Name: Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs bone-in skinless chicken pieces; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole or sliced); 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 4 green onions, chopped; 2 medium tomatoes, chopped; 1 tsp ground allspice; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 cup chicken broth or water; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp vinegar (for marinade)

Description

A soul-warming Jamaican classic, Brown Stew Chicken features tender, marinated chicken pieces simmered in a deeply flavorful gravy made from caramelized brown sugar, Scotch bonnet peppers, and fresh herbs. Perfect over rice or with dumplings, it’s a Caribbean comfort food favorite.

Ingredients

2.5 lbs bone-in skinless chicken pieces

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole or sliced)

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

4 sprigs fresh thyme

4 green onions, chopped

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

1 tsp ground allspice

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp ketchup

1 cup chicken broth or water

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp vinegar (for marinade)

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic, green onions, allspice, soy sauce, and vinegar. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. In a large Dutch oven or cast iron pot, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over medium heat. Let it melt and caramelize to a deep amber.

3. Add marinated chicken to the pot. Brown on all sides to lock in flavor and develop the stew’s signature color.

4. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Stir to lift browned bits from the pot.

5. Add Scotch bonnet pepper and pour in chicken broth or water until chicken is just covered. Stir in ketchup.

6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35–45 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let simmer uncovered for a few minutes to concentrate the sauce.

8. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor and a more traditional result.

Browning the sugar properly is crucial—watch closely to avoid burning.

Adjust the Scotch bonnet to taste; keep it whole for less heat or slice it for fiery flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 430
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 120mg