How To Make Real Authentic Jamaican Brown Stewed Chicken

Jody Cooking

Video Stats

Channel: Jody Cooking
Host: Jody Cooking
Published: May 30, 2025
Views: 5.2k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 30 min
Cook: 40 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

Jamaican Brown Stewed Chicken is a dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Caribbean cooking. The recipe begins with marinating chicken legs and thighs in a blend of fresh herbs, spices, and aromatics, including garlic, ginger, and scallions. This step is crucial as it infuses the meat with deep flavors that are characteristic of Jamaican cuisine.

One of the standout techniques in this recipe is the browning of sugar, which creates a rich, caramelized color and adds a unique depth to the sauce. The chicken is seared until golden, locking in juices and flavor before being simmered with a medley of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes. The addition of ketchup and various seasonings rounds out the dish, making it a comforting meal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; it can be served with rice and peas, mashed potatoes, or even on its own. The thick, flavorful gravy is perfect for soaking into whatever side you choose. This recipe not only satisfies the palate but also brings a taste of home to any dining table, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

Overall, Jamaican Brown Stewed Chicken is a delightful dish that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Jamaica. With its bold flavors and comforting nature, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
01:45

Wash and clean chicken legs and thighs in lemon juice.

02:22

Tip: Use fresh herbs for better flavor in your brown stew chicken.

2
03:30

Add garlic, ginger, scallion, carrot, Irish potato, onion, sweet pepper, and Scotch bonnet pepper to the chicken.

3
04:34

Massage all the fresh ingredients and seasonings into the chicken.

4
05:13

Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour or overnight.

05:21

Tip: Marinate the chicken for at least an hour or overnight for enhanced flavor.

5
05:30

Heat oil in a pot and add brown sugar to burn it.

06:11

Tip: Keep the stove on low heat while burning sugar to prevent it from burning too much.

6
06:57

Add the marinated chicken to the pot with burnt sugar.

7
08:29

Cover the pot and let the chicken sear for 4 minutes on low heat.

8
09:06

Remove the potatoes from the pot to prevent overcooking.

9
09:22

Add three cups of water to the pot.

09:48

Tip: Add salt to taste for better seasoning.

10
10:05

Add remaining seasonings and salt to taste.

11
10:23

Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes.

10:23

Tip: Cover the pot while cooking to retain moisture and flavor.

12
10:31

Add Irish potato, remaining carrot, sweet pepper, scallion, thyme, and ketchup.

13
11:05

Leave to cook for at least 15 minutes.

14
11:25

Check the chicken; it should be cooked to perfection.

12:09

Tip: Garnish with scallion for presentation, it's optional but adds a nice touch.

15
12:43

Add the brown stew chicken to a bowl for serving.

16
12:54

Garnish with scallion for presentation.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Garlic3 cloves
Ginger1 tsp
Thyme2 tbsp
Scotch Bonnet Pepper1
Scallion1 stalk
Carrot1
Irish Potato1
Onion1/2
Sweet Pepper1
Ketchup2 tbsp
All-Purpose Seasoning1 tsp
Chicken Seasoning1 tsp
Black Pepper1 tsp
Paprika2 tbsp

Nutrition

Calories
450
kcal per serving
Protein
35
per serving
Carbs
30
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Browning sugar is a traditional technique used to add color and flavor to Jamaican stews.
  • Scotch bonnet peppers are a key ingredient in Jamaican cuisine, known for their heat and fruity flavor.
  • Marinating chicken with fresh herbs and spices enhances its flavor and tenderness.
  • Irish potatoes are commonly used in Caribbean stews to add heartiness and texture.