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### How to Make It:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little bit of soy sauce. You can add other seasonings to taste, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of all-purpose seasoning. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
#### Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar and let it melt and caramelize until it turns a deep amber color. This will give the chicken a nice, rich flavor and the signature “brown” color. Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot, browning them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
#### Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the garlic, ginger, scallions, onion, bell pepper, tomato, and carrot. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their flavors. If you’re using Scotch bonnet pepper, now is the time to add it – keep it whole if you want a milder heat, or chop it up if you prefer more spice.
#### Step 4: Build the Stew Sauce
Once the vegetables are tender, return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Add the soy sauce, ketchup, and fresh thyme, stirring to combine. Pour in enough water to cover the chicken halfway, usually about 1-2 cups, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the chicken stew for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Check the seasoning and add more salt or pepper if necessary.
#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pot from the heat. Brown Stew Chicken is traditionally served with **rice and peas**, but it can also be enjoyed with plain white rice, fried dumplings, or boiled green bananas. Garnish with extra fresh thyme or sliced scallions, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that captures the essence of Jamaican cooking!
### Why It Works:
Brown Stew Chicken is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy, with each bite offering a medley of flavors. The caramelized sugar creates a deep, rich base for the stew, while the soy sauce and ketchup contribute to a savory-sweet sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. The addition of fresh vegetables, herbs, and the fiery Scotch bonnet pepper gives the dish its characteristic depth and complexity.
This dish is not just about flavor; it’s about cooking with love and patience. The slow stewing process ensures that the chicken is tender and infused with the sauce’s rich flavors. And just like many Jamaican dishes, Brown Stew Chicken brings people together, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings or special occasions.
### Conclusion:
Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is a soulful, mouthwatering dish that brings the best of Caribbean flavors to your table. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that’s guaranteed to deliver big on taste. Whether you’re new to Jamaican cuisine or a seasoned fan, this dish will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. So grab your ingredients, follow this recipe, and let the magic of Jamaican cooking fill your kitchen!
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