11 JAMAICAN CURRY CHICKEN RECIPES

Welcome to a flavorful journey through the Caribbean with our collection of 11 Jamaican Curry Chicken recipes.

Each recipe brings a unique twist to this beloved dish, promising to tantalize your taste buds with the rich, aromatic spices that define Jamaican cuisine.

From traditional methods to modern innovations, there’s something for every palate and every occasion. Whether you’re looking for easy chicken leg recipes or seeking small dinner ideas, this collection has you covered.

So, let’s explore these delicious creations and find out what makes each one special.

1. Classic Jamaican Curry Chicken

This timeless recipe is the heart and soul of Jamaican cuisine, perfect for heavy food meals.

It’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of the island. You can use chicken legs, which are easy to handle and cook evenly, making this recipe a breeze for any skill level.

The key ingredient is Jamaican curry powder, which gives the dish its distinct yellow color and rich, aromatic flavor.

Marinate the chicken with the curry powder, garlic, and other spices, then cook it low and slow with onions, garlic, and maybe a bit of coconut milk for extra creaminess.

Serve it with white rice or Jamaican rice and peas for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken legs or pieces
• 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can coconut milk or 2 cups water

How to Make It:

1. Marinate the chicken with curry powder, garlic, thyme, allspice, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pot, brown the chicken.
3. Add chopped onions and garlic, cook until soft.
4. Pour in coconut milk or water, cover, and cook on low heat for 45-60 minutes or until chicken is tender.
5. Serve with rice or Jamaican rice and peas.

2. Jamaican Curry Chicken with Pineapple

Add a sweet twist to your Jamaican Curry Chicken with this version that includes pineapple.

The pineapple not only adds a delightful sweetness but also a tangy flavor that complements the spiciness of the curry.

You can use fresh or canned pineapple, ensuring it’s in chunks or slices for added texture. Add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor and texture.

This recipe is perfect for those who love a bit of sweetness in their savory dishes, making it a great option for family gatherings where diverse tastes are catered to.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken pieces
• 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 can coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Marinate the chicken with curry powder, garlic, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pot, brown the chicken.
3. Add chopped onions and garlic, cook until soft.
4. Pour in coconut milk, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Add pineapple chunks, cook for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Serve with rice.

3. Slow Cooker Jamaican Curry Chicken

Busy days call for easy solutions, and this slow cooker Jamaican Curry Chicken is just that.

With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s an ideal choice for those who want to come home to a delicious meal without the hassle.

Simply combine the chicken, spices, and vegetables in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it.

The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for any occasion.

It’s also a great option for those who enjoy using a Crockpot for their dinner recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken
• 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 can coconut milk or 2 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Place chicken, curry powder, onions, garlic, and potatoes in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in coconut milk or water, season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with rice or as is.

4. Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken Stew

If you’re a fan of heat, this spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken Stew is for you.

Loaded with fiery spices and hot peppers, this stew will warm you up from the inside out.

Adjust the amount of hot peppers and spices to manage the heat level, and serve with cooling sides like yogurt or mango chutney to balance the heat.

It’s reminiscent of Madras curries in its heat level but retains a distinct Jamaican flavor profile, making it a bold choice for spice lovers, offering a warming, flavorful experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken
• 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 2 hot peppers (Scotch bonnets or habaneros), chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 can coconut milk or 2 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Marinate chicken with curry powder, hot peppers, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pot, brown the chicken.
3. Add onions, garlic, and tomatoes, cook until soft.
4. Pour in coconut milk or water, cover, and cook until chicken is tender.
5. Serve with rice or bread.

5. Jamaican Curry Chicken with Chickpeas

For a twist on the classic, try Jamaican Curry Chicken with Chickpeas.

The chickpeas add a nice texture and extra nutrients, making it a more filling and healthy option.

Cook them along with the chicken and spices, allowing them to absorb all the flavors.

This dish is great for vegetarians who might want to try a meatless version, or for those looking to incorporate more plant-based proteins into their diet, offering a versatile option for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken
• 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Marinate chicken with curry powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pot, brown the chicken.
3. Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.
4. Add chickpeas and coconut milk, cover, and cook until chicken is tender.
5. Serve with rice.

6. Jamaican Curry Chicken with Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes pair perfectly with the savory flavors of Jamaican curry chicken, adding a natural sweetness and different texture.

Dice the sweet potatoes and add them to the curry along with the chicken, or serve them on the side.

The sweetness complements the spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors, making this a comforting and nutritious choice for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken
• 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 can coconut milk or 2 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Marinate chicken with curry powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pot, brown the chicken.
3. Add onions, garlic, and sweet potatoes, cook for a few minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk or water, cover, and cook until chicken and potatoes are tender.
5. Serve with rice.

7. One-Pot Jamaican Curry Chicken and Rice

Who says you need multiple pots to make a delicious meal?

With this one-pot Jamaican Curry Chicken and Rice, you can have a complete meal ready in no time.

Combine the chicken, rice, spices, and liquid in a pot, and let it cook until the rice is done and the chicken is tender.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to minimize cleanup and maximize flavor, offering a convenient solution for time-pressed cooks.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken
• 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 cups rice
• 1 can coconut milk or 4 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Marinate chicken with curry powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pot, brown the chicken.
3. Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.
4. Add rice and coconut milk or water, cover, and cook until rice is done and chicken is tender.
5. Serve as is.

8. Jamaican Curry Chicken with Plantain

Plantains add a sweet and starchy element to this dish, providing a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.

This recipe is a nod to the African influences in Jamaican cuisine, where plantains are a common ingredient, adding a cultural depth to the meal.

The combination of flavors and textures makes this a unique and memorable dish, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of sweetness in their curry.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken
• 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 ripe plantains, sliced
• 1 can coconut milk or 2 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Marinate chicken with curry powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pot, brown the chicken.
3. Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.
4. Add plantain slices and coconut milk or water, cover, and cook until chicken is tender.
5. Serve with rice.

9. Low-Carb Jamaican Curry Chicken

Health-conscious eaters rejoice! This version of Jamaican Curry Chicken is low in carbs, making it suitable for those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

Omit the potatoes and rice, and serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or a fresh salad.

You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner protein source.

This way, you get all the flavor without the extra carbs, catering to specific dietary needs, and perhaps even shape the chicken into meatballs for a fun twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 can coconut milk or 2 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Marinate chicken with curry powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pot, brown the chicken.
3. Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.
4. Pour in coconut milk or water, cover, and cook until chicken is tender.
5. Serve with cauliflower rice or salad.

10. Jamaican Curry Chicken Soup

Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Jamaican Curry Chicken Soup is no exception.

Made with chicken, vegetables, and plenty of spices, this soup is both nourishing and flavorful.

Add dumplings or other traditional ingredients to make it even more authentic.

It’s a great way to use up leftovers and create a delicious, satisfying meal, offering comfort and nutrition in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken
• 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 can coconut milk or 4 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Marinate chicken with curry powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pot, brown the chicken.
3. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes, cook for a few minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk or water, cover, and cook until chicken and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve as a soup, with dumplings if desired.

11. Grilled Jamaican Curry Chicken Skewer

Fire up the grill and enjoy these flavorful skewers that are perfect for summer barbecues or any outdoor gathering.

Marinate the chicken in a mixture of Jamaican curry powder, spices, and oil, then thread them onto skewers and grill until cooked through with a nice char.

These skewers are a small dinner idea that packs a big punch of flavor. If you don’t have a grill, you can achieve a similar effect using an air fryer for a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making it a great option for dinner recipes air fryer.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers

How to Make It:

1. Marinate chicken chunks with curry powder, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Thread chicken onto skewers.
3. Grill on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, or use an air fryer at 375°F for 15 minutes.
4. Serve with a side salad or rice.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, Jamaican Curry Chicken is a versatile dish that can be adapted in countless ways to suit any taste or occasion.

From the traditional classic to the modern grilled skewers perfect for summer barbecues, these recipes are sure to delight your senses and impress your guests.

So, don’t hesitate to try them out and make them your own. Happy cooking!