Jamaican Fricassee Chicken is a tasty dish that features tender chicken cooked with colorful veggies like bell peppers and onions. It’s all simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce!
Cooking this dish fills your kitchen with a wonderful smell that makes you feel right at home. Trust me, your family will love it—especially when served with rice! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Thighs and drumsticks are the best for this dish as they stay moist and flavorful. If you prefer leaner meat, boneless chicken breast works, but it may dry out quicker.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper: This pepper adds heat and classic Jamaican flavor. If it’s too spicy for you, try a jalapeño or a dash of cayenne instead. Always adjust based on your spice tolerance!
Thyme: Fresh thyme is always a favorite for its aroma, but dried thyme is a great substitute. Use about one-third of the amount needed for fresh. It still adds depth without extra fuss!
Allspice: This spice gives an aromatic warmth to the dish. If it’s hard to find, a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg can work in a pinch, though it won’t be quite the same.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Is Tender and Flavorful?
Marinating is essential for tenderizing and flavoring your chicken. A longer marination time, like a few hours or overnight, can truly make a difference. Use the right heat when browning chicken—it should be golden, not burned. Avoid overcrowding in the pan, which can cause steaming instead of searing.
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken pieces well to help the seasoning stick.
- Brown them on medium-high heat for that nice crust and depth of flavor.
- Simmer on low heat with the lid on to keep moisture in and ensure even cooking.
These steps will help you achieve deliciously tender chicken in your fricassee dish!
How to Make Jamaican Fricassee Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 3 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks recommended)
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 scallions (green onions), chopped
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and chopped (optional for heat)
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
For Seasoning:
- 2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp allspice (pimento)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or water
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Jamaican Fricassee Chicken takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 1 hour for cooking. With some simple marinating time, it’s a perfect dish for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by rinsing the chicken pieces and patting them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, season the chicken with salt, black pepper, thyme, and allspice. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time—this will really enhance the flavor!
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large heavy skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Sear the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. After browning, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the sliced onions, minced garlic, chopped scallions, Scotch bonnet pepper (if using), and sliced bell pepper. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Mix in Sauces:
Next, stir in the soy sauce and ketchup into the sautéed vegetables. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth or water, just enough to cover the chicken halfway. Lower the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes. Remember to turn the chicken occasionally to mix the flavors well and ensure even cooking.
6. Final Thicken and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove the lid and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. This helps to thicken the sauce slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving!
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the Jamaican Fricassee Chicken hot, alongside a generous portion of steamed white rice. Enjoy a comforting and flavorful family meal that brings a taste of the islands right to your table!
Can I Use Bone-In Skinless Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, bone-in skinless chicken works great! Just keep an eye on the cooking time since it may cook a bit faster. Adjust the simmering time to ensure the chicken reaches the appropriate internal temperature (165°F).
What Can I Substitute for Scotch Bonnet Pepper?
If Scotch bonnet peppers are too spicy for your taste or hard to find, consider using a jalapeño pepper or, for a milder option, a bell pepper. You can also omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Fricassee Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Absolutely! If you want to freeze the fricassee chicken, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
