Jamaica: Brown Stew Chicken

Experience the vibrant and robust flavors of Jamaican cuisine with this delightful Jamaican Brown Chicken Stew. Prepared with a blend of aromatic herbs, spices, and succulent chicken, this dish embodies the essence of Caribbean cooking, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.

In this recipe, tender chicken pieces are carefully marinated and browned to perfection, resulting in a rich and flavourful base. Infused with traditional Jamaican spices like thyme, allspice, garlic, and ginger, the stew develops a tantalising aroma that will awaken your senses.

The addition of colourful vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, and scotch, adds texture and a delightful freshness to the stew. As it simmers slowly, the flavours meld together, creating a satisfying and nourishing meal that is both comforting and fulfilling.

To achieve the signature deep brown color and a touch of sweetness, a browning agent, such as brown sugar or browning sauce, is incorporated. This adds a caramelized richness to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and complexity.

Whether you’re seeking a hearty family dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this Jamaican Brown Chicken Stew is a fantastic choice. Serve it alongside fluffy white rice or with a side of traditional Jamaican rice and peas for a complete and satisfying meal.

Embrace the vibrant flavours of Jamaica with this soul-warming stew, and let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. Get ready to savour the authentic tastes and aromas of Jamaican cuisine in every comforting spoonful.

This is completely optional but To prepare this recipe you can wash your chicken with vinegar lime and salt.
When you wash chicken, you might be removing any visible impurities or residue that could be present on the surface, such as blood or bone fragments. Removing these impurities can give the appearance of cleaner chicken, which could contribute to a more appetising presentation.

• 1.5kg Chicken Thigh and/or Drumstick

Next you want to combine the following ingredients:

• 1.5kg Chicken Thigh and/or Drumstick (washed – optional) 
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1 yellow onion chopped
• 3 spring onions chopped
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper seeds removed and chopped
• 4 garlic cloves chopped
• 1 inch ginger chopped

Now you want to add your browning. Browning sauce is characterised by its rich and deep caramelised flavour. It adds a sweet, slightly smoky, and earthy taste to dishes, reminiscent of the flavours that develop when foods are browned or caramelised. Some variations of browning sauce have a hint of nuttiness and a molasses-like sweetness. This adds a complex and sweet undertone to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Browning sauce may have subtle bitter undertones, contributing to its complexity. This bitterness is typically well-balanced with the other flavors, but it adds a unique dimension to the overall taste.

• 1 tbsp Browning

Mix well and ensure all pieces of the chicken are covered.

Now you want cover this in plastic wrap and let this marinate in the fridge for atleast 3 hours. Best results is to let the chicken sit in the spices and sauces overnight.

Now in a dutch oven or heavy based pot (with a lid) add 2 tbsp of oil (neutral oil) and heat on medium high heat (5 minutes). Once the pot is hot add your chicken and brown each sides until you have reached a dark brown colour (Like the image below) Try not to over crowd the pot as the heat will dissipate.

Once browned set aside.

Notes: Ensure you separate the vegetables and meat. Try to fry only the meat as the vegetables will burn.

Now add your chicken back into the pot with the following ingredients:

• 5 Pimento seeds
• 1 cup of water
• a bunch of thyme (you can tie this together)
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• Vegetables from the chicken marinade

Cover and let it cook for 30 minutes on medium heat

Now uncover and cook this on high for 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desire:

Your stew is complete!

Serve it alongside fluffy white rice or with a side of traditional Jamaican rice and peas for a complete and satisfying meal.