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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

A vibrant and flavorful Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe that's quick, healthy, and captures the taste of the Caribbean.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp curry powder (Jamaican preferred)
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1/2 tsp ground thyme
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper finely minced (optional, use with caution!)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 2 scallions chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water to create a slurry

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with curry powder, allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, cumin, black pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator).
    2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp ground thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 scotch bonnet pepper
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear on all sides until lightly browned. This step is important for developing flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside.
    2 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped scallions.
    1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 inch ginger, 2 scallions
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Stir in the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
    1 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar
  5. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
    1 tbsp cornstarch
  6. Return the seared chicken to the pot. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
    2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  7. Serve hot over rice and peas, with a side of steamed vegetables. Enjoy your Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken!