Recipes

Jamaican Brown Chicken Stew

Serves 4

| Prep Time: 40 mins

| Cook Time: 50 mins

| Total Time: 1 hour 30 min

You may need: Island Spice

Discover The Recipe

Jamaica is a sun-kissed island that pulses as the beating heart of the Caribbean. Reggae fills the air while the aromatic, bold, and often fiery Jamaican cuisine warms your belly and fills your soul. This Jamaican Brown Chicken Stew is a culinary symphony, paying homage to Jamaica's history and diverse heritage. Passed down through generations, it's a piece of island tradition that resonates with every bite. The marinade is where the magic begins. Chicken thighs marinate in our delicious all purpose Island Spice, salt, cane sugar, and soy sauce, creating a melody of flavors that'll dance on your taste buds. Make an authentic Jamaican Browning Sauce (found on the digital version recipe) or use molasses to sub in for the soy sauce for a more authentic flavor.

Browning the marinated chicken renders it golden and succulent, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. Then, a supporting cast of onion, bell peppers, garlic, and tomato puree joins the sizzle, adding savory depth and complexity. A pour of chicken broth transforms the medley into a rich, luscious stew. Back into the pot goes the chicken, ready to simmer to tender perfection. Serve this Jamaican Brown Chicken Stew over fluffy white rice or with grilled corn cobs for a taste of the Caribbean, transporting you to a Jamaican dinner party, where each bite tells a story of island soul.

Ingredients

Jamaican Brown Chicken Marinade:
2 lbs chicken thighs
2 Tbsp Piquant Post Island Spice
½ tsp Kosher salt
1 Tbsp cane sugar
3 Tbsp soy sauce or make your own Jamaican Browning Sauce
Jamaican Brown Chicken Stew:
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, diced
½ red bell pepper, sliced
½ green bell pepper, sliced
1 Tbsp tomato puree
½ tsp Kosher salt
2 cups chicken broth (or warm water)
To serve: cooked white rice or grilled corn cobs

Notes

When simmering, ensure there is enough liquid to cover the chicken. If not, add more broth or water.

Optional ingredients add a little character and flavor but don’t sweat it if you don’t have them.

Instructions

In a large ziploc bag, combine the chicken with all the ingredients in the marinade. Marinate chicken for 30 mins, up to overnight.

In a medium dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over Med heat. Brown chicken, about 4-5 mins per side. Set aside on a plate. Do this in 2 batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.

Add onion and bell peppers, stir fry for 5-6 mins. Add garlic and tomato puree. Combine and stir fry for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in warm water and salt.

Add chicken back to the pot and cover. Bring to a simmer for 30 mins. Serve hot over fresh rice or with a side of grilled corn on the cob!

Alternatives & Substitutions

Use our all-purpose Island Spice as a dry rub on just about anything: try grilling chicken, beef, lamb, pork, fish, zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant.
Or, use it in any recipe calling for paprika like these Caribbean deviled eggs.
Another authentic Caribbean alternative recipe to use Island spice is our Jamaican Run Down (fish stew) or Cajun Shrimp Pasta.
Looking for plant-based / vegan recipes to use our Island Spice blend? Try our stunning Sweet Potato Cakes with Coconut and Lime Sauce, Portobello and Black Eyed Pea Gumbo, or Tostones de Pana recipes.
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