Jamaican Brown Chicken

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Cuisine: Jamaican

Jamaican Brown Chicken features tender chicken simmered in savory spices, onions, and tomatoes, enhanced with browning for rich color and flavor, perfect for hearty, flavorful meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 chicken, cut up
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • fresh tomatoes (optional)
  • chicken seasoning to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • salt to taste
  • cooking oil
  • browning (as desired)

Instructions

  1. Brown the chicken in cooking oil without flouring it.
  2. Add garlic, water, sliced onions, tomatoes (if using), chicken seasoning, black pepper, salt, and browning to the pot.
  3. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and flavors meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic, seasoning, and browning for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have chicken seasoning, a mix of paprika, thyme, and cayenne will work well. Adjust the browning to get the desired color; too much can make the dish bitter. Fresh tomatoes can add sweetness, but canned tomatoes are a good substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Jamaican Brown Chicken with steamed rice or rice and peas for a classic pairing. It also goes well with fried plantains and a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Cabbage And Noodle Supreme, which complements the rich flavors of the chicken beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Covering the pan will help retain moisture, ensuring the chicken remains tender and flavorful.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jamaican Brown Chicken contains roughly 204 calories, with 19g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 915mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).

204 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.7g 37% DV
Total Fat 7.9g 10% DV
Carbs 20.3g 7% DV
Fiber 7.7g 27% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 914.9mg 40% DV
Potassium 587.6mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 77.6mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Calcium 152mg 12% DV
Iron 3.5mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but be aware that cooking times will be shorter. Ensure you adjust the simmering time to avoid overcooking the meat, which can dry it out.

What can I substitute for browning sauce?

If you don't have browning sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar can replicate the caramelization effect. Alternatively, cooking the chicken longer can achieve a natural brown color.

Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can brown the chicken first, then transfer it to a slow cooker with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours for a convenient and flavorful meal.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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