Authentic Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken (Print Version)
Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken features tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory gravy with aromatic spices. A classic island comfort food.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Caribbean
# Ingredients:
→ The Caramelized Foundation
01 -
2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
02 -
2 tbsp light brown sugar
03 -
2 tbsp vegetable oil
04 -
1 tsp kosher salt
05 -
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Aromatic Stew Enhancers
06 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
09 -
1/2 Scotch bonnet pepper, deseeded and minced (or whole for less heat)
10 -
4 sprigs fresh thyme
11 -
1 tsp whole allspice berries
→ The Hearty Stew Base
12 -
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
13 -
1/4 cup ketchup
14 -
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
15 -
1 large potato, peeled and cubed (e.g., Russet or Yukon Gold)
→ Finishing Touches
16 -
2 scallions, sliced, for garnish
17 -
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Season 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high. Add 2 tbsp light brown sugar and let it melt and darken slightly. Sear chicken pieces until deeply browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. This forms the delicious foundation for your Authentic Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken Recipe.
02 -
Remove chicken and set aside. To the same pot, add 1 large yellow onion, chopped, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated, 1/2 Scotch bonnet pepper, deseeded and minced, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 tsp whole allspice berries. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and softened, scraping up any browned bits.
03 -
Return the seared chicken to the pot. Pour in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1/4 cup ketchup. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring the chicken is nestled into the liquid. This liquid will become the rich sauce for your Authentic Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken Recipe.
04 -
Add 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced, and 1 large potato, peeled and cubed, to the pot. Stir gently to distribute the vegetables. Ensure the chicken and vegetables are mostly submerged in the simmering liquid. Cover the pot tightly.
05 -
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fork-tender and cooked through, and the potatoes are soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The sauce will naturally thicken as it simmers.
06 -
Uncover the pot for the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to thicken further to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. For the best Authentic Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken Recipe, let it rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving.
07 -
Garnish generously with 2 scallions, sliced, and 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, just before serving. Serve hot with rice and peas, white rice, or roti for a complete Caribbean meal.
# Notes:
01 -
For less heat, you can omit the Scotch bonnet pepper or use it whole and remove before serving. For a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken and vegetables, then reduce the sauce further over medium-high heat.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight!
03 -
Feel free to add other root vegetables like sweet potato or cassava during step 4 for extra heartiness and flavor.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Grater
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 682 kcal
Total Fat: 39 g
Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
Protein: 46 g