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Savory Brown Stew Chicken

Savory Brown Stew Chicken: A Taste of Jamaica at Home

Savory Brown Stew Chicken offers a vibrant taste of Jamaica with customizable heat, perfect for weekend gatherings or busy weeknights.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Jamaican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Bone-in Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks Boneless can speed up cooking time.
  • 1 tablespoon Chicken Bouillon/Chicken Base Low-sodium versions are a healthier alternative.
For the Marinade
  • 4 pieces Chopped Scallions Can swap for green onions.
  • 1 piece Habanero Peppers For a milder option, use jalapeños.
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder works as a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Leaves Dried thyme can be used in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Freshly Grated Ginger Ground ginger can suffice temporarily.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika serves as a suitable replacement.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground is preferable.
For the Stew Base
  • 2 tablespoons Oil (Olive or Vegetable) For browning chicken.
  • 1 medium Onion (Chopped) Shallots can act as an alternative.
  • 2 medium Carrots (Sliced) Substitute with other root veggies if desired.
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper (Chopped) Any sweet pepper can work.
  • ½ cup Ketchup Can adjust with tomato paste for thickness.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Honey or maple syrup can be substitutes.
  • 1 tablespoon Browning Seasoning Maggi seasoning or soy sauce can replace.
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves To be removed before serving.
  • 2 cups Water (or Chicken Broth) Using chicken broth enhances flavor.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • zip-lock bag
  • cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large zip-lock bag, combine the bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks with chicken bouillon, chopped scallions, minced habanero, garlic, thyme, freshly grated ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Massage the mixture into the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
  3. Remove the browned chicken and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Return the chicken to the pot and pour in ketchup, brown sugar, browning seasoning, and bay leaves. Add enough water or chicken broth to cover everything, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cover and reduce to low, cooking for 20 minutes. After that, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the gravy.
  6. Taste the stew and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to balance the flavor.
  7. Serve the Savory Brown Stew Chicken hot over fluffy rice, garnished with fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor. Serve with rice for comfort.

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