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John Brown’s Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

A tender, sweet, and spicy Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken simmered in rich brown gravy. Perfect for a Caribbean dinner that tastes better the next day!
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 6 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken pieces thighs and drumsticks, skin-on
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper seeded and chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp ground allspice pimento
  • 2 sprigs fresh scallions chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, thyme, allspice, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces until well coated. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours—overnight for best flavor.
  2. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, Scotch bonnet, and scallions. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  4. Stir in any remaining marinade, then return chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. If you like extra heat, add a pinch more Scotch bonnet. For a slightly sweeter gravy, stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar.
  7. Garnish with fresh scallions and serve over rice, fried plantains, or with a side of steamed vegetables.
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