Jamaican Chicken and Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

Jamaican Chicken and Cabbage is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with sautéed cabbage and colorful vegetables. This quick and easy recipe brings a taste of the Caribbean to your dinner table, perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (preferably green or red)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon Scotch bonnet pepper (or substitute with another hot pepper, finely chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small cabbage, shredded
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, allspice, and a little thyme. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same pan, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Step 5: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
6. Step 6: Stir in the shredded cabbage and julienned carrot until well combined with the other vegetables.
7. Step 7: Pour in the chicken broth or water and add the remaining thyme. Stir to combine everything evenly.
8. Step 8: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the vegetable mixture. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and flavors to meld.
9. Step 9: If desired, stir in the brown sugar and vinegar for a touch of sweetness and acidity. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
10. Step 10: Remove from heat once fully cooked and flavorful. Serve with rice, fried plantains, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts for a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook to keep them tender.
• Substitute Scotch bonnet pepper with habanero or jalapeño for varying heat levels.
• Add a splash of coconut milk in step 7 for a creamier, richer flavor.
• For extra depth, marinate the chicken overnight with the spices and soy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps keep the vegetables moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well as a leaner substitute. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily than thighs.

Is it necessary to use Scotch bonnet pepper?

Scotch bonnet peppers provide authentic Jamaican heat and flavor, but you can substitute with milder peppers like jalapeño or omit entirely if you prefer less spice.

Jamaican Chicken and Cabbage Recipe

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4.9 from 123 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Jamaican Chicken and Cabbage recipe featuring tender marinated chicken thighs sautéed with aromatic spices and sautéed cabbage and carrots, creating a hearty, spicy, and colorful one-pan dish perfect for a quick, comforting meal.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Jamaican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (preferably green or red)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon Scotch bonnet pepper (or another hot pepper, finely chopped)
• 1 small cabbage, shredded
• 1 large carrot, julienned

Other Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, allspice, and a little thyme. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Heat the Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add sliced onion, bell pepper, and Scotch bonnet pepper; sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
5. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
6. Add Cabbage and Carrot: Add shredded cabbage and julienned carrot, mixing well to combine all the vegetables.
7. Pour in Broth: Pour in chicken broth or water and add remaining thyme; stir to evenly incorporate the liquid and herbs.
8. Re-add Chicken and Simmer: Nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the vegetable mixture. Cover the pan and cook for another 5-7 minutes to soften the cabbage and meld the flavors.
9. Finish with Optional Add-ins: Stir in brown sugar and vinegar if desired, then adjust salt and pepper to taste to balance sweetness and acidity.
10. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Jamaican chicken and cabbage hot, accompanied by rice, fried plantains, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat; breasts can be substituted for a leaner option.
• Adjust the Scotch bonnet pepper amount based on your heat preference, as it can be quite spicy.
• Including brown sugar and vinegar is optional but adds a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Serve with traditional Jamaican sides like rice and peas or fried plantains for an authentic experience.
• This recipe can be adapted to use other vegetables like kale or spinach in place of cabbage.

Keywords: Jamaican chicken and cabbage, spicy chicken recipe, Caribbean cuisine, one-pan chicken dish, healthy Jamaican meal