Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe
Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe is a comforting dish that is bold in flavor and easy to make. Served very spicy is our preference over some white rice on a rainy day just wow! Curry Chicken is a staple in homes across the Caribbean. This is my favorite Jamaican dish of all time! Curry chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. It is a very popular dish in the islands and is also known as chicken curry in some parts of the Caribbean.
What is Jamaican Curry Chicken made of?
Jamaican Curry Chicken is made of chicken, of course, curry powder which contributes to its distinct taste.
Additionally, the chicken is often cooked with onions, garlic, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, and sometimes potatoes or carrots, adding depth and texture to the dish. All in all amazing dish that is easy to make.
History of Jamaican Curry Chicken
The Influence of Indian Indentured Laborers
The story of Jamaican Curry Chicken begins with the arrival of Indian indentured laborers in Jamaica during the 19th century.
These laborers brought a rich culinary heritage, including the art of using curry spices in their cooking.
The fusion of Indian curry techniques with local Jamaican ingredients gave birth to the unique flavors and cooking methods that characterize Jamaican Curry Chicken.
The Blend of Cultural Influences
Jamaican cuisine is a melting pot of various cultural influences, and Jamaican Curry Chicken is a prime example of this fusion.
While the dish has its roots in Indian cuisine, it has evolved to incorporate elements from African and British culinary traditions.
The use of indigenous Jamaican spices and ingredients, such as scotch bonnet peppers and thyme, further adds to the distinctiveness of the dish.
What is the difference between Jamaican Curry and Indian Curries?
Jamaican curry flavor is different from Indian curries in the overall choice of seasonings. The Jamaican Curry is a mix of local Jamaican spices and is mostly made up of fresh allspice, but is high in turmeric hence why it is bright yellow.
A major difference between Jamaican and Indian curries is that Indian dishes use more chili powder which gives Indian dishes a distinctive red-looking color and that’s where they get heat.
While Jamaican curry powder does not contain red chili powder to give your food a spicy flavor we add fresh Scotch Bonnet peppers to our dishes which gives it a nice kick. This is our favorite curry seasoning.
What are the Preparation Methods used for Curry Chicken?
The traditional preparation of Jamaican Curry Chicken involves marinating the chicken in a mixture of curry powder, spices, and other seasonings.
The marinated chicken is then cooked slowly in a pot with onions, garlic, and other aromatics until tender and flavorful. The result is a rich and aromatic curry that tantalizes the taste buds.
Cultural Significance of Jamaican Curry Chicken
Jamaican Curry Chicken holds immense cultural significance in Jamaican society. It is not just a dish; it is a symbol of family, community, and celebration.
The preparation and sharing of this dish often brings people together during gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. It is a dish that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Jamaican culture.
When did Curry Chicken become Popular Globally?
In recent years, Jamaican Curry Chicken has gained popularity beyond the shores of Jamaica. With the growing interest in international cuisines, this flavorful dish has found its way onto menus around the world.
Jamaican restaurants and food stalls in various countries now serve it, introducing its unique flavors and spices to a global audience.
Why do you “Burn” or “Toast” Curry Powder?
Burning the curry is the Caribbean way of saying it and the method where you “cook” the curry before adding it to the remainder of the dish being prepared. It is not necessary, however greatly advised. It helps to bring out the deep flavors that we all love in curry.
How to “Burn” /Cook Curry Powder?
Once the butter or oil is heated over medium-high heat, add curry powder and allow to cook for about a minute, stirring quickly to prevent burning too quickly. It will be a dark “burnt” look it won’t be.
Is Jamaican curry chicken healthy? Is Jamaican curry chicken good for you?
Jamaican curry chicken can be a part of a healthy diet, depending on how it’s prepared and consumed.
Chicken is a good source of lean protein, and vegetables like onions, garlic, and peppers provide vitamins and minerals.
Also, Pay attention to portion sizes. Eating moderate portions helps control calorie intake and ensures a balanced meal.
It’s essential to be mindful of the amount of sauce and the types of seasonings added to control salt and fat intake.
Making it a part of a balanced diet with whole grains and other nutrient-rich foods contributes to healthy eating.
Jamaican curry chicken and rice calories?
Jamaican curry chicken with rice calories can vary depending on a few factors such as portion size, ingredients, and cooking methods.
- A serving of Jamaican curry chicken (approximately 4 ounces of chicken) can contain around 200-250 calories, depending on how it’s prepared.
- A serving of white rice (about 1/2 cup cooked) typically contains around 100-150 calories.
So, a typical serving of Jamaican curry chicken with rice might range from 300 to 400 calories.
Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe on YouTube?
What is the best cut of chicken to use for Curry Chicken Recipe?
Traditionally, we cut up a whole chicken in small pieces for this dish. We recommend using only dark meat either bone-in skinless or boneless chicken thighs.
But if you want lean proteins chicken breasts are your best bet for this curry chicken recipe.
How long to cook Jamaican Curry Chicken?
The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces, and the cooking method used.
However, the total cooking time for Jamaican curry chicken usually ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour, again this depends on factors like the size of the chicken pieces and the desired level of tenderness.
Jamaican Curry Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken: Usually chicken pieces, such as whole chicken, drumsticks, thighs, or breast, are used as the main protein.
- Curry Powder: This is a blend of various spices such as turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, and other spices that give Jamaican curry its signature flavor and yellow color.
- Aromatics: Ingredients like onions, garlic, and ginger are commonly used to build flavor in the dish.
- Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme is often added to enhance the aroma and flavor of the dish.
- Scotch Bonnet Peppers: These peppers are hot and add spice to the curry. The amount used can vary depending on personal preference for heat.
- Potatoes and Carrots: These vegetables are often included in Jamaican curry chicken to add texture and flavor to the dish.
- Seasonings: Green Seasoning, adobo, complete seasoning, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and sometimes additional spices like allspice may be added to enhance the flavor further.
How to make Jamaican Curry Chicken
Step 1
After you have cleaned, chopped, washed, and seasoned your chicken. Add oil to a pot put some curry powder in the pot and “burn the curry” till that yellow is like an orange color!
Step 2
Add chicken to the pot to brown the chicken
Step 3
After browning all the chicken add water to the pot to boil for 15 mins.
Step 4
After the chicken is halfway cooked add potatoes, scotch bonnet pepper, scallion, onions, thyme, sweet pepper, and ginger to the pot to boil for 15 more minutes.
Step 5
You are done now. It’s time to serve!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does Jamaican curry chicken taste like? Is Jamaican curry chicken spicy?
Jamaican Curry chicken is bursting with flavors the warmth of the curry spices mingling with the tender chicken, is hearty, and very satisfying. the aromatic blend of herbs and spices, and the kick of heat from the scotch bonnet peppers is just wow! It’s a dish that’s comforting, exciting, and very mouthwatering.
What is the secret to a good curry?
The secret to a good curry starts with building flavor from the beginning. From seasoning your meat to marinating meat overnight. Then toast the curry powder and brown your meat on both sides. Cook your curry dish to your desired liking.
Jamaican curry chicken marinade?
Use green seasoning, curry powder, adobo, complete seasoning of black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika. oregano ground turmeric, and salt. This will give you the perfect curry chicken marinade.
What vegetables to put in a curry?
Vegetables & Aromatics: Onion, Carrots, Cauliflower, Bell pepper, Potatoes, Thymes, Scallions, Chickpeas.
Best Spices: Garlic, Pimento Berries, Black Pepper, Ginger, Paprika, Curry Powder, Cumin, Turmeric, and Complete Seasoning.
What is the most popular curry in Jamaica?
The most popular curry in Jamaican cuisine is curry goat. It is tender meat, spicy and bursting with flavor.
Why do Jamaicans cook with curry?
Curry is an intricate part of Jamaican culture, history, and cuisine. The Indias were indentured servants who were brought to the then-English Colony to work on sugar cane plantations.
After the abolition of slavery, they brought spice to Jamaica in the 17th century. Now, curry spice is dominant in Jamaican Dishes.
Do Jamaicans say curry chicken or chicken curry?
In Jamaican culture, the dish is commonly referred to as “curry chicken” rather than “chicken curry.”
The term “curry chicken” is more widely used in countries like India, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and a few other countries. So the way you say it all depends on your heritage
What is the difference Between stew chicken and curry chicken?
Stew chicken and curry chicken are both popular dishes in the Jamaican cuisine. While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences between the two:
- Stew chicken is typically seasoned with a combination of herbs and spices such as thyme, garlic, onions, and browning sauce the browning is what gives it that dark color. The flavors are deep, savory, and slightly sweet. While curry chicken is seasoned with a blend of curry spices, the flavor is rich, aromatic, and often spicy, with a distinctive yellow color from the turmeric.
- Cooking Method– Stew chicken is cooked by marinating overnight then browning the meat, followed by simmering the chicken pieces in a flavorful liquid, often a combination of ketchup, sugar, and seasonings until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. Curry chicken is cooked by first marinating the chicken in curry and other spices, then burning the curry and browning the chicken in the curry then simmering it in a sauce made with onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, thyme, and sometimes coconut milk until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
- Appearance– Stew chicken typically has a darker, brownish color from the browning and then the caramelizing of the ingredients during the stewing process. While curry chicken has a vibrant yellow color from the turmeric and other spices used in the curry powder.
How to thicken Jamaican curry chicken?
There are several ways to thicken Jamaican curry chicken curry but our favorite way is by simmering the curry uncovered for a longer time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, which will naturally thicken the sauce.
Also, many people like adding a small amount of coconut milk to help thicken the sauce this adds some richness and flavor. So, choose the method that best fits your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed after thickening the curry with coconut milk.
What is Jamaican curry chicken served with? Jamaican curry chicken side dishes?
Jamaican Curry Chicken is often served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some common side dishes served with Jamaican Curry Chicken: Rice and Peas, White Rice, Roti, Fried Plantains, Cabbage Salad, Potato Salad, and Boiled or Fried Dumplings.
How to make Jamaican curry chicken in the Crock Pot (slow cooker)?
Making Jamaican curry chicken in a Crock Pot (slow cooker) is a convenient and hands-off method that results in tender, flavorful chicken. Here’s a basic recipe to make Jamaican curry chicken in a slow cooker:
- Season the chicken pieces with the seasonings listed below. You can marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of cooking oil, raw garlic, pimento berries, and curry powder in the pot and “burn the curry” till it has that yellow/orange color! Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to seal the juices and adds flavor.
- Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onions, scallions, bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet peppers until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sautéed aromatics to the slow cooker with the chicken.
- Pour in the water over the chicken. Season water with black pepper, complete seasoning, adobo, and salt to taste.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, and thyme to the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
How to make Jamaican Curry Chicken in the Instant Pot (pressure cooker)?
Making Jamaican Curry chicken in the Instant Pot is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this flavorful dish. Here’s a simple recipe:
- Season the chicken pieces with the seasonings listed below. You can marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor.
- Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add a bit of cooking oil, raw garlic, pimento berries, and curry powder in the pot and “burn the curry” till it has that yellow/orange color! Once hot, add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to seal the juices and adds flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set aside.
- In the same Instant Pot, add more oil if needed and sauté the onions, scallion, bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet peppers until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the water to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Season the water with black pepper, complete seasoning, adobo, and salt to taste.
- Add potatoes, carrots, and thyme to the Instant Pot, and stir to combine.
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the Instant Pot, arranging them on the vegetables.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode and set the timer for 10 minutes at high pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick pressure release to release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully open the lid and give the curry chicken a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
How to make Jamaican Curry Chicken in the Dutch Oven?
Making Jamaican curry chicken in a Dutch oven is a great way to create a flavorful and aromatic dish with tender chicken and rich sauce. Here’s a simple recipe:
- 1. Season the chicken pieces with the seasonings listed below. You can marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- 3. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a bit of cooking oil, raw garlic, pimento berries, and curry powder in the pot and “burn the curry” till it has that yellow/orange color! Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to seal the juices and adds flavor. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- 4. Remove the browned chicken from the Dutch oven and set aside.
- 5. In the same Dutch oven, add more oil if needed and sauté the onions, scallion, garlic, bell pepper, ginger, and scotch bonnet peppers until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- 6. Add the water to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Season the water with black pepper, complete seasoning, adobo, and salt to taste.
- 7. Add in potatoes, and or carrots, and thyme.
- 8. Return the browned chicken pieces to the Dutch oven, arranging them on the vegetables.
- 9. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in the preheated oven.
- 10. Bake for 1 hour until the chicken is cooked through and tender and the sauce has thickened.
- 11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
How to store leftovers?
And leftovers are even better than the first day in our opinion! Here is how to store it
- Cool Down: Allow the Jamaican curry chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing it. Placing hot food directly in the refrigerator can raise its temperature and potentially affect other items.
- Transfer to an Airtight Container: Place the leftover Jamaican curry chicken in an airtight container. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the chicken without overcrowding.
- Cover with Sauce: If possible, store the chicken with its sauce. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out and preserves its flavor.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator promptly after it has cooled down. Store the leftover Jamaican curry chicken in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheat Properly: When reheating leftover Jamaican curry chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential bacteria and ensure it’s safe to eat.
By following these steps, you can store leftover Jamaican curry chicken safely and enjoy it for several days after it’s been prepared.
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Pray for their salvation. Then when the time comes, some of those you have to lead to Jesus will want to be baptized, and any of us believers filled with his Spirit can be baptized in his name. All we need is a body of water. For we can do nothing of ourselves, what we do is all because God allows it.
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Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken or 6 leg and thighs chopped up
- 3 tbsp Green Seasoning
- 5 tbsp Curry Powder all depends on the amount of chicken you have
- 1 tsp Jerk Seasoning optional
- 2 tbsp Adobo
- 3 tbsp Complete Seasoning
- 3 tbsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Ground Turmeric
- 3 pegs Raw Garlic plus one more to add to the pot before adding the Chicken
- 6 whole allspice pimento berries
- Water
- 1/2 Scotch Bonnet Pepper Remove seeds if you don't want it too spicy
- 1/4 cup Raw onion
- 1/4 cup sweet pepper
- 3 stems Thyme
- 2 Irish potatoes diced into cubes
- 1 whole carrot diced medium pieces
Instructions
- Chop up your chicken into small to medium pieces Clean out all the guts.
- Wash your chicken meat in a mix of vinegar, lime and water (let it soak for at least 15 mins). Then rinse the meat off with water
- Now it’s time to season your meat. Add your dry seasonings; Curry powder, paprika, Cayenne, Adobo, Jerk Seasoning, Complete Seasoning, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder.
- Rub it all together and place it in the fridge overnight for all those seasonings to infuse In the meat.
- Take meat out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for at least 10-15 mins.
- Burn curry powder in oil till it turns from a yellow color to orange then add 4 pimento seed and garlic to the pot
- add your goat meat so it can brown in the pot When all the meat is brown add about 1 cups of water to the pot then Cover the pot and let meat boil for 15 minutes( half way)
- After your meat is half way cooked add your potatoes,scotch bonnet pepper, scallion, onions, thyme, sweet pepper, and ginger to the pot to boil for 15 more minutes or until potatoes are cooked. (If there is not enough water in the pot add 1/4 cup)
- Now it’s time to season the pot again with 1 tsp of Adobo, 1 tsp of Complete Seasoning, 1 tsp of Black Pepper, 1 tsp of salt(to taste)
- Now your all done time to serve
Video
Nutrition
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