There’s something magical about Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken. It’s bold, rich, and packed with deep, savory flavors that make every bite irresistible. The chicken is braised in a fragrant blend of spices, simmered in a luscious, tomato-based sauce, and cooked to tender perfection. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.
Whether you’re craving a taste of the Caribbean or just looking for a comforting meal to cozy up with, this one’s got you covered. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it and how to make it!
Why You’ll Love Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners or a weekend feast. Serve it over rice, with dumplings, or alongside steamed veggies—it works with everything.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have. No need for fancy groceries, just good old-fashioned pantry staples.
Packed with Flavor: Marinated in a bold blend of spices, this chicken is layered with Caribbean warmth in every bite.
Easy to Make: Despite its deep, complex flavors, this dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for both spice lovers and those who enjoy a rich, comforting meal.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs work best, giving the dish maximum flavor and tenderness.
Bell Peppers & Onion: These add sweetness and depth to the stew, creating a balanced taste.
Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced for an aromatic kick that infuses the sauce beautifully.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Brings the authentic heat and signature Caribbean spice. Adjust based on your spice tolerance!
Thyme & Allspice: Classic Jamaican seasonings that give the stew its signature warmth and depth.
Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: Create a rich, slightly tangy base for the sauce.
Soy Sauce & Browning Sauce: These add umami and deepen the stew’s color and complexity.
Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and simmering in flavorful goodness.
Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the bold spices.
Vegetable Oil: Used for browning the chicken to lock in flavor.
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce, allspice, thyme, garlic, ginger, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Let it marinate for at least an hour (overnight for the best flavor!).
Brown the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. This step locks in all that flavor and adds richness to the stew. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same pan, add the onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Cook until softened, then stir in the tomato paste, browning sauce, and a sprinkle of brown sugar for depth.
Simmer Everything: Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the chicken broth. Stir well, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Final Touches: Check for seasoning and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra thyme if needed. Let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the stew over a bed of rice or with your favorite sides. Trust me, this is a dish you’ll want to savor slowly.
How to Serve Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
With Rice & Peas: A classic pairing that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
With Fried Plantains: Adds a sweet contrast to the rich, savory flavors.
Over Mashed Potatoes: Because why not? The sauce doubles as an amazing gravy.
With Dumplings: Another authentic Caribbean way to enjoy this comforting dish.
Additional Tips
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you have time, let the chicken sit in the marinade overnight. It makes a huge difference!
Adjust the Spice Level: Scotch bonnet peppers pack serious heat, so use them cautiously if you prefer a milder taste.
Thicken the Sauce: If you like a thicker gravy, let the stew simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Make it Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, but thighs give a juicier, more flavorful result. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
Q2: What can I use instead of Scotch bonnet peppers?
A2: Habanero peppers are a close substitute, or use cayenne pepper for a milder heat.
Q3: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
A3: Absolutely! Brown the chicken first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q5: Can I freeze this stew?
A5: Yes! Freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A6: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Q7: Can I make this dish less spicy?
A7: Yes! Simply use less Scotch bonnet pepper or remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
Q8: Can I add other vegetables?
A8: Definitely! Carrots, potatoes, or green beans work well in this stew.
Q9: What’s a good substitute for browning sauce?
A9: A mix of Worcestershire sauce and a bit of molasses can create a similar effect.
Q10: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A10: Yes! Swap the chicken for jackfruit or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is the kind of meal that warms your soul and keeps you coming back for more. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re new to Caribbean cooking or a longtime fan, this dish is a must-try. So grab your ingredients, turn up some reggae, and get ready to enjoy a truly comforting, flavor-packed meal. Happy cooking!
Print
Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican, Caribbean
Description
This Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is rich, flavorful, and slow-simmered to perfection. Tender, seasoned chicken is browned and then stewed in a savory sauce with bell peppers, carrots, and aromatic spices. A true Caribbean classic, this dish is perfect for healthy homemade recipes and pairs well with rice, dumplings, or fried plantains. Looking for healthy dinner recipes packed with protein? This high-protein recipe delivers bold flavors and a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 1/2 pounds chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or a mix)
- 1 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
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole or sliced, optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon browning sauce
- 1 cup chicken stock or water
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- 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).
Brown the Chicken:
- 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.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, garlic, carrots, and scallions until softened.
Build the Flavor:
- 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.
Simmer the Stew:
- 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.
Final Touches & Serving:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with rice, fried dumplings, or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor.
- For extra heat, slice the scotch bonnet pepper.
- Browning sauce adds depth, but you can substitute with soy sauce and a dash of molasses.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg