Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and warmth, you’ll absolutely love this Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe.
It’s a delightful blend of spices that transports me straight to the Caribbean with every bite. The tender chicken absorbs all the aromatic flavors, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests. The combination of curry and fresh ingredients results in a rich, savory experience that’s simply unforgettable.
Trust me; once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Jamaican Curry Chicken
When it comes to making Jamaican Curry Chicken, the ingredients you choose are key to revealing that mouthwatering flavor profile. Imagine this: juicy chicken pieces marinated in a symphony of spices, simmering away until they’re tender and infused with warmth. It’s like a hug in a bowl.
You’ll want to gather everything before diving into the cooking process, so let’s break down what you’ll need.
Ingredients:
- 1 – 2 ¼ lb chicken (cut into 8 pieces)
- 4 ounces blue mountain curry powder
- Onion powder (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ ounce garlic powder
- 2 ounces cooking oil
- ½ ounce vinegar
- 4 ounces water
- 1 potato (cut into eight pieces)
- ½ ounce black pepper
- 1 sprig thyme
Now, before you rush off to the grocery store, let’s chat about a few things. First off, if you can find blue mountain curry powder, it’s a game changer. Its vibrant flavor really makes this dish sing.
But if it’s not available, don’t sweat it; your regular curry powder will still work wonders. And when it comes to the chicken, feel free to use your favorite cuts – whether it’s thighs, drumsticks, or even boneless chicken breasts. Just remember to adjust the cooking time a bit if you go boneless.
Oh, and don’t skip the vinegar wash; it really helps to clean the chicken and gives it a fresh taste. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to set out on a flavorful journey.
How to Make Jamaican Curry Chicken
Alright, folks, let’s plunge into how to make this delectable Jamaican Curry Chicken. First things first, you’ll want to get your chicken ready. Take that 1 to 2 ¼ lb chicken and cut it into about 8 pieces, or more if you’re feeling ambitious. I mean, who doesn’t love a good chicken feast?
Give the chicken a nice wash with ½ ounce of vinegar and some water. This step is super important because it helps clean the chicken and gives it that fresh taste we all crave. Once that’s done, it’s time to combine the chicken with the magic – which in this case is 4 ounces of blue mountain curry powder, onion powder (just sprinkle to your taste), 2 teaspoons of salt, ½ ounce of garlic powder, and ½ ounce of black pepper.
Seriously, get your hands in there and rub everything together so that the curry powder clings to the chicken, almost like it’s giving it a warm hug.
Now, let’s get cooking. Heat up 2 ounces of cooking oil in a large iron skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, toss in 2 tablespoons of that curry powder. Watch in awe as it changes color and fills your kitchen with an aroma that will make your stomach rumble.
Then, gently add your marinated chicken to the skillet. Lower the heat to medium and pour in 4 ounces of water right away. This is where the magic begins. Add in your potato, cut into eight pieces, and cover the pot. Let it simmer away, giving the flavors a chance to mingle.
About 15 minutes in, give it a quick stir and taste the gravy. This is your moment to be the chef and adjust the salt if needed. Don’t be shy; after all, it’s your kitchen.
After you’ve seasoned it to perfection, toss in a sprig of thyme for that extra touch of flavor, and let the chicken simmer until it’s moist and tender.
Now, if you’re like me and prefer a thicker gravy, you can either let it evaporate to your desired consistency or take the chicken out, crank up the heat, and let the gravy boil until it thickens.
Then, just slide the chicken back in, and voila, you have a mouthwatering Jamaican Curry Chicken ready to impress. Serve it up with some rice or roti, and you’ll be the star of dinner time. Happy cooking!
Jamaican Curry Chicken Substitutions & Variations
While I love the traditional flavors of Jamaican Curry Chicken, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can elevate this dish to new heights.
For a twist, try using goat or shrimp instead of chicken; they add unique flavors. Coconut milk can replace some water for a creamier sauce. If you want a bit of heat, toss in scotch bonnet peppers or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
For a veggie option, chickpeas or cauliflower work beautifully. Experimenting with different herbs like cilantro or basil can also give your curry a fresh spin.
Enjoy making it your own!
Additional Tips & Notes
To make your Jamaican Curry Chicken even more delicious, consider marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.
I also recommend using fresh thyme for added aroma. If you want a spicier kick, toss in some Scotch bonnet peppers.
For a richer gravy, you can add coconut milk towards the end of cooking. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning!
Finally, serve the dish with rice and peas to soak up all that flavorful gravy. Trust me, it’ll elevate your meal to another level! Enjoy every bite!