Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe
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Jamaica’s cuisine is renowned for its unique and robust piquant flavors and seasonings, and this authentic Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe stands out as one of the best prime examples. This classic Caribbean cuisine is a staple in Jamaican homes and elicits admiration from both residents and travelers. Traditional Jamaican brown stewed chicken is a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying, making it ideal for any event, whether a family gathering, a festive celebration, or a relaxed night in.

When it comes to Caribbean cuisine, there are few dishes as beloved as this Jamaican brown stewed chicken recipe. The dish is simple in its ingredients but complex in flavor, this recipe combines juicy chicken pieces with a medley of spices and aromatics to create a stew that is truly unforgettable. I’ll take you through the ins and outs of making the perfect Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, from the best ingredients to use to the secrets for getting the most flavor into every bite.

Every time I prepare this recipe in my kitchen, I am transported back to the warm, sunny beaches of Jamaica and the friendly people I encountered there. This dish is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions of the Caribbean, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Jamaican brown stew chicken holds a special place in my heart and is one of my ultimate comfort foods. Whether I am feeling nostalgic or simply yearning for a warm, hearty meal, this dish never disappoints. It is a recipe I love to share with others, and I am always showered with compliments on its rich, hearty flavor.

What is Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken?

Jamaican brown stew chicken is a widely-appreciated dish in Jamaican cuisine, composed of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and a luscious sauce infused with a medley of herbs and spices. This dish is traditionally slow-cooked, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld. The result is a scrumptious and savory Caribbean dish that is sure to delight all who partake.

The Origin of Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Jamaican brown stew chicken traces its roots to West African cuisine and was introduced to Jamaica by Africans who worked on the island’s sugar plantations. Over time, the dish has undergone evolution and adaptation to incorporate the local ingredients and flavors of Jamaica, yielding the mouth-watering dish that is relished today.

Today, Jamaican brown chicken stew is enjoyed by people of all cultures around the world and is considered a staple dish in the country and throughout the Caribbean. Brown chicken stew is often served at family gatherings, and celebrations, and is a popular comfort food. This traditional dish continues to evolve through a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, spices, and hot peppers, to reflect the diversity and cultural influences of Jamaica.

Homemade Jamaican Brown stewed chicken

Why You Will Love This Brown Stew Chicken Jamaica Recipe

Flavorful Sauce: The uniquely rich and flavorful sauce of this Jamaican brown stew chicken is made with brown sugar, spices, and herbs, this Jamaican brown stew chicken is bursting with original flava making every bite of chicken truly delicious.

Tender Chicken: This flavor-packed tender chicken is simmered in my special Jamaican sauce until it’s tender and juicy, making it the perfect comfort food for everyone in the family.

Easy to Make: Super simple, this authentic recipe for Jamaican brown stew chicken is easy to follow and requires minimal prep work, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights, parties, or special occasions.

Adaptable & Versatile: I love preparing this brown stew chicken because of its versatility. Serve it as a main dish with rice and vegetables or as a filling for patties, tacos, pitas, or sandwiches.

Authentic Jamaican Taste: This brown stewed chicken recipe is a traditional Jamaican dish, and the authentic spices and herbs used in the recipe bring a wonderful taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions For Brown Stew Chicken

  • Chicken legs and thighs: For this brown stew chicken recipe, I used chicken legs and chicken thighs but you can use either legs or thighs if you prefer. Chicken legs are meatier and have a rich, savory flavor, while chicken thighs are juicier and have a slightly sweet taste. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may dry out faster than legs or thighs.
  • Garlic: An essential ingredient, garlic adds delicious aromatic flavor to the stew. It can be minced or chopped, depending on your preference. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
  • Onion: Onion adds a nice depth of flavor and sweetness to this Jamaican chicken stew. You can chop or dice it, I love to sautee my onions using larger pieces. If you don’t have fresh onion, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion or onion powder.
  • Olive oil: I use olive oil to brown the chicken and cook the onion and garlic. You can substitute it with any other cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
  • Brown sugar: Brown sugar is one of my secret ingredients in making this Jamaican dish. It adds a nice balanced touch of sweetness to this chicken stew. If you don’t have brown sugar you can swap it with the same amount of granulated white sugar, maple syrup, or honey.
  • Tomato paste: I use tomato paste to give this brown chicken stew a rich and savory flavor. It also helps to thicken the sauce with is an added bonus. You can substitute it with canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce if you don’t have tomato paste on hand.
  • Chicken broth: The chicken broth provides the liquid base for this stew. You can use store-bought or homemade chicken broth or substitute it with vegetable broth if you prefer.
  • Thyme, Cilantro & Bay Leaf: Thyme, cilantro, and bay leaves are my go-to herbs for this recipe, there are fragrant herbs that add earthiness to this authentic stew. You can use fresh or dried thyme, cilantro, and bay leaves, depending on what you have on hand. If you don’t have any of these herbs, you can substitute them with rosemary and basil.
  • Paprika: Another Fav ingredient of mine, Paprika is a mild spice with and slightly sweet, it adds a nice smoky flavor to the classic brown stewed chicken stew. You can use sweet paprika, smoked paprika, or a combination of both.
  • Salt: I just used regular table salt, you can use pink or sea salt if you prefer. I recommend keeping the salt because it plays an important role in enhancing the flavors of the stew. Use as much or as little as you prefer, depending on your taste.
  • Black pepper: The black pepper adds a subtle spicy kick to the stew. You can use freshly ground black pepper or pre-ground pepper.
  • Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat to the stew. If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit the cayenne pepper or use less.
  • Carrots: Carrots add a sweet, crunchy texture to this Caribbean stew. They can be chopped or sliced, depending on your preference.
  • Green Peas: I added a small amount of green peas to give a twist to this classic Jamaican stew but feel free to leave it out of the recipe.
  • Potatoes: I love to add potatoes because it adds a creamy, starchy texture to the chicken stew. They can be chopped or diced, depending on your preference. If you don’t have potatoes, you can substitute them with sweet potatoes, yams, or turnips.
  • Brown sauce: Brown sauce is a thick, savory sauce that is used in Jamaican cooking. It can be found at grocery stores or online. If you can’t find brown sauce, you can substitute it with Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
  • Scotch bonnet: Ok, now these are super hot peppers that are traditionally used in Jamaican and Caribbean cuisines. If you are not a fan of spicy dishes or making this dish for kids then I suggest you leave out these Scotch bonnet peppers. If you don’t have a scotch bonnet and you want to add some heat to this stew then you can substitute it with another hot pepper, such as habanero or jalapeno.

Tips & Tricks To Make The Best Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Here are some of my tips and tricks that you can follow to make the best Jamaican brown stew chicken…

  1. Brown the chicken well: Browning the chicken on all sides before adding it to the sauce will give the chicken a nice crispy skin and add extra flavor to the dish.
  2. Use fresh herbs: Using fresh thyme and other herbs will give the sauce a brighter and more intense flavor.
  3. Adjust the heat: If you like your food spicier, add more cayenne pepper to taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used.
  4. Use chicken broth: Using chicken broth instead of water will add more depth of flavor to the sauce.
  5. Cook the vegetables properly: Make sure to add the carrots and potatoes to the sauce with enough time for them to cook through, but not so much time that they turn to mush.
  6. Use a large enough pot: Make sure to use a large enough pot to hold all of the ingredients, as the sauce will expand as it cooks.
  7. Let everything simmer: Letting the dish simmer on low heat for 30 minutes after adding the vegetables will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Alternative Cooking Methods For Brown Stewed Chicken

If you’re looking for alternative cooking methods for this delicious brown stew chicken recipe, here are a few options for you to try.

  • Slow Cooker: To use this slow cooker method, first brown the chicken and sauté the onion and garlic in a pan, then transfer to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  • Instant Pot: For the instant pot browned stew chicken method, set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté Setting” and brown the chicken. Then add the rest of the ingredients and set to “Pressure Cook Setting” Cook for 15 minutes. Carefully quick release the pressure and add the carrots and potatoes. Cook on “Pressure Cook” for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Oven: To make oven-brown stew chicken, preheat the oven to 350°F. Brown the chicken in a large oven-safe pot such as a Dutch oven. Add the rest of the ingredients and transfer to the oven and bake for 1 hour. Lastly, add the carrots and potatoes and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

What Is Browning Sauce?

Browning sauce is a popular dark sauce that is typically used in Jamaican, Trinidadian, and African cuisines. It gets its name because of the rich color and flavor it gives the food. This quintessential Caribbean brown sauce is made with a few ingredients such as caramelized sugar, spices, and water. Browning sauce has become a staple in Caribbean cuisine and is often an ingredient used to prepare traditional Jamaican dishes such as this brown chicken stewed recipe.

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Ingredients For Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

  • 4 chicken legs
  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon browned sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 cup green peas (frozen or canned)
  • 1 teaspoon of thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup of carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup of potatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped or use parsley
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, remove seeds and chop (optional)

How To Make Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken?

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it’s shimmering.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the pot, skin side down, and brown them beautifully on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. When they’re golden and crisp, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
  3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the brown sugar, tomato paste, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  5. Return the chicken to the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add the chopped carrots, green peas, bay leaves, and potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
  7. Stir in the chopped scotch bonnet pepper and the browned sauce, and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, until the flavors have melded together into a rich, delicious stew.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve your Jamaican chicken stew over a bed of fluffy white rice, or with a crusty loaf of bread.
  10. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes stewed chicken tough?

Overcooking stewed chicken for too long can cause it to become tough and dry. The longer the chicken cooks, the more the protein fibers in the meat break down and become hard. To prevent this from happening, cook the chicken for the appropriate amount of time.

How do you know when chicken is cooked enough?

When it comes to cooking chicken, it is essential to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly to avoid any potential risk of foodborne illness. The best way to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. To do this check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken, the chicken is cooked once its temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How can I store leftover brown stew chicken?

To store leftover brown stew chicken, allow the stew to cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The leftover stewed chicken can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Check Out Some Of My Other Delicious Jamaican Recipes

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe

Get ready to make your taste buds burst with this delicious Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken recipe! Trust me my friends, this dish is the epitome of Caribbean cuisine, and with its bold and aromatic flavors that are simply unforgettable. Every bite of juicy chicken and flavorful sauce will take you straight to the warm, sunny beaches of Jamaica. And let me tell you, this dish holds a special place in my heart…it's one of my ultimate comfort foods that never fails to bring a smile to my face. So, go ahead and experience the authentic taste of Jamaica right in your own kitchen – I promise you won't regret it!"
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Caribbean, Jamaican
Servings 6 people
Calories 560 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken legs
  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 4 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon browned sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 cup green peas frozen or canned
  • 1 teaspoon of thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup of carrots chopped
  • 1 cup of potatoes chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped or use parsley
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper remove seeds and chop (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it’s shimmering.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the pot, skin side down, and brown them beautifully on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. When they’re golden and crisp, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
  • Add the onion and garlic to the pot, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the brown sugar, tomato paste, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  • Return the chicken to the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the chopped carrots, green peas, bay leaves, and potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in the chopped scotch bonnet pepper and the browned sauce, and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, until the flavors have melded together into a rich, delicious stew.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Serve your Jamaican chicken stew over a bed of fluffy white rice, or with a crusty loaf of bread.
  • Enjoy!
Keyword Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, Brown Stew Chicken, Brown Stewed Chicken Recipe, Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken, Caribbean Stew Chicken Recipe, Easy Brown Stew Chicken Recipe, Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe




4 thoughts on “Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe”

  • 5 stars
    Very delicious! As a Jamacian I can honestly say that this is one of the best versions of brown stew chicken that I have made, and I have made many. I love your twist with the potato soo good, the flavour was perfect and the chicken was moist and tender, normally I tend to make mine more drier and more charred. I just severed it as is without any rice or fried plantains and it was a hit with my man. Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe.

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