Brown Stew Chicken with Rice & Peas

JAMAICA

Jam packed with flavor and feelings of comfort

SUBMITTED BY

Gabriella

Gabriella’s beloved family recipe is cherished for a reason! Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken with Rice & Peas is a quintessential dish that beautifully represents the vibrant flavors and culinary heritage of Jamaica. This hearty meal features tender chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce, paired with fragrant rice and peas (often kidney beans). Together, they create a delicious and satisfying dish that is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

What is Brown Stew Chicken?

Brown Stew Chicken is a traditional Jamaican dish where chicken pieces are marinated and then browned before being stewed in a savory sauce made from a blend of spices, herbs, and vegetables. The dish is characterized by its deep color and rich flavor, which comes from browning the chicken and the combination of ingredients used in the stew. It’s often served with rice and peas, making it a staple in Jamaican households.

Key Ingredients

  1. Chicken: Bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs and drumsticks, are typically used for their flavor and tenderness.

  2. Marinade: The chicken is marinated with a mix of garlic, ginger, scallions, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper, which infuses it with a delicious, spicy flavor.

  3. Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, and carrots are sautéed to form the base of the stew, adding sweetness and depth.

  4. Tomato Sauce: This ingredient adds acidity and richness to the dish, balancing the flavors.

  5. Rice and Peas: Long-grain rice is cooked with kidney beans, coconut milk, and spices, creating a fragrant and flavorful side dish.

  6. Spices: Allspice (pimento), black pepper, and salt enhance the overall taste, while thyme adds a lovely aroma.

Preparation Method

Creating Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken with Rice & Peas involves several steps, but the process is straightforward:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with minced garlic, ginger, chopped scallions, thyme, and chopped Scotch bonnet pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

  2. Brown the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor and color to the dish. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.

  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add sliced onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, along with a little water or chicken broth to create a sauce.

  4. Simmer the Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the pot, cover, and let it simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

  5. Prepare Rice & Peas: While the chicken is simmering, rinse the rice under cold water. In a separate pot, combine the rice, drained kidney beans, coconut milk, thyme, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and fluffy.

  6. Serve: Once everything is ready, serve the stewed chicken over a bed of rice and peas. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is well-balanced, providing protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the rice, and fiber from the peas. The use of fresh vegetables and herbs adds essential vitamins and minerals.

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken with Rice & Peas is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Jamaican culture and flavors. Its combination of spicy, savory chicken and fragrant rice makes it a favorite for gatherings and special occasions. Enjoying this dish transports you to the Caribbean, showcasing the warmth and richness of Jamaican hospitality. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy!

Brown Stew Chicken with Rice & Peas

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • mixed chicken parts
  • 2 stalks scallions chopped
  • 1 bundle fresh thyme
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 carrot chopped
  • 1 sweet bell pepper chopped
  • 3 tsp chicken spice
  • 1 Tbsp browning or soy sauce
  • 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp allspice
  • ½ tsp ginger
  • chicken stock or water
  • salt to taste
  • 1 Tbsp ketchup

Rice & Peas

  • 2 cups white rice
  • 1 can red kidney beans or pigeon peas with liquid
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 bouillon cube
  • 1 bunch thyme about 6 sprigs
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper whole, do not cut! This is for flavor not spice.
  • 2 stalks scallion folded to fit in pot
  • ¼ tsp allspice/pimento can use whole dried pimento seeds
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder or 1 crushed garlic clove
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp butter

Instructions
 

For the chicken

  • Add all ingredients, except ketchup and chicken stock, to a bowl.
  • Marinate for at least 1 hour, if not overnight.
  • Brown chicken in oil in a deep pan/dutch pot/cast iron pot.
  • Add vegetables, brown the vegetables.
  • Add water or chicken stock to about ½ way up the chicken.
  • Let simmer for 30 minutes or until soft and gray has reduced.
  • Add in ketchup and season to taste.

For rice & peas

  • Add all ingredients expect the rice to a pot and bring to a boil.
  • Add rice, lower to low simmer. Let simmer until all liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked.
  • Remove scallion, scotch bonnet pepper and thyme.
  • Fluff rice and serve with chicken!
Course: Dinner
Region: North America

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About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.

About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.