Jamaican Curry Chicken

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This authentic Jamaican curry recipe is made with tender chicken breasts, hearty veggies, and fragrant spices like turmeric and ginger.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes

Jamaican Chicken Curry Close Up

This authentic Jamaican curry recipe is made with tender chicken breasts, hearty veggies, and fragrant spices like turmeric and ginger.

Jamaican Chicken Curry with Cilantro

When it comes to dinner, there’s nothing better than quick, healthy recipes the whole family loves. Am I right?

Jamaican Chicken Curry

With colder weather on the way, I love warming, hearty recipes. Whether it’s a warm bowl of soup, a hearty slow cooker meal or baked chicken, bring on the comfort!

Chopped Carrots for Jamaican Chicken Curry
Onions for Jamaican Chicken Curry

Even better, the flavors of this Jamaican curry chicken transport me away from the cold to the warm beaches of Jamaica.

Potatoes for Jamaican Chicken Curry
Jamaican Chicken Curry Grated Ingredients

One of the benefits of having a Jamaican business partner (do you subscribe to our podcast?) is that I’ve learned a lot about Caribbean cooking over the last few years.

Jamaican Chicken Curry Ingredients
Sauteed Chicken for Jamaican Chicken Curry

Jamaican cooking is centered around one thing and one thing only: flavor. Fresh ground spices, warm curries, juicy grilled meats, each and every bite is full of flavor.

Jamaican Chicken Curry with vegetables
Jamaican Chicken Curry Simmering

Difference between Jamaican curry and Indian curry?

There are several similarities but Jamaican curry is typically made with curry powder whereas curry in Indian is usually sauce-based made with coconut milk or cream and blended with tomatoes, herbs, and spices.

Jamaican Chicken Curry Rice
Cauliflower for Jamaican Chicken Curry

While not customary, I decided to bulk up the curry with additional veggies including cauliflower, potatoes, carrots and peas. Feel free to add in any veggies you have on hand. You can also omit the veggies entirely and keep it more traditional.

Plated Jamaican Chicken Curry

What is the best type of chicken to use for Jamaican curry chicken?

Any type of chicken works so use what you have on hand, what’s on sale or what you enjoy most.

How do I lower the sodium content in this recipe?

Whenever cooking from scratch, you can easily lower sodium content by purchasing organic chicken with no added sodium or using homemade, salt-free broth.

Is Jamaican curry chicken mild or spicy?

You can make it mild OR spicy! To keep it mild, simply omit the Scotch bonnet peppers. If you want to make it spicy, add more Scotch bonnet peppers.

Is Jamaican curry chicken freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! It will keep well in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How long will Jamaican curry last in the refrigerator?

I suggest enjoying this within 3 days.

Jamaican Chicken Curry Dinner

We recently served the Jamaican curry chicken over basmati rice but it would be even better over Jamaican rice and peas.

Jamaican Chicken Curry Close Up

Paired with this Caribbean Rum Punch Cocktail or Caramelized Pineapple Smoothie for dessert, this meal feels like your on vacation!

Liz with Jamaican Curry Chicken

Your fork is waiting.

Jamaican Chicken Curry Close Up

Jamaican Curry Chicken

Rate It!
This authentic Jamaican curry recipe is made with tender chicken breasts, hearty veggies, and fragrant spices like turmeric and ginger.
PREP: 15 minutes
COOK: 30 minutes
TOTAL: 45 minutes
Pin
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (minced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (minced, optional)
  • 1 pound chicken breasts (boneless, skinless – cut into cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder (divided)
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 2 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1/2 inch rounds)
  • 4 medium yukon gold potatoes (quartered)
  • 2 cups cauliflower (cut into florets )
  • 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • cilantro and scallions (optional garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, toss chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of the curry powder and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add ginger, garlic and Scotch bonnet pepper to the pan and heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add chicken to the pan and saute until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Pour chicken broth into the pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of pan. Add carrots, potatoes and cauliflower to the pot along with along with another pinch of salt and pepper and the remaining 1 tablespoon curry powder. Stir well then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low then simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Right before serving, stir in green peas. Serve over rice if you wish. Garnish with cilantro and scallions then enjoy.

Notes

If you can’t find a Scotch bonnet pepper use a habanero pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 373kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 32gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 1042mgPotassium: 1720mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5460IUVitamin C: 96mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 4mg

2 thoughts on “Jamaican Curry Chicken”

  1. Authentic Jamaician curry does not include green peas
    The chicken will have more flavour if marinated overnight.

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