Description
Looking for a bold, satisfying, and flavorful dinner idea? This Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken delivers a delicious taste of the Caribbean with every bite. Made with marinated bone-in chicken, caramelized brown sugar, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s a comforting and rich dish perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or special meals. Whether you’re after a quick dinner solution or exploring new food ideas, this easy recipe is your ticket to a deeply flavorful, authentic experience. Great for meal prep, and even better the next day, it’s one of the best dinner ideas for anyone craving something hearty and unforgettable.
Ingredients
2 ½ lbs bone-in chicken, cut into chunks
1 tbsp browning sauce
1 medium onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
2 scallions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 sprig fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp paprika
1 Scotch bonnet pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 tomato, chopped
1 tbsp ketchup (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
1. Clean the chicken pieces with lime juice and rinse under cold water. Pat dry.
2. Season the chicken with browning sauce, thyme, garlic, ginger, scallions, allspice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add onions, bell pepper, and tomato. Marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add brown sugar and let it melt and bubble until dark brown, but not burnt.
4. Add the marinated chicken pieces carefully and brown on all sides. Do this in batches if needed.
5. Once browned, add remaining marinade, chopped vegetables, Scotch bonnet pepper, and broth or water. Bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and cook on low heat for 40–50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water as needed to maintain a thick consistency.
7. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper, stir in ketchup if using, and adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley or scallions before serving.
Notes
Marinating overnight brings out the deepest flavor—don’t skip this step if time allows.
Be sure not to burn the sugar when browning—it should be dark but not bitter.
For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes or mash in a few potato chunks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg