The tantalizing aroma of spices wafted through my kitchen, instantly whisking me away to the sun-soaked shores of Jamaica. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken with Coconut Milk, a dish that beautifully marries heat with comfort. Imagine tender chicken simmering in a rich, creamy coconut milk sauce, imbued with vibrant flavors and a hint of spice. Not only is this recipe a feast for the senses, but it’s also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it an ideal choice for any home chef looking to impress without the hassle. This curry is a quick hands-on meal that promises to be your next go-to for family dinners or when entertaining friends. Intrigued? Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together! Why is Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken special? Explosion of Flavors: Each bite delivers a delightful kick from the scotch bonnet peppers harmonizing beautifully with the creamy coconut milk. Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, even kitchen novices can master this dish. Versatile Dish: Create a vegetarian version using legumes, or switch up the veggies for a seasonal twist—this recipe molds to your preferences! Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this curry effortlessly impresses guests while becoming a cherished staple in your recipe rotation. Pair it with a side of fluffy rice or perhaps some Cheesy Garlic Chicken for a complete meal! Cultural Journey: Enjoying this dish not only fills your belly but also transports you to the heart of Jamaica, celebrating its vibrant culinary heritage. Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Ingredients Embrace the vibrant flavors of this Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken with Coconut Milk by gathering these essential ingredients! For the Chicken • Organic Chicken – This is your main protein source; boneless breast or thighs work well for tenderness. • Browning Sauce – An optional ingredient that enhances flavor depth and gives the dish a beautiful color. • Sea Salt – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences. For the Spice Mix • Jamaican Green Seasoning – Offers an herbaceous freshness; you can substitute with all-purpose seasoning if needed. • Jamaican Curry Powder – The key flavoring for authenticity; don’t skip this ingredient! • On Everything All-Purpose Blend – Adds extra flavor bursts; use homemade if you don’t have store-bought. • Smoked Paprika – Delivers a lovely smokiness to elevate the dish. • Ground Allspice – A unique spice in Jamaican cooking that enhances complexity. For the Sauce • Full-fat Coconut Milk – Contributes creaminess and balances the spices; use unsweetened only for the best results. • Organic Chicken Stock – Adds depth to the sauce; low-sodium is recommended for health. • Brown Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness, balancing the spices; can be omitted if preferred. For the Veggies • Russet Potatoes – Helps thicken the sauce and adds heartiness; don’t peel for some texture! • Carrots – Provide sweetness and color; they can be omitted or substituted with your favorite veggie. • Bell Pepper – Adds crunch and sweetness; any color will do! For the Aromatics • Garlic – Essential for aroma and flavor depth; finely chop for best results. • Fresh Ginger – Introduces warmth and flavor complexity; ground ginger can work in a pinch. • Scotch Bonnet Peppers – For those who love heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance. • Green Onions (Scallions) – Add freshness; use both the white and green parts for flavor. • Fresh Thyme Sprigs – A herbal flavor enhancer; fresh is preferred, but dried will work too. For Finishing Touches • Jamaican Pepper Sauce – For those who appreciate extra heat; feel free to use your go-to hot sauce! • Black Pepper – Adjust to taste; a classic seasoning to round out the flavors. Gather these ingredients, and get ready to create a comforting, flavorsome dish that celebrates the spirit of Jamaican cuisine with every bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Start by combining the organic chicken with browning sauce, Jamaican green seasoning, sea salt, all-purpose blend, smoked paprika, and curry powder in a large ziplock bag. Seal it tightly, gently shaking to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight for enhanced flavor. Before cooking, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking. Step 2: Brown the Chicken Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, dissolve a teaspoon of brown sugar, then add the marinated chicken. Sear each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate while you prepare the next step. Step 3: Burn the Curry Powder In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary and then sprinkle in the Jamaican curry powder. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the spices darken slightly and release their fragrant aroma, ensuring you don’t burn them. This step enhances the depth of flavor for your Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken, creating a solid base for the sauce to come. Step 4: Sauté Vegetables Add finely chopped garlic, fresh ginger, bell peppers, carrots, and green onions to the skillet with the toasted spices. Sauté everything together for about 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally. This step infuses the vegetables with a lovely, spicy undertone, contributing to the overall flavor profile of the dish. Step 5: Make Sauce To the sautéed vegetables, stir in ground allspice, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper for seasoning. Then, pour in a can of full-fat coconut milk and about one cup of organic chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring, then lower the heat and carefully reintroduce the browned chicken and cubed russet potatoes to the skillet, ensuring everything is well-coated. Step 6: Simmer Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet, allowing the curry to simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check for the right consistency. The potatoes should be tender, and the sauce will thicken beautifully, enveloping the Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken with a creamy, rich layer of flavor. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes! Make Ahead Options Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! To save time on busy weeknights, you can marinate the chicken with the seasoning up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those delicious flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, chop your vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply brown your marinated chicken and follow the remaining steps. This ensures every bite of your Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is just as delicious and vibrant as when freshly made, making your kitchen adventures smoother and more enjoyable! Expert Tips for Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Marination Matters: Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption. This step ensures tenderness and enhances the overall taste of your Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken. Sear for Great Texture: Don’t skip browning the chicken before simmering. This technique adds depth and creates a delicious, crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat. Control the Heat: Adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers based on your spice preference. Start with one if you’re spice-sensitive, and add more for that signature Jamaican kick! Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh spices and organic chicken to elevate the dish’s flavors. Quality ingredients really make your curry shine! Storage Savvy: Store leftovers in an airtight container for three to four days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain the curry’s creamy texture and flavor. Creative Variations: Don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite veggies or substitute chicken with legumes for a vegetarian option. Your curry can adapt to your culinary preferences! Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Variations Feel free to personalize your recipe with these delightful twists and swaps! Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a wholesome plant-based dish that’s just as satisfying. Sweet Potato Upgrade: Replace russet potatoes with sweet potatoes to add a touch of sweetness that balances the spice beautifully. Extra Veggies: Throw in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and color; they’ll boost the dish’s flavor and texture! Coconut Cream Richness: For an even creamier sauce, use coconut cream instead of coconut milk; it brings a luxurious touch to every bite. Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the number of scotch bonnet peppers or replace them with milder jalapeños for a gentler experience. Tropical Twist: Add pineapple chunks during simmering for a sweet and tangy addition; it brightens up the dish and complements the spices perfectly! Herbal Infusion: Use fresh cilantro instead of thyme for a fresh herbaceous flavor that adds brightness to your curry. If you’re in the mood for more chicken dishes, don’t miss my delightful Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet or the comforting Savory Chicken Piccata Meatballs. Enjoy exploring these variations to create your very own signature curry! How to Store and Freeze Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Fridge: Store your leftover Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This ensures the rich flavors remain intact while keeping it safe for consumption. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the curry in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave space at the top for expansion as the sauce freezes. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your curry again, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave to defrost it quickly before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or chicken stock if needed to restore the creamy texture. What to Serve with Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Elevate your dining experience by complementing this aromatic dish with flavorful sides and drinks that enhance its vibrant character. Fluffy White Rice: The classic pairing, it absorbs the delicious coconut curry sauce, creating a perfectly balanced bite. Sautéed Greens: Think collard greens or spinach lightly sautéed with garlic. Their slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with the rich curry. Crispy Fried Plantain: Sweet, caramelized plantains add a delightful crunch and sweetness that stands up to the fiery heat of the chicken. Jamaican Rice and Peas: A heartier option, this dish combines rice, kidney beans, and coconut milk, offering a complementary flavor profile. Coconut Rice: This creamy side enhances the tropical notes of the curry, making every mouthful feel like a beach getaway. Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet, it serves as a wonderful dipper for the curry sauce while offering a comforting texture. Pineapple Salsa: A refreshing and tangy salsa can cut through the richness of the dish, adding brightness and a zesty twist. Mango Lassi: Pair your meal with this creamy yogurt drink, which cools any heat and adds a tropical flavor that fits perfectly with the curry. Lemonade: A refreshing, tangy drink that beautifully complements the spices, making it an ideal beverage to balance the flavors. Ginger Beer: This spicy, fizzy drink adds an invigorating kick and enhances the culinary island experience of your meal. Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken? For the freshest flavors, choose ingredients wisely! Look for organic chicken that is bright pink without any dark spots or an off smell. When selecting vegetables, opt for firm, smooth potatoes and brightly colored bell peppers with no blemishes. Fresh herbs should feel vibrant and fragrant, while peppers should be crisp and shiny for the best heat and flavor. How should I store leftover Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken? After dinner, place any leftover curry in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To ensure the best flavor and texture, reheat gently on the stove, allowing it to warm through without boiling, which can affect the creaminess of the sauce. Can I freeze Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken? Absolutely! To freeze, allow the curry to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave, then reheat on low heat for the best results. What should I do if my curry sauce is too thick? If you find your Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken sauce is thicker than you’d like, simply add a splash of chicken stock or coconut milk while stirring over low heat. This will not only adjust the consistency but also enhance the flavors. Always go a little at a time until you reach the desired thickness. Are there any dietary considerations with this dish? Yes! This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with common food sensitivities. However, if you’re preparing this for someone with allergies, always double-check ingredient labels, especially for the curry powder and pepper sauces, as they can sometimes contain hidden allergens. Flavorful Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken You Can Make Today This Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken with Coconut Milk offers a delightful blend of spices and comfort, perfect for any dinner occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsMarinating Time 3 hours hrsTotal Time 3 hours hrs 55 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: JamaicanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 pounds Organic Chicken (boneless breast or thighs)2 tablespoons Browning Sauce optional1 teaspoon Sea Salt adjust to tasteFor the Spice Mix1 tablespoon Jamaican Green Seasoning can substitute with all-purpose seasoning2 tablespoons Jamaican Curry Powder key flavoring1 tablespoon On Everything All-Purpose Blend use homemade if needed1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika1 teaspoon Ground AllspiceFor the Sauce1 can Full-fat Coconut Milk unsweetened recommended1 cup Organic Chicken Stock low-sodium recommended1 tablespoon Brown Sugar can be omittedFor the Veggies2 medium Russet Potatoes don't peel for texture2 medium Carrots can substitute1 medium Bell Pepper any colorFor the Aromatics3 cloves Garlic finely chopped1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger or ground ginger1-2 whole Scotch Bonnet Peppers adjust to spice tolerance2 whole Green Onions (Scallions) use both parts5 sprigs Fresh Thyme fresh is preferredFor Finishing Touches1 tablespoon Jamaican Pepper Sauce or your favorite hot sauce1 to taste Black Pepper Equipment SkilletZiplock bag Method Preparation StepsStart by combining the organic chicken with browning sauce, Jamaican green seasoning, sea salt, all-purpose blend, smoked paprika, and curry powder in a large ziplock bag. Seal it tightly, gently shaking to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight for enhanced flavor. Before cooking, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking.Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, dissolve a teaspoon of brown sugar, then add the marinated chicken. Sear each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate while you prepare the next step.In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary and then sprinkle in the Jamaican curry powder. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the spices darken slightly and release their fragrant aroma, ensuring you don't burn them.Add finely chopped garlic, fresh ginger, bell peppers, carrots, and green onions to the skillet with the toasted spices. Sauté everything together for about 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.To the sautéed vegetables, stir in ground allspice, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper for seasoning. Then, pour in a can of full-fat coconut milk and about one cup of organic chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring, then lower the heat and carefully reintroduce the browned chicken and cubed russet potatoes to the skillet.Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet, allowing the curry to simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check for the right consistency. The potatoes should be tender, and the sauce will thicken beautifully. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg NotesServe warm with your favorite side dishes like rice or other vegetables. Adjust spice levels according to your preference. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
