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Simple Jamaican Curry Chicken cooked to perfection, with golden, tender chicken pieces in a rich, aromatic curry sauce, garnished with fresh herbs.
SavorAndSpice

Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe – Easy & Flavorful Lunch Idea

Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly makes your kitchen smell amazing & your stomach starts rumbling. Juicy chicken simmered in a mix of warm curry spices, garlic, and herbs makes every bite comforting and full of flavor. It’s my go-to lunch recipe because it’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make, even on busy days. 
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: carribean, jamaican
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs 700g chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
  • 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 finely chopped medium onion
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1- inch piece ginger grated
  • 1-2 Chopped Scotch bonnet pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 skilllet
  • 1 pot

Method
 

Season the chicken
  1. Start by washing and patting the chicken dry. Then, season it with Jamaican curry powder, allspice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allowing it to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors soak deeply into the meat, giving the curry its signature taste.
    Raw chicken pieces in a bowl being generously coated with a blend of Jamaican curry powder, allspice, garlic powder, and salt.
Brown the chicken
  1. In a large pot, I heat a little oil and brown the chicken on all sides until golden. This step builds rich flavor and gives the sauce a deep, appetizing color.
    Chicken pieces sizzling in a hot pot with a little oil, turning golden brown on all sides. Steam rises from the pot, and the surface of the chicken shows a crispy, caramelized texture, building rich flavor for the curry.
Sauté the aromatics
  1. After removing the chicken, I use the same pot to sauté chopped onions, potatoes, garlic, and ginger. As they cook, they release a warm, fragrant base that sets the tone for the whole dish.
    Chopped onions, garlic, and ginger sautéing in a large pot with oil. The aromatics are softening and releasing fragrant steam, creating a flavorful base for Jamaican Curry Chicken.
Toast the curry powder
  1. I like to add a bit more curry powder at this point and stir it for a few seconds. Trust me friends! This “toasting” step enhances its aroma and makes the sauce more flavorful.
    "Golden Jamaican curry powder being toasted in a pot with sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger.
Simmer with liquids
  1. Next, pour in chicken broth and coconut milk, then add the Scotch bonnet pepper for heat. I return the chicken to the pot, cover it, and let everything simmer slowly for about 30 minutes until the chicken becomes tender and the sauce thickens beautifully.
    "Chicken pieces simmering in a golden, spiced curry sauce in a large pot. Steam rises as the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Garnish and serve
  1. To finish, I used to garnish this hearty Jamaican curry chicken with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve it with steamed white rice or warm roti. It’s hearty, vibrant, and full of authentic Jamaican flavor.
    Jamaican Curry Chicken garnished with fresh herbs, served with fluffy white rice and fried plantains.

Notes

Tips & Notes

  • For extra richness, you can add a splash of coconut milk, but it’s optional.
  • Toasting the curry powder is key to deepen the flavor.
  • Adjust heat by adding or omitting the Scotch bonnet pepper.