Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe

Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe for 8 People - A Family Feast

Bonjour, my wonderful little sous-chef! Today, we're going to make a big, heartwarming batch of Jamaican Curry Chicken. It's enough to serve our lovely family of eight. Each ingredient we add will tell its own story and bring a unique flavor to our dish. Let's get started on this delightful culinary journey!

Ingredients for 8 Servings:

• Chicken: 4 lbs, preferably a mix of thighs and drumsticks for a blend of textures and flavors. Chicken with bones adds depth to the curry.
• Jamaican Curry Powder: 6 tbsp, for its vibrant, golden-yellow hue and a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and allspice which give the curry its signature flavor.
• All-Purpose Seasoning: 2 tbsp, a combination of herbs and spices that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Pimento (All-Spice): 2 tsp, brings a nuanced, warm flavor that's reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, crucial for authentic Caribbean taste.
• Thyme: 2 tsp, adds a subtle lemony and minty note, balancing the rich curry flavors.
• Onion: 2 large, finely chopped. Onions are the foundation of flavor, offering a natural sweetness when cooked.
• Ginger: 2-inch piece, grated. Ginger adds a zesty, spicy touch, complementing the heat from the peppers.
• Garlic: 8 cloves, minced, for its robust, earthy aroma which is essential in layering flavors in the curry.
• Scallion: 6 stalks, chopped, offers a milder, sweeter version of the classic onion flavor.
• Scotch Bonnet Pepper: 2, finely chopped. This pepper brings the iconic Caribbean heat to the dish, but you can adjust according to your heat preference.
• Carrot: 2 large, diced, adds a hint of sweetness and contributes to the texture of the sauce.
• White Potato: 2 large, diced, acts as a natural thickener for the curry sauce, making it hearty.
• Coconut Milk: 2 cups, infuses the curry with a creamy, rich texture and a slight sweetness that balances the spices.
• Lime/Lemon and Vinegar: Juice of 2 limes/lemons and 2 tbsp of vinegar for washing the chicken, adding a layer of citrusy brightness and ensuring cleanliness.

Preparation Steps:

1. Marinating the Chicken:

   • Thoroughly wash the chicken with the lime/lemon juice and vinegar mixture; this also adds a subtle citrus note to the chicken.
   • In a large bowl, mix the chicken with all the spices and seasonings. The long marination allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.

2. Cooking the Chicken:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil (about 4 tbsp) in a large pot. Brown the chicken to seal in the spices, creating a foundation of flavor.

3. Creating the Curry:

   • Add the vegetables to the pot. The carrots and potatoes will absorb the flavors and enrich the curry.
   • Stir in the coconut milk, which will meld with the spices, creating a lush, flavorful sauce.
   • Simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thickened, intensifying the flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

• This hearty curry is perfect with white rice or traditional rice and peas. The rice soaks up the rich, spiced sauce beautifully.

Cooking Tips:

• Layering Flavors: Building the dish in layers allows each ingredient to shine and contribute to the overall harmony of the dish.
• Adjusting Heat: Be mindful of the scotch bonnet peppers; they pack a punch, so adjust to your family's heat tolerance.

And voilà, my helper! Our Jamaican Curry Chicken is ready - a big, comforting meal that's perfect for our family gathering. Each bite is a testament to our love and care in the kitchen. Let's enjoy this beautiful meal together. Bon appétit! 🍛👩‍🍳💖