Name: Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h 25 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (minced); 2 teaspoons browning sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon allspice; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; Salt and pepper (to taste); 3 tablespoons avocado oil (divided); 1 large onion (chopped); 1 red bell pepper (chopped); 1-2 scotch bonnet or habanero peppers (deseeded and chopped); 3-5 cloves garlic (minced); 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 bay leaves; Sliced green onions (for garnish, optional)

Print Recipe· 4.4 from 8 reviews

If you are craving something truly soulful and packed with vibrant Caribbean flavors, you absolutely have to try this Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe. It’s a beloved classic that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a richly spiced, deeply caramelized sauce that’s both hearty and comforting. The layering of warm spices, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, and the subtle heat from scotch bonnet peppers create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you make this, you’ll see why it’s a staple in Jamaican households and a dish that feels like a big, flavorful hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows clear glass bowls and a measuring cup arranged on a white marbled texture surface. At the center is a large bowl filled with raw pink chicken thighs. Around it are smaller bowls containing finely chopped white onions, bright red chopped bell peppers, and small orange chopped peppers. There are small bowls filled with various spices showing colors like dark green dried herbs, red powder, yellow powder, light brown, and dark brown powders. Two dried bay leaves are placed near the top. Also visible are a small bowl of golden cooking oil, a measuring cup with light brown liquid, a bowl with dark brown liquid, and a bowl holding red tomato paste. Every bowl is clear glass. The scene is bright and organized, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great dish starts with simple but essential ingredients, and Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe is no exception. These ingredients each play a crucial role, from building the bold, savory sauce to tenderizing and flavoring the chicken beautifully.

4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and juicy, these thighs soak up the marinade and stay moist during cooking.
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps create that gorgeous caramelized color on the chicken.
2 teaspoons fresh thyme (minced): Brings a fresh, herby note that complements the smoky spices.
2 teaspoons browning sauce: Gives the stew its signature rich, deep brown color and a savory umami boost.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering the other spices.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the seasoning.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses the dish with smoky warmth and a beautiful red hue.
½ teaspoon allspice: The quintessential Caribbean spice that adds complexity and a touch of sweetness.
½ teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a subtle zing that lifts the stew.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances the flavors perfectly.
3 tablespoons avocado oil (divided): A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables.
1 large onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and body to the stew base.
1 red bell pepper (chopped): Adds color, crunch, and a mild sweetness.
1-2 scotch bonnet or habanero peppers (deseeded and chopped): The fiery star of the dish, delivering authentic Caribbean heat—handle with care!
3-5 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds aromatic richness and depth.
2 teaspoons brown sugar: Reinforces the caramel notes and balances acidity.
2 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid and thickens the sauce.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Gives body and an umami punch that rounds out the sauce.
2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal notes while the stew simmers.
Sliced green onions (for garnish, optional): A fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to finish the dish.

How to Make Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining your chicken thighs with the marinade ingredients: dark brown sugar, thyme, browning sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, allspice, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Be generous when massaging the seasoning into every bit of chicken—this step infuses your meat with the deep, complex flavors that define this dish. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours, although overnight is even better to really let all those spices mingle.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Once marinated, heat your avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, about three to five minutes on each side. This caramelization locks in flavor and helps build the base for your sauce. Don’t overcrowd the pot—cook in batches if necessary, adding oil as needed to keep things sizzling.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

After all the chicken is browned and set aside, toss in the chopped onions, red bell peppers, minced garlic, and scotch bonnet peppers right into the hot pot. Sauté these aromatics for two to three minutes until they soften and release their vibrant flavors. This step forms the heart of your stew and amps up the aroma that will fill your kitchen.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add your chicken broth, tomato paste, and extra brown sugar into the pot, stirring well to combine. Return all the chicken thighs to the pot and coat them thoroughly with the simmering sauce. Don’t forget to tuck in the bay leaves, as their subtle fragrance will elevate the whole dish.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and let it bubble away for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken further and allows flavors to deepen. Then remove the lid and continue simmering for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken the sauce to your desired luscious consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings to make it truly yours.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When the stew is perfectly thickened and rich, sprinkle over sliced green onions for a fresh burst of color and mild onion crunch. Then dig in—your Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe is ready to impress!

How to Serve Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe

A white pot filled with multiple pieces of browned cooked chicken, each piece showing a crispy, slightly charred texture. The chicken pieces sit in a rich, dark reddish-brown sauce that covers the bottom of the pot. Two light brown bay leaves lay on top in the center. The pot has white handles on both sides and rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh sliced green onions or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro provide brightness against the rich stew. These small touches add a pop of freshness and make your presentation shine just a little more.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or the classic Jamaican rice and peas for an authentic experience. You can also serve it alongside buttery boiled dumplings or fried plantains to soak up that gorgeous, savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stew over creamy mashed sweet potatoes or even creamy coconut rice to tie in tropical flavors. For gatherings, scoop portions into bowls garnished with fresh herbs and a wedge of lime to brighten the plate and invite conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for up to four days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better.

Freezing

If you want to save this for later, Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Stir occasionally until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out more easily. Thighs are preferred for their juiciness and ability to hold up well during the long simmering process in the Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The traditional recipe calls for scotch bonnet peppers, which are quite spicy. If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the number of peppers or remove all seeds before chopping, as most of the heat resides there. You can always add more spice later if desired.

What is browning sauce, and can I substitute it?

Browning sauce is a popular condiment in Jamaican cooking that adds color and a savory depth to dishes. If you can’t find it, a small amount of soy sauce or a combination of molasses and soy can be used as a substitute, but note it will slightly change the flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Just remember to finish the recipe with the reduction step on the stove to get that thick, luscious sauce.

What are some common side dishes enjoyed with Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe?

Jamaican rice and peas (red kidney beans cooked with coconut milk and spices) is the classic pairing. Other favorites include fried plantains, steamed vegetables, or festival—sweet fried dough that complements the richness of the stew beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with bold flavors, inviting aromas, and a genuine taste of Jamaican culture. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings people together with its warmth and heartiness. I promise once you make it, it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes whenever you want to impress with something comforting and delicious. Go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!