Name: Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 2 ½ lbs bone-in chicken (thighs, legs, or a mix); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp browning sauce (or dark soy sauce + molasses); 1 large onion, sliced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 3 scallions, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp allspice (pimento); 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole or chopped, depending on heat preference); 2 tbsp ketchup; 2 cups chicken stock or water; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

Description

This Jamaican brown stew chicken is a comforting, flavorful, and soul-warming dish that combines caramelized chicken with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, all simmered in a rich, glossy gravy. What makes this recipe so special is the balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes that come together beautifully. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but even better when paired with traditional sides like rice and peas or fried plantains. Perfect for a family dinner or a weekend feast, this dish brings authentic Caribbean flavor straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ lbs bone-in chicken (thighs, legs, or a mix)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp browning sauce (or dark soy sauce + molasses)
1 large onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
3 scallions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp allspice (pimento)
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole or chopped, depending on heat preference)
2 tbsp ketchup
2 cups chicken stock or water
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Clean and season chicken with soy sauce, browning sauce, paprika, thyme, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Marinate at least 1 hour.
Heat oil in a large pot. Brown chicken pieces in batches until golden. Remove and set aside.
Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, scallions, and carrots to the pot. Cook until softened.
Return chicken to the pot. Add allspice, ketchup, scotch bonnet pepper, and stock. Stir well.
Cover and simmer on low for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more liquid if needed.
Adjust seasonings before serving.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate chicken overnight.
If you want less heat, keep the scotch bonnet whole and remove it before serving.
Browning the chicken well is key to developing flavor.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main dish
Method: Braising
Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4–6
Calories: 380
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 110mg