Go Back
+ servings
Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Irresistible Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken for Soul-Warming Comfort

This Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken recipe combines bold flavors and simple techniques for a comforting dish that’s perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Jamaican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Stew
  • 1 whole chicken cut into pieces or use chicken thighs
  • 1 medium onion adds sweetness and flavor depth
  • 4 cloves garlic minced for aromatic intensity
  • 1 inch ginger grated; fresh is best
  • 1 cup bell peppers sliced; red or green
  • 2 medium carrots diced for sweetness and texture
  • 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper chopped; adjust heat as needed
  • 1 cup tomato sauce for stew warmth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme fresh or dried
  • 1 teaspoon allspice ground or whole pimento berries
  • 2 cups chicken stock for deepening flavor
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or browning sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil for browning chicken
  • to taste salt essential for seasoning
  • to taste pepper essential for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by combining your chicken pieces in a large bowl with minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, pepper, thyme, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add sliced onions, chopped bell peppers, and diced carrots. Sauté over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce along with the ground allspice and any remaining seasonings. Cook for about 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Return the browned chicken to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in chicken stock, covering the chicken pieces, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it braise for about 1.5 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
  7. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot over rice or alongside plantains.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor. Adjust spice level to suit your taste. Stir occasionally during braising to avoid sticking.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!