Classic Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken Recipe (Print Version)
Savor rich, tender Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken. This island comfort food features succulent chicken simmered in a savory, spiced gravy. A taste of the tropics.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 70 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 95 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Caribbean
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Caramelized Foundation
01 -
3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
02 -
2 tbsp vegetable oil
03 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 -
2 tbsp Caribbean browning sauce
05 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Island Aromatics & Flavor Infusers
06 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
09 -
1 cup mixed bell peppers (red and green), chopped
10 -
4 sprigs fresh thyme
11 -
1/2 Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (seeds removed for less heat)
12 -
1/2 tsp ground allspice
→ Rich Stewing Liquids & Tang
13 -
1 cup chicken broth
14 -
2 tbsp soy sauce
15 -
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
→ Fresh Finish & Garnish
16 -
2 scallions, sliced, for garnish
17 -
1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat dry 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with 2 tbsp Caribbean browning sauce and 1/4 cup granulated sugar, ensuring each piece is well coated for your Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken – Island Comfort Food.
02 -
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken in batches, skin-side down first, until deeply golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving any drippings in the pot.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 large yellow onion, chopped, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated, and 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red and green), chopped, to the pot. Stir in 4 sprigs fresh thyme, 1/2 Scotch bonnet pepper, minced, and 1/2 tsp ground allspice. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 -
Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them into the aromatic sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged.
05 -
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let your Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken – Island Comfort Food simmer gently for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
06 -
Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Remove the thyme sprigs. Garnish the finished Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken – Island Comfort Food with 2 scallions, sliced, just before serving. This dish is best served hot.
# Notes:
01 -
The browning sauce and sugar are crucial for the rich, deep color and unique flavor of authentic Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken. Don't skip this step for the best results!
02 -
Store leftover Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It often tastes even better the next day!
03 -
For less heat, ensure all seeds and membranes are removed from the Scotch bonnet pepper. For no heat, you can omit it or substitute with a milder pepper like a jalapeño.
04 -
Serve this hearty stew with steamed white rice, rice and peas, or boiled provisions like yam and green banana, and a squeeze of fresh lime from the 1 lime, cut into wedges.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
measuring cups
05 -
measuring spoons
06 -
grater
07 -
tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 445 kcal
Total Fat: 32 g
Total Carbohydrate: 16 g
Protein: 31 g