If you’ve ever walked into a Jamaican home around lunchtime and caught a whiff of something warm, spicy, and utterly mouthwatering; there’s a good chance Jamaican Curried Chicken was simmering on the stove. This dish is a beloved staple in Jamaican households and a popular feature in our Jamaican Cooking Experience because of how simple, flavourful, and nostalgic it is.
Whether you grew up on it or are discovering Caribbean flavours for the first time, you’re in for a delicious ride.
Jamaican curry is the result of a beautiful cultural fusion. The use of curry spices in Jamaican cuisine can be traced back to East Indian immigrants who arrived in the 1800s under British colonial rule. Over generations, Jamaican cooks adopted and adapted curry into something uniquely Caribbean; bold, earthy, and vibrant yellow from the turmeric base.
Unlike Indian curries, Jamaican curry is spicier, more herbaceous, and often paired with Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, and fresh seasonings. It’s a perfect example of how Jamaican cuisine is both deeply rooted in history and constantly evolving through creativity.
2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (skin removed, chopped)
2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder (Betapac or Chief recommended)
1 tsp Maggai all-purpose seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
3 stalks scallion (green onion), chopped
1/2 Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional, but adds heat and flavour)
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium potato, diced
1 tbsp oil (coconut or vegetable)
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
Season the chicken: In a large bowl, mix chicken with curry powder, all-purpose seasoning, salt, black pepper, chopped onion, scallion, thyme, garlic, ginger, and Scotch bonnet (if using). Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best for deeper flavour).
Burn the curry: Heat oil in a skillet or Dutch pot over medium heat. Add 1 tsp of curry powder to the oil and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. This “burning” technique enhances the curry’s flavor and color—a classic Jamaican step!
Brown the chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pot. Sear each piece for 3–4 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
Simmer: Add the leftover marinade, potatoes, and water or broth. Stir, cover, and reduce heat. Let simmer for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy is rich and thick.
Taste and adjust: Add more salt or black pepper to taste. Remove thyme stems before serving.
This dish is incredibly versatile! It pairs beautifully with:
Steamed white rice (to soak up that rich curry gravy)
Jamaican Rice and Peas (a coconut-y, fragrant classic)
Fried ripe plantains
Boiled dumplings and green bananas
Festival (a slightly sweet fried dough, perfect with spicy curry)
In our Jamaican Cooking Experience, guests are taught how to build a complete meal around this dish. perfectly balanced with sweet, spicy, and savory components.
If you're planning a special event, whether it's a birthday, corporate lunch, anniversary, or backyard gathering, why not wow your guests with the rich, unforgettable flavours of Jamaican cuisine? We offer authentic Jamaican catering services featuring classics like curried chicken, oxtail, jerk chicken, and festival.
From small intimate dinners to larger events, we bring the island to your table with professional service and delicious, home-style cooking. Pair your event with an interactive Jamaican Cooking Experience or let us take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy.
📍 Serving Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Milton, Guelph, Mississauga, Toronto and surrounding areas.
Click here to request a custom catering quote or experience package.
Jamaican Curried Chicken is more than a meal—it’s comfort, culture, and a bite of history all in one. Whether you try this recipe at home or join us for an immersive cooking session, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with the bold, beautiful flavors of Jamaica.
Personalized Private Chef and Catering Service with Jamaican Food Only.
Enjoy restaurant-quality Jamaican food from the comfort of your home with our Jamaican Food Private Chef Service. Available across Mississauga, Toronto, and nearby cities, our Jamaican-born chefs come to your kitchen to prepare and serve authentic island dishes tailored to your taste. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, birthday surprise, family gathering, or small dinner party, we handle everything — shopping, cooking, serving, and cleanup. You choose the spice level, menu, and vibe. From jerk chicken to oxtail and festival, every dish is made fresh, with real Jamaican flavor and hospitality, right in front of you and your guests.
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