Easy Stew Chicken Recipe with Jamaican Flavor
Brown Stew Chicken is a classic Caribbean dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, dark, and savory-sweet sauce made with caramelized sugar, aromatics, and traditional island spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2½–3 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
2 tbsp lime juice or vinegar
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp paprika
2 scallions, chopped
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp fresh thyme
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp ketchup
1 small onion, sliced
½ red bell pepper, sliced
½ green bell pepper, sliced
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp oil
½ cup crushed tomato
1 tbsp ketchup
½ cup chicken broth or water
1 tsp browning sauce (optional)
1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper
Instructions
- Clean chicken with lime juice, pat dry, and marinate with spices, scallions, garlic, thyme, soy sauce, ketchup, and onion for at least 1 hour.
- In a heavy pot, heat oil and brown sugar over medium heat until dark caramel.
- Add chicken in batches and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté remaining onion and bell peppers in same pot for 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken to pot with tomato, ketchup, broth, browning sauce, and Scotch bonnet.
- Cover and simmer on low for 30–40 minutes, turning once.
- Uncover and simmer 10–15 minutes more to reduce sauce.
- Remove pepper, taste, and serve hot over rice.
Notes
Marinate chicken overnight for best flavor. For milder heat, keep the Scotch bonnet whole. Serve with rice and peas, plantains, or steamed greens.