Jamaican Fricassee Chicken is a tasty dish full of flavor! Tender chicken is simmered with veggies and spices, giving it a warm, comforting twist. It’s perfect for family dinners!
I love how the cooking fills the kitchen with amazing scents! Pair it with some rice, and watch it disappear—it’s always a hit at my house! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using a mix of drumsticks, thighs, and breasts gives you varied textures and flavors. If you prefer, boneless chicken can work too; just adjust the cooking time for quicker cooking.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper: This adds authentic heat to the dish. If you can’t find it, a habanero pepper is a suitable substitution, or you can leave it out for mild flavor.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is best, but if you don’t have it, dried thyme works well too. Just use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
Vegetables: The recipe suggests carrots and mushrooms; feel free to add your favorites like peas, zucchini, or even potatoes for more heartiness.
Ketchup: If you prefer less sugar, use tomato paste along with a splash of water. It gives a deep flavor without too much sweetness.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Browned Chicken?
Browning the chicken is an essential step to developing flavor. Here’s how you can do it right:
- Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken. It should shimmer, not smoke.
- Don’t crowd the pot—cook in batches if necessary. This ensures even browning.
- Cook each piece for about 5-6 minutes per side without stirring too much, allowing a nice crust to form.
This browning will enhance the overall taste of your fricassee and bring out delicious flavors when combined with the other ingredients!
Jamaican Fricassee Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 3 lbs chicken pieces (a mix of drumsticks, thighs, and breasts)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or cooking oil
For the Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional for heat)
For Seasoning:
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning (or Jamaican chicken seasoning)
- 1 tsp ground allspice (pimento)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Jamaican Fricassee Chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, followed by 30-40 minutes cooking time. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to enjoy this delightful dish! Perfect for a cozy evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by rinsing the chicken pieces and patting them dry. In a large bowl, season the chicken all over with salt, black pepper, all-purpose seasoning, and brown sugar. Let the chicken sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb those yummy flavors!
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, which will take about 5-6 minutes per side. When nicely browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, toss in the sliced onions, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 4 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with wonderful aromas!
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to add the browned chicken back into the pot. Toss in the thyme sprigs, Scotch bonnet pepper, allspice, ketchup, vinegar, and the chicken broth or water. Stir everything gently to combine.
5. Simmer, Simmer, Simmer:
After combining all the ingredients, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally and enjoy the bubbling sounds—it’s all coming together!
6. Add Optional Veggies:
If you’re using carrots and mushrooms, add them about 15 minutes into the cooking time. This will help them soften but avoid turning into mush.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your fricassee chicken and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Don’t forget to fish out the Scotch bonnet pepper if you used it unless you want extra spice!
8. Serve It Up:
Plate your Jamaican fricassee chicken hot and serve it with steamed white rice, rice and peas, or those delightful Jamaican fried dumplings. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors!
Enjoy making this classic Jamaican dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use any chicken parts you prefer, such as wings or thighs. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the size and type of the chicken pieces; adjust accordingly for thorough cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Scotch Bonnet Peppers?
If you can’t find Scotch bonnet peppers, you can substitute them with habanero peppers for a similar heat level. Alternatively, you can leave it out completely for a milder dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance! After cooking, let it cool and store it in the refrigerator. It can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
