The Golden Standard: Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
An authentic Caribbean staple featuring chicken breast simmered in a vibrant yellow curry sauce with onions, tomatoes, and thyme.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 large Roma tomato, diced
2 small slices of habanero or scotch bonnet pepper
1 garlic clove, finely minced
2 tablespoons Jamaican-style curry powder
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken by trimming fat and cutting into uniform 1.5-inch cubes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion, tomato, pepper slices, garlic, curry powder, and thyme to the oil.
4. Sauté the aromatic mixture for about 7 minutes until the onion is golden.
5. Stir in the chicken pieces and cook for 5 minutes to brown the exterior.
6. Pour in the water and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
7. Cover the pan tightly and cook for 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and serve immediately over white rice.
Notes
For the best flavor, use a Caribbean-specific curry powder like Betapac or Blue Mountain.
If you want the flavor without the heat, leave the habanero slices whole and remove them before serving.
Add a diced potato during the simmering stage if you prefer a thicker gravy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 322mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg