This Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe is the perfect way to spice up your dinner table! The chicken is slow-cooked in a mixture of spices and aromatics, resulting in a dish that is packed with flavor. The result is a juicy, tender chicken that is bursting with flavor.
I just like the fact that this brown chicken stew is not too spicy, but if you want more heat, you can always add more scotch bonnet pepper. Also, It’s essential to use dark meat chicken- the thighs, and drumsticks for this dish as they are much more flavorful and will result in a richer stew.
This is the best Caribbean stew chicken ever and it is incredibly easy to make, so it’s ideal for busy weeknights for entertaining guests. You can serve this dish with Jamaican rice and peas, fried plantain, or boiled potatoes for a complete meal.
What is brown stew chicken?
Brown stew chicken is a traditional Jamaican dish that is typically made with chicken pieces that are browned in a pan and then simmered in a rich gravy sauce made of different herbs and spices. This recipe for brown stew chicken is a Jamaican tradition that has been passed down through generations.
This Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe features chicken thighs and drumsticks that are first marinated in a mixture of browning, onion, ginger, garlic, thyme, jerk seasoning, all-spice, salt, pepper, scallion, sweet peppers, before being browned in a skillet with oil.
The chicken is simmered in the signature sauce until it is fall-off-the-bone tender. The resulting dish is a flavorful, hearty stew that can be served over rice or vegetables. You can also use these air-fried chicken drumsticks for this stew if you want to marinate the chicken from scratch.
Making this brown stew chicken recipe is a delicious way to enjoy Jamaican classics. So, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty when making this dish because the more you handle the chicken, the better the flavor will be.
Brown stew chicken ingredients
Ingredients for marinades
- 11/2 pound bone-in, skin-on chicken (I used both chicken thighs and drumsticks)
- 1 large red onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp browning
- 2 tablespoons Jerk seasoning
- 3 minced garlic
- 1-inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon adobo all-purpose seasonings
- 1/2 tsp all-spice
- 2 sprigs of scallion
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 medium-sized red bell pepper
- 1 medium-sized green bell pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 chicken stock cubes, Knorr
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 salt to taste
Ingredients for the brown stew
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
What is brown stew sauce made of?
- Chicken- Chicken thighs and drumsticks are ideal for this stew. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Also, bone-in and skin-on work best for me.
- Onion- This adds both sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Garlic- It is used for aromatic qualities, it adds zest to the stew.
- Carrots- carrots provide a lovely sweetness and crunch. Plus, they add a bit of color and texture too.
- Ketchup- ketchup adds a lovely sweetness to this brown stew chicken and also helps to thicken the stew slightly which makes it nice and rich.
- Scotch bonnet pepper- It adds a bit of heat and pungency. I used two scotch bonnets for this recipe, they provided the dish with a bit of heat. I would recommend starting with one pepper and then adjusting up based on your preferences.
- Browning- To get that signature Jamaica flavor in your dish, you’ll also need browning sauce. This sauce creates a flavorful gravy and gives the chicken a deep, brown color
- Jerk seasoning- Jerk seasoning gives the chicken a flavorful kick. If you don’t like your stew to be too hot, you may want to adjust the amount of pepper you use. But trust me, even a little bit of this seasoning will go a long way in giving your brown stew chicken some incredible flavor.
- Fresh thyme- This herb provides a subtle yet fragrant background herbal note. It also gives the dish a bright, fresh flavor that really makes it stand out.
- Tomatoes- Tomatoes are used as the base for this brown stew, they help thicken it and also add a beautiful red color to the dish that makes it even more appetizing. You can either use fresh or canned tomatoes for this recipe.
- Brown sugar- It helps to balance out the sourness of the tomatoes and also gives the dish a lovely caramelized flavor.
- Spices- These include all-spice, garlic, ginger, Knorr chicken seasoning, adobo all-purpose seasoning, salt, and paprika. All of these spices work together to create a flavorful, aromatic dish that is truly unique.
- Vegetables- Red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and scallion. Each of these vegetables adds its own unique flavor to the dish, and all are necessary for a truly authentic Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe.
How to make Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe
Clean the chicken with vinegar– Rinse the pieces with lemon juice or vinegar to help remove the raw smell. This process not only removes the raw smell but also helps get rid of any impurities on the surface and makes the meat more tender.
Season the chicken– In a large bowl or Ziploc bag, combine salt, crushed chicken stock cubes, black pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, ground all-spice, diced onion, fresh thyme, black pepper, Jamaican jerk seasoning, browning and give everything a good stir. Also, add diced onions, freshly sliced bell peppers, and chopped scallions and give it a good mix until well coated. You can leave some of the sliced peppers behind and add them towards the end of the cooking.
Marinate the chicken- Bring the chicken pieces to the prepared marinade and rub the seasonings on the chicken and make sure the flesh is completely covered with the seasoning. Place the chicken in the fridge and leave it to sit for 1 hour or if you have enough time, let the chicken marinate overnight then cook it the next day.
Separate the chicken from the marinade- When you are ready to make the stew, shake off excess marinade from the chicken and place all the pieces in another bowl and set the marinade aside for later.
Brown the chicken- Over medium–high heat, add some oil in a large skillet, once it is hot, add the chicken pieces to it and brown on one side for 5 minutes, flip over to the next side, and cook for another 5 minutes until nicely browned. This step will give the chicken its signature dark color and flavorful crust and you can cook it in batches.
Stir in the marinade- Once the chicken is nice and browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Remain about 2 tablespoons of the oil in the pan, add all the marinade into it, Stir these ingredients around, and cook them for 5 minutes until they are softened and start to smell nice.
Add tomatoes and seasonings- Next, add diced tomatoes and 1 scotch bonnet pepper, you can make a slit on the pepper to help release the heat into the chicken stew. Also add 1 tsp brown sugar, adobo seasoning, and tomato ketchup. Stir all of these together until they are nicely combined. Place a lid over it and allow the stew to boil for 5 minutes until it smells nice and flavorful.
Return the chicken to the stew- After that, nestle the chicken back into the pan and add enough water or chicken stock to just cover the meat slightly. Add the sliced bell peppers you left behind. Taste and adjust salt and pepper and stir it again.
Simmer the stew on low heat- Cover the pot and bring the stew to a simmer then reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it cook for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and falls off-the-bone tender. At this point, the stew will thicken up naturally on its own without any thickener added to it.
Garnish and Serve- Garnish the stew with some scallions and then take it off the heat and serve over rice and peas or boiled potatoes.
What is browning sauce?
Browning sauce is a Jamaican condiment that is used to add rich dark color and flavor to dishes. It is made by combining brown sugar, water, and salt together. The result is a thick, sweet-and-sour sauce that adds a delicious depth of flavor to any dish it’s added to. Browning sauce can be used as a marinade or added during cooking to boost flavor. For instance, it is an essential ingredient in many Jamaican recipes, including Jamaican brown stew chicken as it helps to create a rich and flavorful result. You can also use it to glaze meat and vegetables. You can find it in most grocery stores or online.
Substitutes for browning sauce
While you can find browning sauce in most grocery stores, some substitutes work just as well. One common substitute is Worcestershire sauce. Just add a couple of teaspoons to your chicken to marinate it, and you’ll get a fantastic taste, though not so close to the browning sauce. Soy sauce is another good option, try using dark soy sauce for an even richer taste. Alternatively, you could use balsamic vinegar. Just add a tablespoon of it to the chicken or any other meat before cooking.
What to serve with brown stew chicken
This dish is usually served with coconut rice, rice and beans. The rice soaks up all of the flavors of the sauce, and the beans provide a great contrast in texture. However, there are many other options for what to serve with it.
- Plantain chips- These crispy chips are the perfect accompaniment to any Jamaican dish. They add a bit of sweetness to each bite.
- Callaloo- This leafy green vegetable is usually cooked with onions and sometimes with saltfish. It’s the perfect side dish for brown stew chicken.
- Cornbread- Cornbread is a staple in Jamaican households. It’s a hearty bread that goes well with any meal.
- Ackee and saltfish- This national dish of Jamaica is made with ackee, a type of fruit, and saltfish (dried and salted cod). It’s usually served with boiled bananas or dumplings.
- Steamed rice or quinoa- You can serve the stew over steamed rice or quinoa, and top it with green onions and chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Green salad- If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables would be perfect too.
- Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes- Creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes are the perfect ways to add some sweetness and heartiness to your meal.
What is brown stew sauce made of?
The sauce is usually made with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, and often includes other seasonings like thyme, paprika, and allspice. The chicken is typically cooked in the sauce until it is fall-off-the-bone tender.
What does brown stew chicken taste like?
Brown stew chicken is a deeply savory gravy that coats each piece of chicken, the stew is slightly sweet, with a hint of spice from ginger, allspice, and garlic. The chicken itself is slow-cooked until it is incredibly tender and juicy. It’s truly a comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied.
What’s the difference between jerk chicken vs brown stew chicken?
Jerk chicken is typically made by marinating the chicken in a mixture of spices (jerk seasoning), the chicken is smoked or grilled over an open fire. The result is a slightly charred, very flavorful chicken. Brown stew chicken, on the other hand, is simmered in a brown gravy made with tomatoes, browning, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and other spices. All these ingredients are simmered together until the chicken is nice and tender.
Why is my brown stew chicken bitter?
There are a few possible reasons why your stewed chicken is bitter. First, it could be because you used too much allspice. Allspice is one of the key flavors in Jamaican brown stew chicken, but too much of it can make the dish bitter. If you’re using fresh peppers, make sure to remove the seeds and ribs, as these can add bitterness to your stew.
What’s the difference between curry chicken and brown stew chicken?
Curry chicken is typically made with a blend of Indian-style spices such as curry powder, turmeric, chili pepper, coriander, ginger, and cumin; it is often yellow in color. The chicken is usually cooked in a sauce made with coconut milk or yogurt. Whereas brown stew chicken is more of a Caribbean dish that gets its flavor from different herbs and spices like thyme, garlic, browning, allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, etc. Both dishes are usually made with chicken pieces that have been seared and then simmered in a sauce until they’re cooked through.
Brown Stew Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- cling film
- Heavy bottom pot
- Wooden spatula
Ingredients
Marinade for chicken
- 1½ pound bone-in, skin-on chicken
- 1 large red onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp browning sauce
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp adobo all-purpose seasonings
- ½ tsp all-spice
- 2 sprigs scallion
- 4 sprig fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 medium-sized red bell pepper
- 1 medium-sized green bell pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 chicken stock cubes, you can use Knorr
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For cooking the brown stew chicken
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- l large carrot, sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Clean the chicken with vinegar- Rinse the pieces with lemon juice or vinegar to help remove the raw smell. This process not only removes the raw smell but also helps get rid of any impurities on the surface and makes the meat more tender.
- Season the chicken- In a large bowl or Ziploc bag, combine salt, crushed chicken stock cubes, black pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, ground all-spice, diced onion, fresh thyme, black pepper, Jamaican jerk seasoning, browning and give everything a good stir.
- Add the veggies- Also, add diced onions, freshly sliced bell peppers, and chopped scallions and give it a good mix until well coated. You can leave some of the sliced peppers behind and add them towards the end of the cooking.
- Marinate the chicken- Bring the chicken pieces to the prepared marinade and rub the seasonings on the chicken and make sure the flesh is completely covered with the seasoning. Place the chicken in the fridge and leave it to sit for 1 hour or if you have enough time, let the chicken marinate overnight then cook it the next day.
- Separate the chicken from the marinade- When you are ready to make the stew, shake off excess marinade from the chicken and place all the pieces in another bowl and set the marinade aside for later.
- Brown the chicken- Over medium-high heat, add some oil in a large skillet, once it is hot, add the chicken pieces to it and brown on one side for 5 minutes, flip over to the next side, and cook for another 5 minutes until nicely browned. This step will give the chicken its signature dark color and flavorful crust and you can cook it in batches.
- Stir in the marinade- Once the chicken is nice and browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Remain about 2 tablespoons of the oil in the pan, add all the marinade into it, Stir these ingredients around, and cook them for 5 minutes until they are softened and start to smell nice.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings- Next, add diced tomatoes, and 1 scotch bonnet pepper. You can make a slit on the pepper to help release the heat into the chicken stew. Also add 1 tsp brown sugar, tomato ketchup, and adobo all-purpose seasoning. Stir all of these together until they are nicely combined. Place a lid over it and allow the stew to boil for 5 minutes until it starts to smell nice and flavorful.
- Return the chicken back- After that, nestle the chicken back into the pan and add enough water or chicken stock to just cover the meat slightly. Add the sliced bell peppers you left behind. Taste and adjust salt and pepper and stir it again.
- Simmer the stew on low heat- Cover the pot and bring the stew to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it cook for about an hour or until the chicken is cooked through and falls off-the-bone tender. At this point, the stew will thicken up naturally on its own without any thickener added to it.
- Garnish and Serve- Garnish with some scallion and take the stew off the heat. Serve it over rice or boiled potatoes.
Video
Notes
How long does brown stew chicken last?
In the refrigerator- If you have leftovers from your Jamaican brown stew chicken meal you can preserve it in the fridge and eat it again any other day. First, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, cover it with a tight-fitting lid and keep it in the refrigerator. The stew will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge. In the freezer- If you need to store the stew chicken for longer, it’s best to freeze it. When freezing, make sure to place the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and seal it tightly. How to reheat- Simply place the frozen chicken stew in a bowl of hot water for 1 hour to thaw on the counter. Alternatively, you can defrost the stew overnight in the fridge and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.Tips for making the best brown stew chicken recipe
- Make sure to mix your chicken with Jamaican spices and herbs and marinate it overnight. This will give the chicken a lot of flavors and make it extra tender.
- Browning the chicken before adding it to the stew is another important step in making this brown stew chicken recipe. By browning the chicken, you create a flavorful crust that adds even more depth of flavor to the finished dish.
- Remember to taste the stew first before adding more salt as jerk seasoning, chicken stock cubes and adobo seasoning have salt in them already.
- Slow-cook the chicken stew in a covered pot or Dutch oven until it’s it turns out really tender. This usually takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour on low heat. By following these tips, you can make a delicious and authentic Jamaican brown stew chicken that your family and friends will love.