Brown Stew Chicken

brown_stew_chicken

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is a dish that will delight your senses and transport you to the beautiful, sun-kissed island of Jamaica. It is one of the most popular Jamaican dishes that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The dish is made by marinating chicken in a spicy mixture of herbs and spices, then cooking it slowly in a rich, flavorful sauce.

The key ingredient that gives Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken its unique flavor is the browning sauce. Browning sauce is a mixture of burnt sugar, vinegar, and herbs that is used to give the chicken a rich color and depth of flavor. The sauce is the result of caramelizing sugar until it is dark brown, then adding vinegar and spices to the mixture.

The chicken is then marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices, including thyme, scallions, garlic, ginger, and allspice. It is important to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.

The chicken is then seared in a hot skillet until it is browned on all sides. The browned chicken is then added to a pot of sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic. The mixture is cooked until the onions are soft and translucent.

The next step is to add the browning sauce to the pot. The sauce is added along with chicken broth, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs such as thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. This aromatic blend of herbs and spices infuses the chicken with a rich and savory flavor.

The chicken is cooked slowly in the sauce for about an hour until it is tender and falls off the bone. The sauce thickens as it cooks, creating a flavorful gravy that coats the chicken. The dish is typically served with rice and peas, a Jamaican staple made with peas cooked with coconut milk and spices.

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is an example of the rich and flavorful cuisine that is a hallmark of Jamaican culture. The dish reflects the island’s history of African, European, and indigenous influences, resulting in a unique blend of flavors and spices. The dish is a taste of the island’s vibrant culture, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

In conclusion, Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that will take you on a culinary journey to the beautiful island of Jamaica. Its combination of herbs, spices, and browning sauce create a savory and flavorful dish that is sure to impress. So why not try making this delicious dish today and experience the taste of Jamaica in your home?

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken (thighs or drumsticks)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 potatoes, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet and brown the chicken on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

  3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.

  4. Add the carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, and tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine.

  5. Add the tomato paste, thyme, allspice, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.

  6. Add the chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.

  7. Add the chicken back to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.

  8. Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

  9. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

  10. Serve the Jamaican brown stew chicken hot with rice and peas, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy!