Name: Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 3-4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (drumsticks and thigh pieces work great); 1-2 Tbsps browning (optional); 2-3 Tbsps Jamaican Green Seasoning; 2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder; 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend; 1 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 4 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil; 2 Tbsps organic brown sugar; 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk; 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped; 1 medium bell pepper, cored, removed, and chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsps minced fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger); 1-3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to preferred spiciness, habanero peppers can be used); 2 green onions, lightly crushed or chopped (scallions); 2 fresh thyme sprigs; 1 cup organic low-sodium chicken stock (or chicken bone broth); 2 1/2 Tbsps Jamaican curry powder; 1 Tbsp Jamaican pepper sauce; 1 tsp ground allspice; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

If you’re craving something deeply flavorful and packed with a little bit of spice, you’re in for a treat with this Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe brings together tender chicken, rich coconut milk, and that signature Jamaican curry powder that just warms every bite. When I first tried making this at home, I was amazed how such straightforward ingredients could convert my kitchen into a cozy Caribbean getaway. Stick around, and I’ll share all the tips and tricks to nail this fan-freaking-tastic dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the true taste of Jamaican cuisine with its vibrant spices and aromatic herbs.
Comforting & Easy: You’ll love how the creamy coconut milk and tender chicken make this dish an ultimate comfort meal.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the scotch bonnet peppers to your spice level—mild or fiery, it’s all up to you.
Gluten & Dairy-Free: Perfect for those with dietary preferences, yet full of rich flavor.

The image shows a deep bowl filled with a base layer of white rice spread evenly. On top of the rice, there is a rich, thick stew with dark brown pieces of meat, chunks of yellow potatoes, and visible red bell pepper slices. The stew looks moist and glossy, covering the rice partly, with the sauce seeping into the rice edges. Two gold spoons rest inside the bowl on opposite sides. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with a green pepper, a red pepper, and some sprigs of green herbs scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Jamaican Curry Chicken, Jamaican Curry Chicken flavorful recipe, Caribbean spicy chicken dish, easiest Jamaican curry chicken, homemade Jamaican curry chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe relies on a beautiful synergy of traditional Caribbean ingredients—simple pantry staples meet bold flavors to create something truly special. When shopping, look for authentic Jamaican curry powder and fresh thyme to bring that true island vibe.

Flat lay of fresh raw organic chicken drumsticks and thighs skin removed arranged neatly, a few peeled and cubed russet potatoes, chopped orange carrots, chopped green bell pepper, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small bunch of fresh green thyme sprigs, two green onions (scallions) lightly crushed, three whole bright red scotch bonnet peppers, a small mound of golden brown sugar crystals, a small pile of vibrant yellow Jamaican curry powder, a small heap of smoked paprika powder, a small heap of ground allspice, a tiny mound of sea salt crystals, a small mound of black peppercorns, a few bright green minced fresh ginger pieces, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth full-fat coconut milk, a small white ceramic bowl of amber low-sodium organic chicken stock, and a small white ceramic bowl of rich Jamaican pepper sauce, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Jamaican Curry Chicken, Jamaican Curry Chicken flavorful recipe, Caribbean spicy chicken dish, easiest Jamaican curry chicken, homemade Jamaican curry chicken

Organic chicken (drumsticks + thighs): These cuts stay juicy and absorb the spices beautifully.
Browning (optional): Adds color and depth; skip if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Jamaican Green Seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices that gives the dish its signature zing.
Jamaican curry powder: The heart of the recipe—choose a quality, authentic blend.
On Everything All-Purpose Blend: Adds complexity and a touch of saltiness.
Sea salt: To balance and enhance flavors.
Smoked paprika: A subtle hint of smoky warmth.
Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing and enriching the sauce.
Organic brown sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
Full-fat coconut milk: Gives the curry its creamy texture and tropical flair.
Russet potatoes: Absorb the curry flavors and add comfort.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and color.
Bell pepper: Brings freshness and crunch.
Garlic cloves: Essential aromatic that deepens the flavor profile.
Fresh ginger: Adds a zesty warmth, optional ground ginger works too.
Scotch bonnet peppers: Use according to your heat tolerance; habaneros substitute well.
Green onions (scallions): Adds sharp, fresh notes.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Classic herb that shines in Caribbean cooking.
Organic chicken stock: Low-sodium stock keeps the sauce rich without overpowering saltiness.
Jamaican pepper sauce: Stir in for extra heat and complexity.
Ground allspice: Warm, aromatic spice that rounds out the flavor.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a final spicy touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe is pretty flexible—you can tweak it to fit your preference or what you have on hand in your kitchen. Here are some of my favorite ways to make it your own.

Make it milder: When friends come over who aren’t into spicy food, I reduce or omit the scotch bonnet peppers and add a bit more coconut milk for creaminess.
Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken with hearty chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable stock—still delicious and comforting!
Extra veggies: Sometimes I add green beans or sweet potatoes for more color and texture.
Serving with rice and peas: Instead of plain rice, jazz it up with traditional Jamaican rice and peas for an authentic touch.

How to Make Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Season Your Chicken

Start by rinsing your chicken pieces and patting them dry. Toss them with Jamaican green seasoning, sea salt, smoked paprika, and the initial portion of Jamaican curry powder. I usually let this marinate for about 30 minutes if I have time—it helps the flavors really soak in and tenderizes the meat. If you’re in a rush, even a quick 10-minute rest works wonders.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Heat up your olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot or skillet over medium-high heat. If you decide to use browning, add it here to deepen the color of the chicken and your sauce. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides—this locks in the juices and builds a rich base for your curry sauce. Don’t rush this part; patience pays off in flavor!

Step 3: Build Your Curry Sauce

Once the chicken is browned, add minced garlic, fresh ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, and fresh thyme. Stir in the brown sugar and the rest of your Jamaican curry powder along with ground allspice and the on everything blend. Let the mixture toast for a couple of minutes to release those wonderful aromas. Then pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock, stirring to combine everything beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer with Vegetables

Add in your peeled and cubed potatoes, chopped carrots, and bell pepper. Give it all a good stir, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Be sure to check occasionally and stir so nothing sticks to the bottom. The sauce thickens beautifully as it cooks, becoming rich and silky.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Before serving, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or the heat level with a splash of Jamaican pepper sauce if desired. I love that last little kick that makes the dish pop. Serve hot with your favorite sides, and get ready for compliments!

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Pro Tips for Making Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip Marinating: Even a short marinate amps up the flavor, trust me on this one.
Taste as You Go: Because the heat can sneak up, adjust the scotch bonnet peppers gradually.
Low and Slow Simmer: Keeps the chicken tender and lets the flavors marry perfectly.
Use Fresh Spices When Possible: Fresh curry powder and herbs make a noticeable difference in vibrancy.

How to Serve Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

A black plate holds a bed of white rice as the base layer, topped with a thick, rich brown stew containing visible chunks of chicken, yellow potatoes, and red peppers mixed with herbs and spices. The stew has a slightly glossy, textured sauce coating the ingredients. Two golden forks rest on opposite sides of the plate. Surrounding the plate on a wooden table are a glass of orange juice with ice, whole green and red chili peppers, chopped green onions in a small white bowl, sprigs of thyme, and an orange cloth. The scene is warm and rustic with detailed textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Jamaican Curry Chicken, Jamaican Curry Chicken flavorful recipe, Caribbean spicy chicken dish, easiest Jamaican curry chicken, homemade Jamaican curry chicken

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or scallions—it adds a nice, bright contrast to the rich curry. A wedge of lime on the side is also a game changer for adding a fresh tang that wakes up the palate.

Side Dishes

Serve this Jamaican Curry Chicken over fluffy white rice or traditional Jamaican rice and peas for that authentic experience. Sometimes, I like to pair it with fried plantains or steamed callaloo for extra Caribbean flair.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the curry in mini coconut shells or alongside grilled pineapple rings—both add a festive tropical vibe. Another fun twist is layering it over coconut-infused quinoa for a modern, healthy take.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I find the flavors deepen overnight, so the next day’s lunch or dinner tastes even better!

Freezing

I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop to keep the chicken tender and sauce creamy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it up as it warms.

FAQs

What type of curry powder is best for Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe?

Look for authentic Jamaican curry powder, which typically contains turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, and allspice. It’s quite different from Indian curry powders and has a distinctive earthy, slightly sweet flavor. Using a quality Jamaican curry powder makes a big difference in capturing that signature island taste.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Scotch bonnet peppers pack a punch, so you can reduce the quantity or omit them altogether. You can also substitute with milder peppers or leave them out and just add a bit of Jamaican pepper sauce separately to control the heat on each plate.
Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

Yes! This Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to the coconut milk, and gluten-free if you ensure your seasonings and curry powder don’t contain any fillers. Always check labels if you have any sensitivities.
What can I serve with Jamaican Curry Chicken?

Classic sides include white rice, rice and peas, fried plantains, or steamed vegetables like callaloo. The creamy, spicy curry pairs beautifully with something starchy and mild to balance the flavor.

Final Thoughts

I love making this Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe on weekends when I have time to soak in those vibrant, spicy flavors. It’s a dish that always brings back memories of warm Caribbean nights and family dinners filled with laughter. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family or guests will go crazy for it—trust me! Give it a go, and you’ll soon find yourself craving it again and again.