Go Back
–+ servings
The Best Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

The Best Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Authentic and flavorful Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, braised until tender in aromatic spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Caribbean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • gallon-sized ziplock bag
  • heavy-bottomed pot
  • wooden utensil

Ingredients
  

Vegetables

  • ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 units scallions, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped

Chicken & Marinade

  • 8-9 pieces chicken mix of legs & boneless/skinless thighs
  • 3 teaspoons browning sauce Grace brand
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil plus more as needed

Spices & Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon light or dark brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Jamaican ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4-6 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • 1 pepper scotch bonnet left whole - do not cut!

Liquids

  • 3 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large bowl or gallon-sized ziplock bag, combine onion, bell pepper, scallions, garlic, brown sugar, paprika, allspice, ginger, and salt/pepper. Massage the ingredients to combine.
  • Pat the chicken dry and add to the bowl/bag with browning sauce. Massage to coat the chicken evenly.
  • Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Cooking

  • Remove chicken from the marinade and set aside on a baking sheet. Reserve the marinade.
  • In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Add the reserved marinade into the pot, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until lightly tender. Add chicken back into the pot along with carrots, tomato sauce, thyme, bay leaves, scotch bonnet, and chicken stock. Stir to combine.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low, cover pot, and stew for 1 ½ – 2 hours until chicken is tender.
  • Discard herb stems, bay leaves, and scotch bonnet. Adjust stew liquid if desired, taste, and adjust with salt/pepper.
  • Serve warm in shallow bowls with rice and peas, and plantains if desired.

Notes

This dish is delicious served with rice and peas and fried plantains.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg
Keyword authentic Jamaican recipe, braised chicken, Caribbean chicken, comfort food, Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, stew chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!