Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
A delicious and hearty Jamaican dish featuring tender chicken stewed with a blend of spices and vegetables, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2.5 pounds chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or a mix)
- 1 each lime or lemon (for washing chicken)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Stew
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 each bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 each scallions, chopped
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 each scotch bonnet pepper (whole or sliced, optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon browning sauce
- 1 cup chicken stock or water
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the chicken pieces with lime or lemon and water, then pat dry.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, all-purpose seasoning, and soy sauce. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, garlic, carrots, and scallions until softened.
- Add thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, ketchup, and browning sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the chicken stock or water and bring to a simmer.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet, ensuring the pieces are nestled into the sauce. Cover and let simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with rice, fried dumplings, or your favorite sides.
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor. Adjust the spice level by using less or more scotch bonnet pepper. Don’t rush the browning process; it adds great flavor to the chicken.