As I recall family gatherings filled with laughter and chatter, brown stew chicken was always the star of the show. It brought everyone together, and the anticipation of digging in made my mouth water. This dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This brown stew chicken Jamaican recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both seasoned chefs and beginners alike
- The blend of spices creates a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress your guests
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, this dish will brighten up any dinner table
- It’s versatile enough to serve with rice, pasta, or even as a filling for wraps
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about the flavors and even asked for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chicken Thighs: Opt for bone-in thighs for juiciness; they soak up flavors beautifully during cooking.
- Onion: A large onion adds sweetness and depth; slice it thinly so it melds into the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic punch; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
- Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors for visual appeal and sweetness; they add freshness to the stew.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme is key for that authentic Jamaican flavor; if using dried, use sparingly.
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper: For heat lovers, this pepper adds warmth without overpowering; adjust according to taste.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes or canned ones work well; they create a luscious sauce base.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while adding umami richness.
- Browning Sauce: This gives the chicken its beautiful color and enhances the flavor profile significantly.
- Vegetable Oil: A splash of oil prevents sticking and helps achieve that lovely sear on the chicken.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Chicken: Start by washing the chicken thighs thoroughly and patting them dry. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let them rest for about 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add vegetable oil until shimmering. Toss in sliced onions and garlic; cook until onions turn translucent and fragrant.
Add Veggies & Spices: Stir in diced bell peppers, fresh thyme, and chopped tomatoes. Cook until peppers soften slightly, releasing their sweet aroma into your kitchen.
Brown The Chicken: Increase heat to medium-high. Add seasoned chicken thighs to the pot and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
Create The Stew Base: Pour in soy sauce and browning sauce. Add scotch bonnet pepper (whole if you prefer mild) and enough water to cover the chicken halfway. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat.
Simmer & Serve!: Cover tightly and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender. The sauce thickens beautifully! Serve hot over rice or your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy this soulful Jamaican classic that guarantees smiles around the dinner table!
You Must Know
- Brown stew chicken Jamaican is a celebration of flavors and spices that can elevate any dinner
- The aroma of simmering herbs and vegetables fills your kitchen, making it irresistible
- It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, bringing a taste of Jamaica to your table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken overnight for maximum flavor. Sear it until golden, then simmer with vegetables and spices until tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breasts or add bell peppers and carrots for extra color and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always marinate your chicken to enhance flavor and tenderness
- Searing first locks in juices, ensuring a juicy texture
- Don’t rush the simmering process; patience allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish you’ll love
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my aunt’s kitchen, where laughter mixed with delicious aromas made every meal unforgettable.
FAQ
What is brown stew chicken Jamaican?
Brown stew chicken Jamaican is a flavorful dish made with seasoned chicken cooked in a rich gravy.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute with pork or beef, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make it spicy?
Add scotch bonnet peppers or cayenne pepper during cooking for an extra kick.
Savory Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Jamaican brown stew chicken. This dish features tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant blend of spices, fresh herbs, and colorful vegetables. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home, this recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious. Serve it over rice or your favorite side for a comforting meal that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced, mixed colors)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, adjust for spice preference)
- 2 medium tomatoes (chopped, or 1 can diced tomatoes)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp browning sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water for simmering
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken thighs and pat dry. Season generously with salt and pepper; let rest for 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add diced bell peppers, thyme, and tomatoes; cook until peppers soften.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add seasoned chicken thighs. Brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce, browning sauce, and add whole Scotch bonnet pepper along with enough water to cover the chicken halfway. Bring to a boil then reduce heat.
- Cover tightly and simmer on low for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice or your favorite side dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
