Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe | Rich & Savory
If you’ve ever craved a dish that brings the comfort of home-cooked food with the bold, aromatic flavors of the Caribbean, then Jamaican Fricassee Chicken is a must-try. This recipe is a classic, juicy chicken, seasoned to the bone, seared until golden brown, and slowly simmered in a savory gravy made with thyme, pimento, and a hint of browning.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. Whether served with rice and peas, boiled dumplings, or even simple steamed white rice, it never fails to impress. The blend of jerk seasoning, poultry seasoning, and thyme creates a mouthwatering aroma that will make your kitchen smell like a Jamaican Sunday dinner.
This dish is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you want to treat yourself to something hearty and flavorful.
Preparing the Jamaican Fricassee Chicken
Step 1: Clean and Season the Chicken
I always start by washing and patting my chicken pieces dry. Once that’s done, I place them in a large mixing bowl. Then, I add all-purpose seasoning, jerk seasoning, poultry seasoning, thyme, garlic powder (if I’m using it), and sliced onions. Using my hands or a spoon, I massage the seasoning into the chicken to make sure every piece is fully coated.
For the best flavor, I recommend letting the chicken marinate for at least 15–30 minutes at room temperature. But if you have extra time, leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours, or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors soak in.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Next, I heat olive oil in a heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, I carefully add the chicken pieces, skin-side down first, and sear them for about 5 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
This step is crucial because it locks in the juices and gives the chicken that rich, roasted flavor that makes this dish so comforting.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
After searing, I remove the chicken from the pan and wipe out any excess burned bits (if necessary). Then, I drizzle in a little more oil and return the chicken along with its juices. At this stage, I add pimento and browning. The pimento gives the dish its signature warm, peppery flavor, while the browning adds depth of color and a slightly smoky undertone.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
I cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the chicken cook for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the pot looks too dry, I add a splash of water, just enough to create a flavorful gravy.
In the final 5 minutes of cooking, I stir in ketchup. It may sound unusual, but this adds a hint of sweetness and helps round out the flavors, creating a perfectly balanced sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is fully cooked, juicy, and coated in the rich gravy, it’s ready to serve. I usually plate it up with a side of rice and peas or fried plantains for an actual Jamaican-style meal.
Serving and Enjoying Jamaican Fricassee Chicken
Best Side Dishes to Serve With
Jamaican Fricassee Chicken shines when paired with traditional Caribbean sides. Some of my personal favorites include:
- Rice and Peas: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful gravy beautifully.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet, caramelized plantains balance out the savory richness of the chicken.
- Steamed White Rice: Simple and satisfying, perfect if you want the chicken to be the star.
- Boiled Dumplings or Ground Provisions: Traditional Jamaican comfort foods that make this dish extra hearty.
- Steamed Vegetables or Cabbage: A lighter side option that balances the meal.
Tips for the Best Results
Over the years, I’ve found a few tips that guarantee the most delicious Fricassee Chicken every time:
- Marinate longer for maximum flavor. Even a few extra hours in the fridge makes a huge difference.
- Don’t skip the browning. It gives the chicken its authentic color and smoky depth. If you can’t find browning, a little soy sauce or caramelized sugar works as a substitute.
- Use fresh thyme if possible. While dried thyme works fine, fresh thyme takes the flavor to another level.
- Control the heat. Simmer low and slow, so the chicken stays juicy and tender.
- Adjust the gravy thickness. If you prefer more sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or water while simmering.
Recipe Variations
What I love about Jamaican Fricassee Chicken is how flexible it is. Here are a few tasty variations you can try:
- Spicy Kick: Add extra jerk seasoning, Scotch bonnet pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Veggie Twist: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Lighter Option: Use chicken thighs or drumsticks only instead of a whole chicken, or even try it with turkey pieces.
- Gravy Rich: Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamier, more decadent sauce.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Fresh
If you have leftovers (though I’ll admit, this dish rarely leaves much behind!), You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing Instructions
For more extended storage, allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the gravy.
Jamaican Fricassee Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
To make Jamaican Fricassee Chicken, it helps to have the right tools on hand. These make the process smoother and ensure you get the authentic taste and texture:- Large Mixing Bowl – for seasoning and marinating the chicken.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – to portion the chicken and slice onions.
- Heavy-Bottom Skillet or Dutch Oven – perfect for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce.
- Tongs or a Wooden Spoon – for turning and stirring the chicken while cooking.
- Measuring Spoons – to ensure seasoning ratios are spot on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Jamaican Fricassee Chicken?
Jamaican Fricassee Chicken is a traditional Caribbean dish where chicken is well-seasoned, browned in oil, and simmered in a flavorful gravy made with thyme, pimento, browning, and ketchup. It’s a hearty, homestyle meal enjoyed across the island.
Do I have to use brownings in this recipe?
Browning gives the chicken its authentic dark color and smoky depth. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with soy sauce or make your own by caramelizing a little sugar in oil until dark brown.
Can I use boneless chicken instead of a whole chicken?
Yes! While a whole chicken is traditional, you can use boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks for easier preparation. Just adjust cooking time slightly since boneless pieces may cook faster.
How spicy is Jamaican Fricassee Chicken?
This dish is mild to medium-spiced, depending on how much jerk seasoning you use. If you like it hotter, add Scotch bonnet pepper or hot sauce for an extra fiery kick.
What sides go best with Fricassee Chicken?
The most popular sides are rice and peas, fried plantains, boiled dumplings, ground provisions, or steamed cabbage. These soak up the rich gravy and complete the meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen as it rests. Cook the dish a day ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat on the stovetop before serving.
Conclusion
Cooking Jamaican Fricassee Chicken is more than just making dinner; it’s bringing a piece of the Caribbean into your kitchen. From the perfectly seasoned, golden-browned chicken to the rich, flavorful gravy infused with thyme, pimento, and browning, this recipe is a comforting classic that never disappoints.
Whether you serve it with rice and peas, fried plantains, or steamed vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. The beauty of Jamaican cuisine lies in its bold flavors and comforting warmth, and this Fricassee Chicken is a shining example.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to an authentic taste of Jamaica. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a staple on your dinner table.
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
