Go Back
Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe

Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe

A cozy Jamaican-style chicken stew where seasoned chicken is browned first, then simmered in a rich, savory sauce with thyme, onions, and pimento. It’s saucy, comforting, and even better the next day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Calories: 510
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks Bone-in is best for flavor
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning Or complete seasoning
  • 1 tbsp jerk seasoning Optional but adds bold flavor
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Optional skip if using extra fresh garlic
  • 1 tsp onion powder Adds depth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme Or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp ground allspice Pimento
  • 1 medium onion Sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced
  • 2 stalks scallions Chopped
  • 1 tbsp ketchup Helps thicken sauce
  • 1 tsp browning sauce Or soy sauce/coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp oil Olive avocado, or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth Add more only if needed
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper Optional leave whole for mild heat
  • to taste salt + black pepper Adjust at the end

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl For seasoning and marinating chicken
  • 1 Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid Must be wide enough for browning
  • 1 Tongs Helps flip chicken without tearing skin
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring and scraping up browned bits
  • 1 Measuring spoon set For seasonings
  • 1 Knife + cutting board For onions, garlic, scallions

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it into a large bowl.
    Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe
Step 2:
  1. Add all-purpose seasoning, jerk seasoning (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and allspice. Toss well until every piece is coated.
    Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe
Step 3:
  1. Add sliced onion, scallions, and minced garlic. Mix again and let the chicken sit for 20 minutes (or cover and marinate in the fridge up to overnight).
    Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe
Step 4:
  1. Wipe off most of the chunky onion/garlic from the chicken pieces so they don’t burn during browning.
    Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe
Step 5:
  1. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the chicken in batches for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden. Remove chicken to a plate.
    Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe
Step 6:
  1. Add the leftover onions/scallions/garlic from the bowl into the pot and stir for 2–3 minutes to soften and build the base.
    Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe
Step 7:
  1. Stir in ketchup and browning sauce. Pour in the water or chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
    Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe
Step 8:
  1. Return chicken to the pot. Add the Scotch bonnet pepper whole (if using). Cover and simmer on medium-low for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe
Step 9:
  1. Uncover and simmer another 8–10 minutes to thicken the sauce. Add a splash of water only if the pot looks too dry.
    Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe
Step 10:
  1. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper, then serve hot with rice, rice and peas, or dumplings.
    Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe

Notes

  • If you don’t have browning sauce, soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos works great.
  • For mild flavor without too much heat, add the Scotch bonnet whole and do not cut it.
  • Wiping off the chunky marinade before browning keeps the chicken from burning and turning bitter.
  • This dish tastes even better the next day because the sauce thickens and the flavors settle in.
  • Serve it with white rice, rice and peas, boiled dumplings, or hard dough bread to soak up all that sauce.