ADVERTISEMENT
1. Prepare and Marinate the Chicken:
The first step in making Brown Stew Chicken is to clean the chicken properly. Rinse the chicken pieces in cold water, then rub them with lime juice or vinegar to remove any impurities. Rinse again.
Next, combine all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl: soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, allspice, garlic, onion, scallions, thyme, ginger, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade mixture, ensuring every piece is well covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for more flavor).
2. Brown the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to brown it. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar into the oil — this will help caramelize the chicken, giving it a beautiful golden brown color.
When the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches. The goal is to get a deep, golden-brown color and a slight crispiness on the skin. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Sauté the sliced carrots, potato chunks, and bell peppers (if using) until they’re slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften.
4. Simmer the Chicken:
Return the browned chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the chicken broth (or water), and bring everything to a simmer. Stir in the ketchup and browning sauce (if using), which will add richness and color to the sauce. The combination of chicken stock, veggies, and seasonings will create a flavorful base for the stew.
5. Let it Cook:
Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer on low heat for about 30 to 40 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook through and become tender, while the flavors of the sauce meld together. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level — you want the sauce to thicken slightly but not dry out. If needed, add more broth or water.
6. Adjust the Seasonings:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer more heat, you can add more Scotch bonnet pepper, or a pinch of salt if it needs more flavor. The sauce should be savory with a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar and a slight kick from the Scotch bonnet pepper.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Serve your Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken hot over a bed of steamed white rice, rice and peas, or alongside fried plantains for a truly authentic Jamaican meal. Don’t forget to spoon the flavorful sauce and tender veggies over the chicken for extra deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
- Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The sweet and savory sauce has a deep, complex flavor that coats the chicken perfectly. It’s the key to what makes this dish so mouthwatering.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: The slow simmering process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all of the delicious flavors from the marinade and sauce.
- Authentic Jamaican Taste: With the signature ingredients like Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, and allspice, this dish gives you a true taste of Jamaica right at home.
- Versatile and Comforting: Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it an excellent choice for gatherings, family dinners, or special occasions.
Tips for the Best Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
- Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices and seasonings to infuse the meat more deeply.
- Adjust the Heat: Scotch bonnet peppers are known for their intense heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the pepper or use just a small amount. Alternatively, add more for an extra kick.
- Make It Ahead: This dish is even better the next day! If you have leftovers, the flavors continue to develop, making it a great meal to prep in advance.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or peas to the dish to make it even more nutritious and colorful.
Final Thoughts
Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is the perfect comfort food that delivers bold flavors and is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re familiar with Caribbean cuisine or trying it for the first time, this dish will transport you to Jamaica with every bite. The combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and rich, flavorful sauce makes this recipe a must-try in every kitchen.
Enjoy the taste of the Caribbean in your home with this easy-to-follow recipe for Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, and don’t forget to pair it with a cold drink and some rice for the ultimate island-inspired meal.
