Immaculate Bites

African and Caribbean Recipes Made Easy

Home / Types / Caribbean

Slow Cooker Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken — An incredibly rich-in-flavor all time Jamaican classic- Jamaican Brown Chicken Sauce right in your slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

 

Ok …so I know it’s not exactly pull out the crock-pot weather for some folks but I just can’t help but share this slow cooker brown stewed chicken with you. There is so much to love here. I can’t begin to tell you how much am in love with this brown stew chicken.  The chicken marinate alone would have you hooked from the get go. This will make your taste buds happy and true to my kind of recipes, you don’t need napkins. Because you are going to lick your fingers clean and nibble on the bones.  

 

Slow Cooker Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Nobody is watching anyways! And who cares if they are watching. They will quickly follow your lead before the meal is over. Can you tell I have tons of experience in this domain? Grab a seat while I tell you about this classic Jamaican Brown stew. Chicken on the bone is marinated with an aromatic blend of spices (ginger, garlic, thyme, pepper, green onions, overnight (preferably) browned to enhance its flavor, then slowly simmered in a fragrant sauce of garlic, herbs, bell peppers, ketchup, onions. Yep! Really tasty! It’s straightforward and a snap to put together. Don’t be deterred by the ingredients.

Slow Cooker Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

 

Traditionally, it is made with whole parts of chicken.However, I prefer chicken thighs – ease of preparation, rich meaty flavor and most important they can easily withstand the longer cooking time and emerge meltingly tender.  

Slow Cooker Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

 

If you don’t own a slow cooker, you can always make this on stove top too, it’s just that easy and practical. Just follow the same instructions and instead of adding everything into the pot, you add some stock, bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Easy! Pair it with this rice and peas or this coconut rice and you are all set. Want a quicker version? Check out this brown stew chicken here.

Brown Stew Chicken

 

 

 

Celebrate this Holiday Season with this Sorrel drink  here. 

Sorrel Drink

 

Tips and Notes:

  • When adding chicken, it is a great idea to brown the chicken first, for a few minutes, sauté the garlic, onions stove top, before adding to the crockpot. Small step = huge flavors.
  • If you want to throw everything in the crockpot and cook away, that’s fine too. I tried it and it wasn’t bad at all. But I prefer the former.
  • Jamaican Browning sauce aka burnt sugar is a favorite West Indian condiment use in most households to add, sweetness and color in stews, soups, and even cakes.
  •  It’s available in Caribbean Markets, Wal-Mart and even some supermarkets. Don’t sweat it! You can certainly make this without burnt sugar

Watch How to Make It

 
 
Print

Slow Cooker Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Slow Cooker Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken - An incredibly rich-in-flavor all time Jamaican classic- Jamaican Brown Chicken Sauce right in your slow cooker.
4.89 from 53 votes
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 4 hrs
Total: 4 hrs 20 mins
Jamaican
Servings 5 slices

Ingredients

Chicken Marinate

  • 5-6 5-6 chicken thighs bone-in trimmed of excess fat= , bone-in
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste 
  • ½ teaspoons bouillon chicken powder
  • ½ teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 green onions ,  diced

Brown Chicken Stew

  • 2 tablespoons or more canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 large onion , diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic 
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon browning sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce , sub chili sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 small bell pepper, red or green , sliced 
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • ¾ cup chicken broth/water
  • salt and to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or slow-cooker insert. Then seasoned with all marinade ingredients- salt, chicken bouillon, garlic, ginger, paprika, white pepper, and thyme. Mix chicken with a spoon or with hands until they are well coated, cover tightly and set aside in the fridge Marinate for about an hour or preferably overnight
  • When ready to cook heat up a skillet or large saucepan with about 2 tablespoons oil, and then brown the chicken about 3-4 minutes until chicken is a golden brown: remove and place in the crockpot. Drain any excess oil from the skillet and leave about 2 Tablespoons of oil.
  • Add onions, garlic, hot sauce, smoked paprika, bell peppers and salt to taste. Stir for about 2-3 minutes until onions is translucent.
  • Then add to crockpot, deglaze the pan with about ¾ cup of water add to slow cooker, together with ketchup, brown sauce and any remaining marinade from the chicken.
  • Cover and cook on high for about 3-4 hours. Remove and serve with rice and beans

Tips & Notes:

  1. When adding chicken, it is a great idea to brown the chicken first, for a few minutes, sauté the garlic, onions stove top, before adding to the crockpot.  Small step = huge flavors.
  2. If you want to throw everything in the crockpot and cook away, that’s fine too. I tried it and it wasn’t bad at all. But I prefer the former.
  3. Jamaican Browning sauce aka burnt sugar is a favorite West Indian condiment use in most households to add, sweetness and color in stews, soups, and even cakes. It’s available in Caribbean Markets, Wal-Mart and even some supermarkets.  Don’t sweat it! You can certainly make this without burnt sugar.
  4. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 349kcal (17%)| Carbohydrates: 11g (4%)| Protein: 20g (40%)| Fat: 25g (38%)| Saturated Fat: 6g (38%)| Cholesterol: 111mg (37%)| Sodium: 855mg (37%)| Potassium: 448mg (13%)| Fiber: 2g (8%)| Sugar: 7g (8%)| Vitamin A: 2108IU (42%)| Vitamin C: 70mg (85%)| Calcium: 27mg (3%)| Iron: 2mg (11%)
Author: Imma
Course: Main
Cuisine: Jamaican
Tag Us On Instagram!Did you make this recipe? I love hearing how it turned out! Tag me on Instagram @ImmaculateBites and be sure to leave a rating below!
Follow on Instagram

 

Nutrition Facts
Slow Cooker Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 349 Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 111mg37%
Sodium 855mg37%
Potassium 448mg13%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 20g40%
Vitamin A 2108IU42%
Vitamin C 70mg85%
Calcium 27mg3%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

IMG_5295Heat up a skillet or large sauce pan with about 2 tablespoons oil, and then brown the chicken about 3-4 minutes until chicken is golden brown   IMG_5296 Drain any excess oil from the skillet and leave about 2 Tablespoons of oil. Add onions, garlic, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and bell peppers. Stir for about 2-3 minutes until onions is translucent. IMG_5302 Add to crockpot, deglaze pan with about ¾ cup of water/stock then add to slow cooker, together with ketchup, brown sauce and any remaining marinade from the chicken.  IMG_5992 Cover and cook on high for about 3-4 hours.

Are you on Instagram? Then join me for a visual feast of tasty recipes.

 

 

Slow Cooker Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
Slow Cooker Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review

I love hearing from you! Submit your question or recipe review here. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Made this? Rate this recipe:




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments & Reviews

  1. Zoe Boyle says

    This meal was so tasty and delicious, we will have it on heavy rotation from now on!
    Thank you for bringing all these wonderful flavours to our table.

    Reply

  4. Devin says

    Hi, this recipe looks great! I just ya done question. Step 3 stares “ Add onions, garlic, hot sauce, smoked paprika, sugar, browning sauce, ketchup, bell peppers and salt to taste. AND THEN. Step 4 says to add ketchup, brown sauce and any remaining marinade from the chicken. Am
    I adding the same measurements again of ketchup and brown sauce in step 4? I’m confused :/

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      Hi Renee! Sorry, I do not have a recipe for the burnt sugar. It’s available in Caribbean Markets, Wal-Mart, and even some supermarkets. Don’t sweat it! You can certainly make this without burnt sugar. Happy Cooking!

      Reply

      • ImmaculateBites says

        Yes, you can. Adjust your instant cooker to “high” on the slow cooker function and cook for as long as the recipe states PLUS an additional 15 minutes for every hour.

        Reply

  6. Monica P says

    I do not love to cook but I have been making your recipe for over 2 years and love it every single time! Even my very picky teens look forward to it when I make it! There are lot of ingredients but most are already in my cabinet/fridge and it really is a cheap meal and easy to prepare but delicious!! I allow chicken to marinate at least 24 hours and the flavors are incredible and even better as leftovers the next day. I am finally going to try other recipes from your site (dont know why I haven’t done that yet). Any favorites that you would suggest? Thank you so so much for one of my all time favorite recipes!

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      Aww, I am so glad this is a hit with your family! I can’t wait for you to try out other recipes. As for favorites… it is soo hard for me to choose lol!! I would say, start with what you have at hand, especially in the midst of all that is going on, and go with something easy.. something you feel comfortable with. I know you will do great! Let me know how it works out!

      Reply

  7. Esjay says

    Thanks to Covid I was home and desperate to find something different to do with chicken breasts. This was the first recipe I found although I did not use a slow cooker. The list of ingredients looks long it is very easy and quick to pull together especially using a cast iron pan to brown the chicken. I used a separate saucepan to cook the onion/pepper mix. I gave it four stars because my husband felt it needed something. He added some sriracha and thought it made a great addition but he likes everything with heat. I will definitely make this on a regular basis- my gut feeling is pineapple would be an amazing finish on the dish–or maybe put pinepapple in the rice once it is cooked. Thanks so much for this recipe!!

    Reply

  9. Jeanne Menefee says

    I would like to freeze it so I can prepare before my company arrives. Is this possible?

    Thank you,
    Jeanne Menefee

    Reply

  10. Charlotte says

    Authentic and DELICIOUS! My parents are Jamaican so we ate brown stew chicken for dinner most Sundays. I didn’t realize that’s what it was though, my mom always called it “cook up chicken”. Tasting this brought back so many memories. Definitely adding this to my rotation!

    Reply

  11. Zizi02 says

    I made this dish and served it with Imma’s Caribbean Rice and Beans…goodness gracious! I enjoyed every bit of this dish. Very delicious! Thanks so much!

    Reply

  12. Hillary says

    Wonderful! I cooked on low for 6 hours since I was going to be out of the house all day. It went wonderful with the Carribean rice, and the house smelled soooo good. It also makes excellent leftovers—a great meal prep idea. Definitely follow Imma’s advice to marinate the meat and to first brown the ingredients suggested.

    Reply

      • Erich says

        This was outstanding. The chicken (bone in, skin on) literally fell off the bones. And very flavorful. I found Jamaican browning sauce at Ingles. Served with Caribbean confetti rice and drinks called Jamaican Me Crazy! Quite a meal.

        Reply

  13. Kendall says

    Great recipe! This is my second time around. I added potatoes. Please share out more crockpot recipes for us working moms.

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      Hello Kendall. I am glad you loved it. And thanks for sharing on the tip on potatoes. More crockpot recipes coming soon!:)

      Reply

  14. Viojon says

    If I want to make this for about 15-20 people; would I have to increase the cook time in the crock-pot? ( i know i will need to increase the ingredient amounts)

    Thanks

    Reply

  17. Terry says

    do i really only put a half teaspoon of each seasoning in the marinade for SIX pieces of chicken? or do i multiply by chicken pieces help!!

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      Hi Terry, you use half a teaspoon of each seasoning . Do not multiply – 3 teaspoons all together.

      Reply

  18. Mary says

    My whole family LOVES this recipe with your rice! So much flavor. I just discovered your blog and am going to be trying a ton more recipes! This was my first and I can’t wait to try more.

    Reply

  19. Kim can cook says

    Giving it a try tonight in the dutch over. My chemo ran waaayyy long so I’m tryong to speed it up some. Looks and smells delicious so far. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Mae says

      I am an Latina woman with a African fiance and let’s just say I have been following your recipes and it’s a hit EVERYTIME!! THANK YOU IMMA..
      more crockpot ideas please.

      Reply

  20. Anouska says

    Hi, I’ve cooked this recipe before and it was delicious, what can I use instead of chicken bouillon? As I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
    Thanks Anouska

    Reply

  21. Nora says

    Hello imma actually i did not try any jamaican food in my whole life but i will definitely give it a try and the good part is i love chicken.

    Reply

  22. Kfaison says

    Omg, I made this and let’s just say my family thought we was at a Caribbean restaurant thanks for this recipe ❣️

    Reply

  23. supastasma says

    I made this and I’m making it again Saturday. I also added a can of coconut milk and potatoes during the last hour in the crock ….served over a bed of rice with a side of cabbage and vegetables.

    Reply

      • Chelcie says

        I made this dish for the first time tonight, along with the rice and peas recipe (recommended to go alongside) and it went down a treat. Me, my partner and daughter loved it ! This is a brilliant recipe and look forward to following and cooking more of your tasty recipes. A big up from me in the UK.

        Reply

  24. Evita Montgomery says

    I just tried your recipe last night and it was a HIT!! I am soooooo proud of my self because this was my first time ever making a Jamaican/Carribean dish!!!! Needless to say , my husband was HAPPY and FULL!!! This is going in my recipe files.
    Thanks Imma!!!

    Reply

    • imma africanbites says

      Hi Mary. Browning sauce aka burnt sugar is a condiment use in most Caribbean households to add sweetness and color in stews,soups, and even cakes. You can find it in Caribbean markets and even in Walmart.

      Reply

  28. Cristina says

    Your recipes make my husband fall more in love with me! It’s not even 6 am and I am dreaming of what I will cook tonight. Bless you for sharing your knowledge with us, I feel like you are my Internet Auntie. Much love from Philadelphia

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      Awww, you are too sweet Cristina.That is such a nice thing to say .
      Your husband is very lucky to have you to cook such amazing food for him. All my love !!!

      Reply

  29. Chef Sheen says

    Made this tonight for myself girlfriend and kids…was a total hit especially with my 2 yr old and 10 yr old….sick girlfriend said it was delicious….followed recipe but cooked in dutch oven. On stove top….great recipe highlt recommended…great job #chefsheen

    Reply

    • imma africanbites says

      Glad to hear it was a hit to the kids,Chef Sheen. Send my warm regards to your girlfriend. Happy cooking! 🙂

      Reply

  30. Hightower says

    Followed the recipe except for Browning sauce and green onions. It still turned out great! Hubby requested this dish and he liked it.

    Reply

  31. Natasha says

    Hi there! I recently found your food blog & i am so happy that i did……I made this recipe last Friday and it was huge hit! It has definitely been added to my recipe book. I plan to try many more of your recipes in the very near future, more like this Friday lol!……… I’m not sure if you have a recipe for Jollof Rice the Ghana way, if you do could share it please?

    Reply

  32. Jill says

    I’m not sure how to get rid of the 2 stars on my rating! That was an accident. I haven’t tried the dish yet, but it seems like a 5 star to me

    Reply

    • imma africanbites says

      Hi, Jill. I’ve tried dumping everything in the crockpot too and it wasn’t bad at all. As for missing those two ingredients, there’d be a slight difference in flavor and aroma. But it’d work fine.

      Reply

  34. BJB says

    This recipe looks great. I am cooking your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew right now. I have a question. When I cook with thighs, it takes so long for the prep because my boneless & skinless chicken thighs always have so much fat that I trim off as best I can. Am I being to fussy about trimming the fat or is their a trick to trimming the fat that will reduced the prep time? I’m thinking about using chicken breasts next time.

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      It happens to me too! I usually trim the visible fat , to avoid excess oil. Then pan brown the chicken on each side, discard the excess fat and scoop out excess oil , if any after cooking . With that said, if you discard the skin it would make a HUGE difference. Hope this helps

      Reply

  35. Monica says

    This looks delicious and will definitely give this a go this week! Can you pressure cook instead and if so for how long?

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      Thanks ! Cook it for about 7 minutes or more , depending on how well you like your chicken – The recommended time is between 8-10 minutes.

      Reply