Description
A delicious and authentic Jamaican curry chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk for the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 large yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- 1 lime juiced
Instructions
- Prep Work: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Chop onions, bell peppers, and mince garlic and ginger. This preparation ensures smooth cooking.
- Sauté Base: Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add Chicken: Add chicken pieces to pot with curry powder and garlic. Stir well to coat chicken completely. Cook 3-5 minutes until chicken is sealed.
- Create Sauce: Slowly pour in coconut milk while stirring continuously. Add ginger and bring mixture to gentle simmer. Cook 10 minutes uncovered.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in bell peppers, thyme sprigs, and scotch bonnet pepper if using. Simmer 15-20 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- Final Touch: Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over curry. Remove thyme sprigs and scotch bonnet before serving hot.
Notes
- Toast curry powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to intensify flavors and eliminate raw spice taste
- Don’t skip the chicken thighs – they contain more fat and stay moist unlike chicken breasts which can become dry
- Add coconut milk gradually while stirring to prevent curdling and ensure smooth, creamy consistency
- Let curry rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken naturally
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 calories
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: jamaican curry chicken, curry chicken recipe, caribbean cuisine, coconut curry, spicy chicken, jamaican food