Easy Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe [authentic style]

This Original Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe is bursting with aromatic spices and vegan chicken, a celebration of Jamaica’s rich culinary style. Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean and unlock the secrets to creating an authentic taste of Jamaica right in your own kitchen.

What is Jamaican Curry Chicken?

Jamaican curry chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that originates from the island of Jamaica in the Caribbean. It typically consists of chicken pieces marinated in a blend of spices such as curry powder, thyme, allspice, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet peppers. All of this gives it its distinctive Caribbean flavor profile.

The marinated chicken is then simmered in a sauce made with coconut milk, onions, tomatoes, and additional spices until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. The result is a rich and fragrant dish with a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness.

Jamaican curry chicken is often served with rice and peas, fried plantains, or roti. These combinations make it a hearty and satisfying meal that’s beloved not only in Jamaica but also enjoyed by food enthusiasts around the world.

What spices go in Jamaican curry?

Jamaican curry powder typically includes a blend of various spices that contribute to its distinctive flavor profile. Here are the common spices that go into Jamaican curry powder:

1. Turmeric: This vibrant yellow spice is the main ingredient in curry powder and provides both color and earthy flavor.
2. Coriander: Adds a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor to the curry blend.
3. Cumin: Offers a warm, nutty flavor with a hint of earthiness.
4. Allspice: A key ingredient in Jamaican cuisine, allspice contributes a complex flavor reminiscent of a combination of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Mustard Seeds: These tiny seeds provide a subtle, tangy flavor to the curry blend.
6. Fenugreek: Adds a slightly bitter and nutty taste to the curry powder.
7. Black Pepper: Adds heat and a peppery flavor to the blend.
8. Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor to the curry mix.
9. Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth to the blend.
10. Cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness to the curry powder, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

Some variations of Jamaican curry powder may also include additional spices such as cloves, cardamom, and chili powder for extra depth of flavor and heat. The exact proportions of each spice can vary depending on personal preference and regional variations.

Ingredients needed to make Jamaican Curry Chicken

If you want to create a delicious and flavorful Jamaican Curry Chicken, below are the ingredients that you will need:

• 15 ounces of vegan chicken that you can find at your local grocery store.
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided, to help cook the chicken and other ingredients.
• 2 teaspoons of curry powder, which is a critical ingredient in Jamaican cuisine that provides a unique and delicious flavor to the dish.
• 3 cloves of garlic, pressed, to add a hint of garlic flavor to the dish.
• 1/2 cup of chopped onions to provide a sweet and savory taste to the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning, which is a classic Jamaican spice mix consisting of a blend of spices such as allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper.
• 2 small potatoes, peeled and chopped, which will add body to the dish and make it more filling.
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, which will add an umami flavor to the dish.
• 1 can (15 oz) of coconut milk that will provide a creamy texture to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon of chili flakes to add a bit of heat to the dish.
• Salt and black pepper to taste, which will allow you to adjust the seasoning to your preference.

How to make Jamaican Curry Chicken:

First, marinate the chicken in a bowl by combining jerk seasoning, curry powder, garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chili flakes, and chicken. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it marinade for at least 10 minutes or longer for a stronger flavor.

Next, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pot and cook the chicken for 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, onions, potatoes, coconut milk, and soy sauce. Cook for 10 minutes more.

Add the chicken back to the pot and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve and enjoy!

What to do with leftovers?

Leftover Jamaican curry chicken can be repurposed into various delicious dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Curry Chicken Wraps or Sandwiches: Shred the leftover chicken and place it in wraps or sandwiches along with some fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Add a dollop of your favorite sauce or chutney for extra flavor.
• Curry Chicken Salad: Chop the leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it with mixed greens, diced mango or pineapple, and a light vinaigrette dressing. You can also add some nuts or seeds for crunch.
• Curry Chicken Fried Rice: Chop the leftover chicken into small pieces and stir-fry it with cooked rice, diced vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers), and scrambled eggs. Season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for an extra kick.
• Curry Chicken Pasta: Mix the leftover chicken with cooked pasta and a creamy sauce made from coconut milk, curry paste, and a squeeze of lime juice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

• Curry Chicken Pizza: Use the leftover chicken as a topping for homemade pizza. Spread some tomato sauce on a pizza crust, sprinkle with cheese, and add the curry chicken along with your favorite vegetables. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
• Curry Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of leftover curry chicken, cooked rice, black beans, and corn. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
• Curry Chicken Soup: Make a hearty soup by simmering the leftover chicken with broth, diced vegetables, and cooked grains like rice or quinoa. Season with additional curry powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to get creative and experiment with your leftovers to create new and exciting dishes!

Other easy Curry Recipes to try

• Easy Mushroom Curry Recipe with Garam Masala [vegan]
• Easy Zucchini Curry Recipe with Chickpeas
• Lentil Curry
• Eggplant Curry
• Katsu Curry

Share your love of this easy Jamaican Curry Chicken in the comments below and on Instagram and Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian.