Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe With Coconut Sauce

This authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is the best restaurant-style dish you can make at home. After making it dozens of times, I’ve perfected the recipe for you. The trick I discovered is using coconut milk for an extra creamy, cozy sauce. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe and Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe.

What You'll Need for Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe With Coconut Sauce

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cans coconut milk
• 1 large onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 Scotch bonnet peppers
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Chopped fresh cilantro
• Optional: Sliced green onions
• Optional: Lime wedges

How to Make Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe With Coconut Sauce

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet, add onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers, and cook until softened.
3. Add spices: Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Cook the chicken: Add chicken to the skillet, cook until browned, then pour in coconut milk. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve over steamed rice with your choice of toppings.

Storing & Reheating Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe With Coconut Sauce

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the chicken and aromatics up to 1 day ahead.

Freezing Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe With Coconut Sauce

Freeze cooked chicken in coconut sauce for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a faster cooking time, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Best substitution: Use canned diced tomatoes instead of Scotch bonnet peppers for a milder version.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the chicken and aromatics up to 1 day ahead.
• Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce it.

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe With Coconut Sauce

⏱

Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

25 mins

⏳

Total

40 mins

🍽

Serves

4 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cans coconut milk
• 1 large onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 Scotch bonnet peppers

Seasonings

• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet, add onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers, and cook until softened.
3. Add spices: Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Cook the chicken: Add chicken to the skillet, cook until browned, then pour in coconut milk. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve over steamed rice with your choice of toppings.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a faster cooking time, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Best substitution: Use canned diced tomatoes instead of Scotch bonnet peppers for a milder version.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the chicken and aromatics up to 1 day ahead.
• Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce it.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in coconut sauce for up to 2 months.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
• Make ahead: Prepare the chicken and aromatics up to 1 day ahead.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sat. Fat: 16g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe With Coconut Sauce FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe With Coconut Sauce and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!