Jamaican Spiced Brown Stew Chicken
Experience the vibrant flavors of Jamaica with this delicious Spiced Brown Stew Chicken recipe. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in aromatic spices and sautéed until golden brown, then simmered in a savory sauce with hearty black beans and juicy tomatoes. Perfectly paired over fluffy rice, this dish balances a hint of heat with the richness of the stew, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion. Invite your friends and family to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean right in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
Onion
1 cup (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Curry powder
1 teaspoon
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon
Ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Dry red wine
1/4 cup
Black beans
15 ounces (rinsed and drained)
Diced tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces (undrained)
Instructions
1
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with curry powder, dried thyme, ground allspice, crushed red pepper flakes, and cracked black pepper until the chicken is evenly coated.
4
Transfer the chicken mixture to the skillet and sauté for about 4 minutes or until the chicken is browned on all sides.
5
Pour in the dry red wine, allowing it to deglaze the pan and lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
6
Add the rinsed and drained black beans along with the undrained diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine.
7
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8
Serve the stew over a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jamaican Spiced Brown Stew Chicken?
It is a vibrant Caribbean dish featuring chicken marinated in aromatic spices like curry and allspice, simmered with black beans and tomatoes.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the recipe includes curry powder and crushed red pepper flakes, which provide a hint of heat.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
After browning for 4 minutes, the chicken should simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until tender.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts; they may require a few extra minutes of simmering.
What kind of wine should I use?
The recipe recommends a dry red wine to deglaze the pan and add depth to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the red wine with chicken broth or a splash of water for deglazing.
What are the main spices in this stew?
The primary spices are curry powder, dried thyme, ground allspice, crushed red pepper flakes, and cracked black pepper.
How should I serve Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken?
It is traditionally served over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the savory sauce.
Can I add extra vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely, vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or celery would make excellent additions.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it uses lean chicken breast, nutrient-dense black beans, and minimal olive oil.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Jamaican Spiced Brown Stew Chicken?
Yes, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What type of beans are used?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should be used undrained to provide necessary liquid for the stew base.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 3 garlic cloves should be finely minced before being sautéed with the onions.
How should the chicken be cut?
The 1 lb of chicken breast should be cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
What if I don't have allspice?
You can substitute allspice with a blend of ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Can I use fresh thyme?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried thyme with about 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
While the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, always check the labels on your curry powder and wine.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works perfectly with the Caribbean flavors.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the chicken and sauté aromatics first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
What does deglazing the pan mean?
It is the process of adding liquid to a hot pan to loosen the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom.
Can I substitute the black beans?
Yes, kidney beans or pigeon peas are great alternatives that fit the Caribbean theme.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is cooked when it is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
Reduce the heat to low once the skillet is covered to maintain a gentle simmer.
How can I make the dish even spicier?
You can increase the red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is savory and hearty, thickened slightly by the tomatoes and beans.
Can I marinate the chicken in advance?
Yes, coating the chicken in the spice mixture several hours ahead of time can enhance the flavor.
What kind of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of olive oil.