January 4, 2020 | Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Patricia Valbrun

There's truly nothing that compares to authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken. This dish features chicken pieces stewed to perfection, becoming incredibly tender, almost falling off the bone, as they soak up a rich blend of aromatics and spices.

 Each bite is a journey through a powerhouse of flavors, making this chicken dinner an unforgettable experience. Embrace the essence of the Caribbean with this beloved dish using or favorite green seasoning "epis" that's bursting with flavor in every mouthful!

What You'll Need: Ingredients 

Chicken & Chicken Stock: The chicken provides a succulent base that perfectly absorbs the deep, savory richness of the chicken stock, enhancing the dish's moisture and flavor.

Avocado Oil - A healthy cooking fat used for browning the chicken, contributing to the dish's silky texture and slightly nutty flavor.

Adobo or All-Purpose Seasoning & Brown Sugar - the savory depth of adobo seasoning and the sweet caramel notes of brown sugar create a balanced foundation for browning the chicken.

Epis (Haitian Green Seasoning) & Jerk Seasoning - These seasonings combine the freshness and aromatic herbs of epis with the fiery, smoky essence of jerk seasoning, infusing the chicken with a bold, Caribbean flavor profile.

Sweet Paprika, Ground Ginger, & Whole Allspice- Together, these spices offer a mix of sweet, warm, and spicy notes, adding complexity and a quintessential Jamaican warmth to the stew.

Scallion, Bell Pepper, & Yellow Onion - This trio combines mild, sweet, and vegetal flavors, adding texture and aromatic depth to the stew.

Garlic Cloves & Scotch Bonnet Pepper - Garlic's pungent earthiness paired with the intense heat and fruity undertones of Scotch Bonnet pepper creates a potent flavor combination central to the dish's vibrant character.

Tomato, Carrots, Thyme, & Bay Leaves - The acidity and moisture of the tomato, the sweetness of the carrots, and the aromatic, herbaceous notes of thyme and bay leaves together enrich the sauce with a tangy brightness and a complex herbal backdrop.

How to Make Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

This dish is not just a meal; it's a journey. The feel of Cooking brown stew chicken transports you to the sunny shores of Jamaica, where the air is filled with the scent of spices, the warmth of the people, and the rhythms of reggae music.

To prepare this dish with the updated recipe, follow these instructions:

1. Preparation of Chicken: Thoroughly clean the chicken pieces with lemon juice and vinegar. This helps remove lingering impurities and adds a fresh zest to the chicken.

2. Marinating the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with all the listed seasonings, including the epis (Haitian green seasoning), browning sauce, adobo or all-purpose seasoning, paprika (sweet or regular), chicken seasoning, jerk seasoning, brown sugar, ground ginger, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Add the scallions, bell peppers, yellow onions, garlic cloves (whole or minced), carrots, thyme sprigs, and scotch bonnet pepper. Ensure the chicken is well-coated with both the seasonings and the veggies. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance the flavors.

Here You Can Find " How To Make Epis" a haitian green seasoning. You can also pair this brown stew chicken with Plantains, Smoked Turkey Cabbage, Yellow Rice and Beans or Rasta Pasta .

3. Combining Chicken and Vegetables: Add marinated vegetables to the same pot once the chicken is well browned and set aside. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If needed, deglaze the pot by adding a small amount of water to lift all the flavorful bits from the bottom.

4. Final Cooking with Chicken: Return the chicken to the pot with the vegetables and tomatoes. Add the hot chicken stock prepared earlier. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper according to taste. Add the bay leaves. Cover and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Serving: Once done, carefully remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs (if not desired in the final presentation), and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, providing a comforting and flavorful meal.

This method incorporates a more decadent blend of spices and vegetables, ensuring an intensely flavorful and aromatic dish. Enjoy your cooking!

What Is Brown Stew Chicken?

Brown Stew Chicken is a classic dish from Jamaica, consisting of chicken marinated with a blend of spices, then browned and simmered in a flavorful sauce with caramelized sugar, herbs, and vegetables. The result is a deeply colored, tender chicken with a rich, savory taste, celebrated in Caribbean culinary tradition.

What Is Browning Sauce?

Browning sauce is made from caramelized sugar and diluted with water to create a thick, dark liquid. Some variations may include vegetable or meat broth, seasonings, and spices to enhance flavor. It is trendy in Caribbean cooking, where it's used in stews, soups, and marinades to impart a distinctive brown hue and a slightly sweet, smoky taste. Browning can easily be found at your local market.

Diverse Ways to Prepare Brown Stew Chicken

Exploring different cooking methods for Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken can offer variations in flavor and convenience, depending on your kitchen setup and time constraints. Here are some alternative approaches to preparing this iconic dish:

• Slow Cooker Method

The slow cooker provides a "set it and forget it" approach, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and flavors to meld perfectly over several hours.

**How to Adapt:** 

- Brown the chicken in a skillet with avocado oil and then transfer it to the slow cooker.

- Sauté the aromatics (scallion, bell pepper, yellow onion, garlic) in the same skillet until softened, then add them to the slow cooker.

- Mix the remaining ingredients (except for the scotch bonnet pepper, which should be added in the last hour of cooking) with the chicken in the slow cooker.

- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.

•  Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot Method

Cooking Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker significantly reduces cooking time while infusing deep flavors and achieving tender chicken.

**How to Adapt:** 

- Use the sauté function to brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics.

- Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot, ensuring not to fill past the maximum fill line.

- Cook under high pressure for about 20 minutes, then allow for natural release.

•  Oven-Baked Method

Baking offers a relatively hands-off approach, allowing the chicken to cook slowly in its sauce, developing a slightly different texture and concentrated flavors.

**How to Adapt:** 

- Transfer everything into a large baking dish after browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics on the stove.

- Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.

Each of these methods provides a unique twist on the traditional Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, allowing you to choose one that best suits your taste, available equipment, and time. Whether you prefer the slow melding of flavors in a slow cooker, the quick convenience of a pressure cooker, the hands-off baking approach, the traditional simmer on the stove, or the smoky notes from grilling, you can enjoy this delicious Caribbean classic in a way that works for you.

Variations and Tips

• Vegan Twist: For a plant-based version, substitute chicken with jackfruit or tofu. Marinate and cook using the same spices and method for a vegan delight.
• Heat Level: Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to suit your spice preference. Remember, a little goes a long way!
• Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, which allows the spices to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. What makes Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken authentic?

A: Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is characterized by its unique preparation and cooking method, which includes marinating the chicken in a rich blend of spices, browning it in sugar, and then stewing it with vegetables and aromatics. The authentic flavor comes from the combination of allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, and a variety of other local spices and ingredients that are native to Jamaican cuisine.

2. Can I make Brown Stew Chicken without browning the sugar?

A: While browning the sugar (caramelizing sugar until it's dark and then cooking the chicken in it) is a traditional step that gives the dish its distinctive flavor and color, some variations of the recipe may skip this step for health or convenience reasons. However, this step is crucial for achieving the authentic taste and color of the dish. As an alternative, you can use pre-made browning sauce, which is available in stores.

3. What are the best sides to serve with Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken?

A: Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken pairs well with various sides. Traditional accompaniments include rice and peas, white rice, fried plantains, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad. These sides complement the rich and spicy flavors of the stew, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.

4. How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

A: For the best flavor, marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours is recommended, but marinating it overnight in the refrigerator will yield even better results. The longer marination time allows the chicken to absorb all the spices and seasonings, enhancing the dish's overall taste.

5. Can Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken be made in a slow cooker?

A: Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken can be adapted for a slow cooker. First, complete the initial steps of marinating and browning the chicken. Then, transfer the chicken, marinade, and other ingredients into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method is great for tenderizing the chicken and developing the flavors over time.

More Jamaican Recipes:

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Kabobs

Jamaican Curry Chicken

Caribbean Pepper Steak

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Fried Plantains

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How did you like this recipe? Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Looking for another chicken recipe? Try this Curry Chicken next!