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Savor the Flavor of Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken at Home

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken 4 Servings Ultimate Delicious

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is a vibrant expression of Jamaican culture and culinary heritage. This beloved recipe is quintessential to Jamaican cuisine and highlights the island’s love for bold flavors and comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 scallions, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Jamaican ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 pieces chicken, using a mix of legs & boneless/skinless thighs
  • 3 teaspoon browning sauce, using Grace brand
  • 3 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil, plus more as needed
  • 2 medium-sized carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 46 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, left whole – do not cut!
  • 3 cup chicken stock or broth

Instructions

1. 1. Start by seasoning your chicken pieces. In a large bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, ground ginger, allspice, smoked paprika, and browning sauce. Gently rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get into the nooks and crannies. If time allows, marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or even overnight for enhanced flavor.

2. 2. Heat 3 tablespoon of vegetable or canola oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Brown the chicken on all sides—about 3-5 minutes per side—until nicely golden. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

3. 3. In the same pot, add the chopped onions, bell pepper, scallions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken.

4. 4. Next, stir in the brown sugar and the tomato sauce, allowing the mixture to cook for a few minutes until it darkens slightly.

5. 5. Return the browned chicken pieces back into the pot. Add the sprigs of fresh thyme, bay leaves, the whole scotch bonnet pepper, and the chicken stock. The stock should cover the chicken about halfway. Bring everything to a simmer.

6. 6. Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer for 35-45 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the chicken incredibly tender. Stir occasionally and check that there’s enough liquid in the pot—if not, add a little more stock or water.

7. 7. Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve your Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken hot.

Notes

Using fresh and high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best flavor. If you’re looking for substitutes, feel free to use regular bell peppers in place of colored ones, or replace the brown sugar with honey if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, Chicken Stew