Jamaican Chicken Soup Recipe: A Flavorful, Heartwarming Taste of the Islands
Summary:
Jamaican Chicken Soup is a soul-soothing, flavorful dish filled with vibrant spices and hearty vegetables. It’s the perfect comfort food, whether you’re battling a cold, craving a warm, spicy meal, or simply wanting to enjoy the rich flavors of Caribbean cuisine. This Jamaican Chicken Soup recipe brings together tender chicken, starchy vegetables like yam and potatoes, fresh herbs, and a bold blend of spices to create a comforting bowl of warmth. A true taste of the islands, this soup is a balanced dish packed with nutrition, bold flavors, and a touch of heat to make your taste buds dance.
In just under 2 hours, you can whip up a pot of this savory soup that’s full of soul-satisfying flavors and has enough to feed a family. Ready to learn how to make this ultimate comfort food? Let’s dive in!
Recipe Title: “Ultimate Jamaican Chicken Soup Recipe: Hearty, Flavorful, and Soul-Warming in 90 Minutes”
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350 calories per serving (approx.)
Course: Soup, Main Course
Cuisine: Jamaican, Caribbean
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3 lbs), cut into pieces, skin removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium yam, peeled and cubed
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup pumpkin, cubed (optional, but recommended for extra sweetness)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (or substitute with a small jalapeño for less heat)
- 1 sprig thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 cups chicken broth (or water with chicken bouillon cubes)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for sautéing
- 2 tbsp lime juice (optional, for marinating the chicken)
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (optional for a creamy touch)
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup dumplings (optional, to add a more filling texture)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by marinating the chicken pieces in lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a little black pepper for about 10-15 minutes. This will help tenderize the chicken and add a zesty kick to the soup.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Chicken and Spices:
Add the marinated chicken pieces into the pot, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle in the allspice, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of thyme. Allow the chicken to brown slightly for about 5-7 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
