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Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Savory Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken That Heals the Soul

Experience the warmth of Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, a heartwarming dish bursting with Caribbean flavors, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Marination Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Jamaican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 whole Chicken Use bone-in pieces for extra flavor and tenderness.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion Adds sweetness and depth; shallots can be a great substitute.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh is best for a fragrant boost, but garlic powder is a quick fix.
  • 3 Escallion (Green Onion) Provides a mild onion flavor; regular onions work as a substitute.
  • 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme Essential for that authentic flavor; dried thyme will suffice in a pinch.
For the Flavors
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Adds an aromatic fragrance, can be omitted if you don’t have any.
  • 1 tablespoon Browning Sauce Gives the dish a rich color; dark soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper Brings heat and flavor; replace with habanero or omit for milder stew.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust based on your preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust based on your preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Adds color and mild sweetness; smoky paprika can add a delightful twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Pimento Seeds (Allspice Berries) Contributes warm, aromatic notes; ground allspice can be used instead.
  • 1 tablespoon Dark Brown Sugar Balances flavors with sweetness; light brown sugar can be a substitute.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Stock Forms the base of the delicious sauce; dilute regular stock with water if necessary.
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Adds sweetness and vibrant color; feel free to add any veggies on hand.
  • 2 tablespoons Ketchup For flavor and thickening; tomato paste works well if you don't have ketchup.
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce Optional for extra umami; tamari is a great gluten-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For browning the chicken; any light cooking oil will do.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
  1. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the whole chicken, removing any extra fat, and patting it dry. Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for even cooking.
  2. In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with chopped onions, minced garlic, thyme, bay leaves, browning sauce, and spices. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and brown them on all sides for about 5-10 minutes.
  4. Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock along with the reserved marinade. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  5. Stir in ketchup to thicken the sauce, adjust heat if necessary, and let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Remove bay leaves and serve hot with traditional sides.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This dish pairs well with rice and peas or steamed vegetables.

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