Skip to Content

Easy Authentic Jamaican Stew Chicken

When it comes to caribbean dishes, The Authentic Jamaican Stew Chicken recipe is so good and easy to make for dinner or lunch!

What is Jamaican Stew Chicken?

Jamaican Stew Chicken is a classic Caribbean dish that is typically made with chicken that has been simmered in a flavorful, spice-filled sauce. The sauce is usually made with a combination of fresh herbs and spices, including thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet peppers.

This dish is often served with Jamaican rice and peas and it can also be made with other types of poultry, such as turkey or duck.

Where did the stew chicken recipe originate?

There are a few different stories about where the stew chicken recipe may have originated. One story says that it was created by Jamaican slaves who were given leftover chicken parts to make into a stew.

Another story says that the dish was created by Chinese immigrants who came to Jamaica and decided to use their own style of cooking to create a stew with chicken.

Whatever the origins of the dish may be, it is now a Jamaican classic that is enjoyed by many people all over the world.

How do you make Jamaican Stew Chicken?

There are many different ways to make Jamaican Stew Chicken, but there are a few key ingredients that are always used. These ingredients include chicken, thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet peppers.

The chicken is usually simmered in the sauce for several hours until it is cooked through and very tender.

What are some tips for making Jamaican Stew Chicken?

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect Jamaican Stew Chicken:

1. Use chicken that is fresh, not frozen. Frozen chicken will not taste as good and it will also take longer to cook.

2. If you want a really spicy stew, use more Scotch bonnet pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less peppers or remove the seeds from the peppers before adding them to the stew. Spicy food is always a winner in this house!

This authentic jamaican brown stew chicken is truly the best of caribbean food. It’s one of my favorite Jamaican recipes right along with Jamaican curry chicken. This traditional caribbean dish is a one-pot dish than you can make in a large heavy-bottomed pot.

Please keep in mind that if you don’t have access to this hot pepper you can use a habanero pepper instead.

You can also make this jamaican brown stew chicken recipe in a dutch oven. The chicken stew is famous for an amazing gravy at the bottom of the pot.

3. Be sure to simmer the chicken in the sauce for several hours so that it has time to absorb all of the flavors.

4. Serve Jamaican Stew Chicken with rice and peas, or any other type of rice or beans that you like. The Jamaican flavor really makes this the perfect main dish.

5. Add some chopped green onions or cilantro to the stew before serving for a bit of extra flavor.

What are some common questions about Jamaican Stew Chicken?

Here are a few questions that people often ask about Jamaican Stew Chicken:

1. Can I use other types of poultry in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use other pieces of chicken other than boneless chicken thighs like chicken legs or chicken breast in this recipe. Turkey and duck are both good options. It’s your personal preference.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make Jamaican Stew Chicken ahead of time. In fact, it actually tastes even better when it is made a day or two in advance.

3. Can I freeze this Stew Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze Jamaican Stew Chicken. Just be sure to thaw it out completely before reheating and serving.

What fresh ingredients do you need for this Jamaican Stew Chicken traditional recipe?

  • 3 lbs chicken thighs boneless, skinless
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons browning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • 1 yellow
  • 3 spring onions
  • ½ green pepper
  • ½ red pepper
  • 1 scotch bonnet seeds
  • 4 garlic cloves 
  • 1 inch ginger 
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup water

You won’t need any coconut milk, soy sauce, bay leaves or worcestershire sauce for this recipe. Simple ingredients you can get at the grocery stores.

When it comes to Jamaican cuisine this classic Jamaican stew with white rice has a rich gravy and it’s one of those awesome traditional stew recipes. When you make this for the first time be sure to let me know how much you love it! Check out the recipe card below for the full directions.

What are some other Jamaican recipes you should try?

Easy Authentic Jamaican Stew Chicken
Yield: 4-6 servings

Easy Authentic Jamaican Stew Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

This amazing authentic Jamaican stew chicken recipe is fullof flavor and great for a weeknight meal option!

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs chicken thighs boneless, skinless
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons browning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • 1 yellow
  • 3 spring onions
  • ½ green pepper
  • ½ red pepper
  • 1 scotch bonnet seeds
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 inch ginger
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  1. Add chicken, brown sugar, browning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, allspice, onions, green pepper, red pepper, scotch bonnet, garlic cloves, and ginger to a bowl and mix, rubbing seasoning into the chicken.
  2. Cover with plastic or foil and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  3. Remove peppers, onions, garlic, ginger and thyme from chicken and set aside. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat and add chicken, brown for about 1-2 minutes per side.
  4. Remove chicken and add onions and peppers to the skillet and sauté until softened, for about 5 minutes.
  5. Add chicken back to skillet along with chicken broth, water, and ketchup.
  6. Bring mixture to a simmer and cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Remove cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, to reduce the gravy. Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 489Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 278mgSodium 1315mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 56g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Pin it for later!

If you enjoyed this recipe be sure to check out my Instagram Page for the latest posts!

Before you go, check out these great posts!

Instant Pot Texas Cowboy Stew

Flavorful Vegetarian Instant Pot Gumbo Recipe

Easy Instant Pot Cacio E Pepe Pasta Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken Dinner Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta Bake

Skip to Recipe