Curry Chicken and Rice Recipe (Jamaican-Inspired, Easy One Pot)

Apr 29, 2024, Updated Mar 18, 2026

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In This Recipe

Introduction to This Curry Chicken and Rice Recipe
Why Curry Chicken and Rice Is a Fusion of Cultures
Curry Chicken and Rice Ingredients
2pc. Hybrid Skillet
A Taste of Jamaica:
Why This Curry Chicken and Rice Recipe Works
Print & Download Curry Chicken & Recipe
Curry Chicken & Rice
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Curry Chicken & Rice Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen Mr. Make It Happen | Curry Chicken Recipe – Money Shot Introduction to This Curry Chicken and Rice Recipe This curry chicken and rice recipe...

Category: Chicken Recipes, Healthy Recipes & Meal Prep | By: Matt Price, Mr. Make It Happen

Curry Chicken & Rice Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Completed Dish Scaled — Mr. Make It Happen | Curry Chicken Recipe – Money Shot

Introduction to This Curry Chicken and Rice Recipe

This curry chicken and rice recipe is one of my favorites to make at home. Let me let you guys in on a little secret… obviously, I am not Jamaican.. nor do I pretend to be on the internet, lol. I am, however, an avid lover of Caribbean cuisine and culture. I’ve been to Jamaica multiple times, cooked there, and even got married there. These things do not make me an expert, however, I have learned from people that I would consider experts. So here I am, showing you how to execute one of my all time favorites… Curry Chicken.

Why Curry Chicken and Rice Is a Fusion of Cultures

Jamaican curry chicken is a delightful fusion of culinary influences from across the globe. It marries the aromatic spices of Indian curry with the soulful flavors of the Caribbean, resulting in a dish that is both familiar and exotic. The use of Jamaican curry powder, with its unique blend of spices including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek, sets this dish apart and gives it its distinctive flavor profile.

Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Ingredients Scaled

Curry Chicken and Rice Ingredients

At the heart of Jamaican curry chicken are tender chicken pieces, lovingly coated in a fragrant blend of curry powder and other seasonings. But the magic doesn’t stop there. This dish is elevated with the addition of aromatic aromatics such as onions, garlic, and thyme, which infuse every bite with layers of flavor. Scotch bonnet peppers add a fiery kick, while creamy coconut milk lends a luxurious richness to the sauce. And let’s not forget the humble potatoes and carrots, which soak up the flavors of the curry and provide a delightful contrast in texture.

Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Veggies Scaled

First things first, it’s time to prep the Chicken. I prefer dark meat (bone in) for this recipe but feel free to use whatever you like. Because of that, we are using leg quarters that I am going to cut down into bite size pieces, remove the skin, trim the excess fat, and clean with lime and cold water. Cleaning chicken is common in Caribbean dishes, mostly due to the fact that most recipes are bone in protein. “Cleaning” for me is more about removing bone, feathers, cartilage and basically anything that can damage your teeth or cause a choking hazard.

Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Cutlets Scaled

Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Chicken Cut Scaled

Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Chicken In Lime Juice Scaled

Once the chicken is prepped and cleaned up, it’s time to marinate. I like to use Walkerswood’s green seasoning (not a sponsor today) because it’s a high quality product and saves me the trouble of making it all from scratch. They’re based out of Jamaica and really wonderful folks (I have worked with them in the past). You can find their products in most stores these days.

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Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Seasonings Scaled

Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Chicken With Veggies Scaled

Mix together the green seasoning, scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, fresh thyme, green onion, chicken bouillon, ginger and garlic, etc. Coat the chicken completely and allow this to marinate for 2-24 hours.

Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Veggies Chopped Scaled

Once the chicken is prepped, it’s time for the other guests to arrive to the flavor party. I enjoy adding carrots and potatoes to my Curry Chicken, but feel free to do your own thing here too.

Now it’s time to cook! We are going to start by searing the chicken in batches if necessary, golden brown. Next, sauté your aromatics until they release their tantalizing aroma, then add your curry powder and stir until fragrant and it turns into a rich dark color. (A lot of recipes will tell you to “burn the curry” but I feel like this can be misleading for someone new to the recipe. You’re really toasting the curry powder and enriching the flavor/color)

Return the chicken to the pot, along with the potatoes, carrots, coconut milk, and chicken broth, then let everything simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened to perfection.

Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Chicken In Skillet Scaled

Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Chicken Cooked In Skillet Scaled

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2pc. Hybrid Skillet

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Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Seasoning On Island Scaled

During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, we will add in the potatoes and carrots to allow them to get tender but not mushy.

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Curry Chicken and Rice - cC Scoop On Spoon Scaled

A Taste of Jamaica:

As you take your first bite of Jamaican curry chicken, you’ll be transported to the sun-drenched beaches and bustling markets of Jamaica. Each mouthful is a symphony of flavors – the earthy warmth of the curry powder, the subtle sweetness of the coconut milk, the fiery heat of the Scotch bonnet peppers. It’s a dish that’s meant to be savored slowly, allowing each flavor to unfold on your palate and leaving you craving more with every bite.

Why This Curry Chicken and Rice Recipe Works

Jamaican curry chicken is more than just a dish – it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. So why not bring a taste of the Caribbean into your own kitchen? With its bold flavors and easy preparation, Jamaican curry chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your apron, fire up the stove, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other. Happy cooking! If you love this, you'll also enjoy my honey chipotle chicken & rice. For another crowd-pleaser, check out my 1.