Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken: 7 Flavors That Comfort Souls

Name: Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken: 7 Flavors That Comfort Souls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 2 bell peppers, sliced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 cups chicken broth; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 sprigs thyme; 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole

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Difficulty Easy

Recipe by

Mia

103 Views • 9 min read

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken: 7 Flavors That Comfort Souls

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken! This dish is a beautiful explosion of flavors that transports me straight to my grandma’s kitchen. She used to whip up this savory delight every Sunday, filling the house with incredible aromas of herbs and spices. The chicken gets tender and juicy, all wrapped up in a luscious, rich sauce that’s just begging to be soaked up by some fluffy rice. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a cherished part of Jamaican culture and family gatherings. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients List

2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 bell peppers, sliced
2 carrots, sliced
2 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 sprigs thyme
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole

How to Prepare Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Now let’s dive into the magic of making Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal that’ll impress everyone.

Marinate the Chicken

First things first—seasoning! I like to take my chicken pieces and give them a good rubdown with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This is where the flavor starts to build, so don’t be shy! Once seasoned, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit for a couple of hours is even better. Just pop it in the fridge and let those flavors soak in!

Brown the Chicken

Next, heat up a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking—like a cozy hug for your chicken! Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add your marinated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to crowd the pot. Brown each side for about 5 minutes until they’re golden and delicious. This step is crucial for that rich, deep flavor, so take your time!

Sauté the Vegetables

After the chicken is beautifully browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in your chopped onion, sliced bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté those vibrant veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This is where the magic happens—the flavors from the chicken meld with the veggies, creating a luscious base for your stew!

Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the chicken back into the pot along with 2 cups of chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, and the whole Scotch bonnet pepper. Yes, the whole pepper! It adds a lovely warmth without overwhelming heat. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally and soaking in those heavenly aromas!

Adjust and Serve

Once your chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened, taste it! This is your moment to adjust the seasoning. Add more salt or a dash of pepper if you like. Serve your glorious Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken over fluffy rice or alongside some crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce. Trust me, you’re going to want every last drop!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk numbers! While I’m all about enjoying the flavors of Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, it’s also good to know what’s in it. Each serving of this delicious dish is estimated to have around 350 calories, making it a hearty yet manageable meal. You’re looking at about 15 grams of fat, with 30 grams of protein to keep you satisfied. Plus, it has around 20 grams of carbohydrates, which is perfect for pairing with some rice. Just keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on how you prepare it. Enjoy every bite without any guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The combination of spices and the rich sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with authentic Jamaican taste.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you can whip up this comforting meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
Family Tradition: This recipe is rooted in cultural heritage, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings and special occasions.
Versatile: Serve it with rice, bread, or even fried plantains—there are so many delicious ways to enjoy this stew!
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal! Everything cooks together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal dishes.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste!

Tips for Success

To make your Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken truly unforgettable, here are some of my go-to tips that’ll help you nail it every time. Trust me, these little tricks can make a big difference!

Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don’t rush the marination process! The longer you let the chicken sit with the seasoning, the more flavorful it’ll be. If you can, aim for a few hours or even overnight for the best results.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables really elevate the dish. Try to use fresh thyme instead of dried, and opt for vibrant bell peppers and crisp carrots to enhance both taste and presentation.
Control Your Heat: When browning the chicken, keep the heat at medium. High heat can burn the chicken or the oil, leading to a bitter flavor. You want that perfect golden-brown sear!
Don’t Skip the Scotch Bonnet: Even if you’re wary of spice, the whole Scotch bonnet pepper infuses amazing flavor without making the dish too hot. Just remember to remove it before serving if you want to tone down the heat!
Taste as You Go: As always, tasting is key! Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning as it simmers. A little extra salt or a pinch of sugar can make all the difference in balancing flavors.
Let it Simmer: Patience is a virtue! Allow your stew to simmer low and slow. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a richer sauce that clings to the chicken.
Perfect Pairings: Serve your stew with fluffy rice, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Fried plantains or a simple side salad can add a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll be well on your way to making the best Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken your family has ever tasted! Enjoy the process and savor the delicious outcome!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken! Here are some of my favorite variations that will keep your taste buds dancing while still honoring that rich, comforting base of the original recipe.

Herb Swap: Try using fresh rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for a different herbal twist. Each herb brings its own unique flavor profile that can really change things up!
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, chop up the Scotch bonnet pepper instead of keeping it whole. This will add a nice fiery touch throughout the stew. Just be careful—start with a little and taste as you go!
Veggie Boost: Add more vegetables like diced potatoes, peas, or zucchini to the mix. Not only do they add color and texture, but they also soak up all that delicious sauce!
Fruity Flavor: Incorporate some diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast to the savory elements. It’s like a little tropical vacation on your plate!
Different Proteins: Switch it up by using bone-in pork or beef instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats require different braising times.
Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a deeper sweetness that complements the soy sauce beautifully. It’s a simple tweak that elevates the dish!
Coconut Creaminess: Stir in a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a rich, creamy finish that pairs perfectly with the spices.

Feel free to get creative with these variations! The beauty of Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is its versatility, so make it your own and enjoy the delicious journey!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, so you’ve made this delicious Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, and now you’ve got some leftovers. Lucky you! Storing and reheating it properly is key to keeping all those wonderful flavors intact. Here’s how I do it:

First, let your stew cool down to room temperature before putting it away. This helps prevent condensation in the container and keeps your chicken from getting soggy. I like to use an airtight container—this keeps the moisture in while keeping any unwanted odors out. You can store your Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, go ahead and pop it in the freezer! It’ll stay good for about 3 months. Just make sure to label it with the date, so you know when to enjoy it next!

Now, when you’re ready to dive back into this flavorful goodness, reheating is super simple. If you’re bringing it back to life from the fridge, just transfer the stew to a pot and gently heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This way, you can warm it through without losing that tender texture. If you find it’s a bit thick, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

For reheating from frozen, the best way is to let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the same steps on the stovetop. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it too! Just be sure to cover it to avoid splatters, and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

And remember, if you’ve got any of that whole Scotch bonnet pepper left in there, you might want to fish it out before reheating, especially if you’re serving it to someone who’s not a fan of heat. Enjoy every last bite of your Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, because trust me, it’s just as amazing the second time around!

What do you think?

Share your thoughts, tips, or variations on this recipe!

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken: 7 Flavors That Comfort Souls

Mia

Ingredients List