brown-stew-chicken

 

Brown stew chicken is a popular dish in Caribbean cuisine, particularly in Jamaica. It's a flavorful and hearty dish made with chicken pieces that are marinated, then browned in a pot before simmering in a rich and aromatic stew. Here's a basic recipe for brown stew chicken:

Ingredients:

2-3 pounds of chicken pieces (such as thighs, drumsticks, or wings)

1 onion, chopped

2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, chopped

2 tomatoes, chopped

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Hot pepper sauce (optional, for heat)

Water or chicken broth

Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., scallions, parsley)

Instructions:

Start by marinating the chicken pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with the soy sauce, garlic, thyme, paprika, allspice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce (if using). Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drain off, and then coat them with flour.

Brown the chicken pieces in the hot oil until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove them from the pot and set them aside.

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Sauté them for a few minutes until they become tender and fragrant.

Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot and add the ketchup and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.

Pour in enough water or chicken broth to cover the chicken. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate those flavors into the stew.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If the liquid reduces too much, you can add more water or broth as needed.

Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or hot pepper sauce to suit your preference.

Once the chicken is cooked and the stew has thickened to your liking, it's ready to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs like scallions or parsley.

Brown stew chicken is often served with rice and peas, fried plantains, or traditional Caribbean side dishes. It's a delicious and comforting dish with a unique blend of spices and flavors.