Caribbean Curry Chicken Recipe – A Taste of the Tropics
Description
This vibrant and flavorful Caribbean Curry Chicken recipe, originally from Trinidad, is sure to impress at any meal or gathering. Shared by a dear friend, this dish has been passed down with love and has always been a crowd favorite at potlucks or special events. The bold flavors of curry mixed with tender chicken and hearty potatoes make this dish unforgettable. Serve it over hot rice to soak up all that savory goodness. It’s a celebration of the Caribbean’s rich culinary tradition, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 3 1/2 lbs |
| Lemon juice | 1 1/2 tbsp |
| Green onion (chopped) | 1 stalk |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Poultry seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Curry powder | 2 tbsp |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Potatoes (peeled & cubed) | 4 medium |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrition Facts | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 778.3 kcal |
| Fat | 43.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 181.1 mg |
| Sodium | 477.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 6.6 g |
| Sugar | 3.6 g |
| Protein | 50.3 g |
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
- Begin by cutting up the chicken into pieces suitable for stewing. Trim any excess fat and remove the skin, if desired, for a leaner dish.
- Wash the chicken thoroughly using lemon juice. This helps to cleanse the chicken and adds a fresh citrusy brightness. Drain the chicken well to remove excess liquid.
Step 2: Marinating the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the washed chicken pieces with chopped green onions, the finely chopped medium onion, minced garlic, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the seasonings.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This marination process allows the flavors to meld together, giving the chicken a deeper, richer taste.
Step 3: Preparing the Curry Base
- When the marinating time is nearly complete, heat a large stew pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil (approximately 2 tablespoons) to the pot.
- Once the oil is hot, sprinkle in the curry powder. Stir the curry powder continuously as it heats up, allowing it to darken slightly. Be careful not to let it burn, as this could create a bitter taste.
Step 4: Browning the Chicken
- Once the curry has deepened in color, add the marinated chicken pieces and onions to the pot. Stir to ensure all pieces are coated with the fragrant curry oil.
- Brown the chicken on all sides. This step enhances the flavor by sealing in the spices and giving the chicken a beautiful golden color.
Step 5: Simmering the Chicken
- After the chicken is browned, pour in 2 cups of water. The water will help create a rich sauce that’s perfect for simmering.
- Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the chicken simmer for about 10 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and the chicken to start cooking through.
Step 6: Adding the Potatoes
- After the initial simmer, add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir them into the curry sauce, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the pot again and let the mixture simmer for an additional 30 to 40 minutes. The chicken should become tender, and the potatoes should soften as they absorb the spicy curry flavor.
Step 7: Final Taste and Serve
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender, taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or a pinch of black pepper.
- Serve the Caribbean Curry Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice will soak up the delicious, savory sauce, making each bite an explosion of flavors.
Tips for Success
- Marination: For best results, do not skip the marinating process. This step is key to ensuring the chicken is flavorful through every bite.
- Curry Powder: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider using a hot curry powder or adding a fresh chili pepper during the browning process.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well in this recipe because they hold their shape and texture while simmering in the curry sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of fried plantains or a simple green salad to round out the meal.
Keyword Tags for SEO
- Chicken
- Poultry
- Meat
- Caribbean
- < 4 Hours
- Inexpensive
This Caribbean Curry Chicken recipe offers a taste of the islands, packed with bold spices and comfort. The slow simmering ensures tender chicken, and the curry sauce, infused with aromatic spices, creates a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
