleanse chicken pieces using citrus juice, thoroughly drying afterward to prepare for seasoning.
2. Create a robust marinade with aromatic herbs and spices, coating each chicken piece comprehensively to infuse deep flavor profiles.
3. Allow marinated chicken to rest, permitting ingredients to penetrate and tenderize the meat for enhanced taste.
4. Warm cooking vessel with vegetable oil, creating a hot surface for achieving golden-brown exterior on chicken pieces.
5. Carefully caramelize chicken segments until rich amber color develops, then temporarily remove from heat.
6. Utilize identical cooking vessel to sauté aromatic vegetables, releasing their natural sweetness and creating flavor foundation.
7. Introduce vibrant condiments and herb elements, stirring meticulously to develop complex sauce consistency.
8. Incorporate liquid components, generating simmering environment that will transform raw ingredients into cohesive culinary experience.
9. Gently reintroduce browned chicken into developing sauce, ensuring complete coverage and even cooking throughout.
10. Allow mixture to simmer patiently, permitting chicken to absorb surrounding flavors and reach optimal tenderness.
11. Evaluate seasoning balance, making subtle adjustments to elevate overall taste profile.
12. Present steaming dish alongside complementary accompaniments, celebrating traditional Jamaican culinary techniques.

Notes

• Enhance the chicken’s flavor by using citrus like lime or lemon, which helps tenderize and remove gamey taste.
• Marinating overnight allows deeper seasoning penetration, creating more intense and balanced flavor profiles.
• Choose bone-in chicken pieces for richer taste and juicier meat compared to boneless cuts.
• Control spice levels by adjusting scotch bonnet pepper quantity – remove seeds for milder heat or increase for fiery kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg