Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe

Taste the islands! This Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken recipe, passed down through generations, delivers a rich, savory flavor explosion. Tender chicken slow-simmered in a fragrant blend of Jamaican spices, then finished with creamy coconut milk. Traditionally served with rice and peas, sliced tomatoes/avocado, and fried ripe plantains for a complete Jamaican feast. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 135 mins
Calories 684.9 kcal
Protein 82g
Rating 3.0 (27 Reviews)
Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken 68

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

  • 2 pounds chicken pieces
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 scallions, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground pimento (allspice)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

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How to Make Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

  1. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over 2 lbs of chicken pieces and rub thoroughly.
  2. Drain off excess lime juice.
  3. In a large bowl, combine: 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 2 scallions (finely chopped), 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (finely chopped, adjust to taste), 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon ground pimento (allspice), and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Add the chicken pieces and mix well.
  4. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  6. Remove chicken pieces from marinade, shaking off excess seasoning. Reserve the marinade.
  7. Brown the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This will take about 8-10 minutes.
  8. Set browned chicken aside on a plate.
  9. Drain off excess oil from the pot.
  10. Return the chicken to the pot.
  11. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken. Add 2 large carrots (chopped).
  12. Stir and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
  13. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk until smooth.
  14. Add the coconut milk mixture to the stew, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender and the sauce has thickened.
  15. Serve hot with rice and peas, sliced tomatoes or avocado, and fried ripe plantains.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

21 g

Sugar

12g

Fat

131g

Carbs

3g