Description
This flavorful Brown Stew Chicken is a Caribbean classic featuring tender, bone-in chicken thighs seared to perfection and simmered with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a touch of sweetness. The dish is richly seasoned with thyme, garlic, and a hint of cayenne, delivering a balanced stew that pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 2 carrots, sliced
Seasonings & Liquids
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to season
- Oil, for searing (approx. 2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Preparation: Chop all vegetables as directed. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly. Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Searing the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for another 6-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sautéing Aromatics: In the same skillet with the remaining oil and browned bits, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Adding Vegetables & Seasonings: Add sliced bell peppers and carrots to the skillet. Stir in fresh thyme, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmering the Stew: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetables and liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Finishing Touch: Just before serving, drizzle fresh lime juice over the stew to brighten the flavors. Serve the brown stew chicken hot, ideally over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Bone-in chicken thighs provide juicy, flavorful meat; however, boneless thighs can be used if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Using low-sodium soy sauce and broth helps manage the salt content, making the dish healthier.
- This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- For a thicker sauce, you can simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid.
