Nourishing Jamaican chicken soup is a soul-warming, aromatic dish that brings together the vibrant flavors and rich culinary traditions of Jamaica. This comforting soup is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Jamaican ingredients and spices, crafted to offer both hearty sustenance and delightful taste. With its blend of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a fragrant mix of spices, this soup perfectly represents Jamaican comfort food, ideal for cozy dinners or a nourishing meal to enjoy with family and friends. It’s a comforting chicken soup that I love to make for the fall or winter season to keep you warm and cozy on a cold day outside.
The base of Jamaican chicken soup starts with succulent chicken pieces, typically simmered to create a flavorful broth. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of traditional spices such as thyme, allspice, and scallions, which infuse the broth with deep, aromatic flavors. As the chicken cooks, it becomes tender and falls off the bone, adding rich, savory notes to the soup.
Various vegetables are added to the mix, including carrots, potatoes, and dumplings, which contribute a hearty texture and natural sweetness. These vegetables are simmered until tender, absorbing the rich flavors of the broth and adding a satisfying substance to the soup. Additionally, ingredients like yam or sweet potato can be included to enhance the soup’s depth and complexity.
The final touch to this nourishing soup is the addition of fresh herbs and spices, such as Scotch bonnet peppers, which provide a subtle heat and distinctive flavor that’s characteristic of Jamaican cuisine. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro can add a touch of brightness and freshness.
Jamaican chicken soup is not just a dish; it’s a comforting experience that warms both body and soul. It’s perfect for chilly days, special gatherings, or simply when you need a hearty, wholesome meal. Each spoonful of this flavorful soup offers a taste of Jamaica’s rich culinary heritage, making it a beloved choice for anyone seeking both comfort and flavor.
Ingredients :
For Soup
2 ½ cups Chicken breast, diced
1 cup Carrots, chopped
1 cup Potatoes, diced
½ cup Onion, chopped
½ cup Celery, chopped
½ cup Baby potatoes, halved
¼ cup Green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
4 cups Chicken broth
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Thyme
1 tsp Allspice
½ tsp Turmeric
½ tsp Smoked Paprika
½ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Black pepper
½ Scotch bonnet pepper, optional, for heat
2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
For Jamaican Dumpling
1 cup All-purpose flour
¼ cup Cold water (Plus more if needed)
½ tsp Kosher Salt
How to make Jamaican Chicken Soup :
Step1. Combine the chicken, carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, green bell pepper, and potatoes in a large pot.
Step2. Add the chicken broth, garlic, thyme, allspice, turmeric, smoked paprika salt, and black pepper, and stir well to combine.
Step3. Add the scotch bonnet pepper for extra heat.
Step4. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
Step5. Meanwhile, knead the flour, salt, and water into a dough. Gradually add water.
Step6. Make small balls of the dough and add them to simmering chicken soup.
Step7. Let them cook for 20 minutes more or until the chicken and dumplings are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Step8. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving to avoid excessive heat.
Step9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
PrintNourishing Jamaican chicken soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Nourishing Jamaican chicken soup is a soul-warming, aromatic dish that brings together the vibrant flavors and rich culinary traditions of Jamaica.
Ingredients
For Soup
2 ½ cups Chicken breast, diced
1 cup Carrots, chopped
1 cup Potatoes, diced
½ cup Onion, chopped
½ cup Celery, chopped
½ cup Baby potatoes, halved
¼ cup Green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
4 cups Chicken broth
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Thyme
1 tsp Allspice
½ tsp Turmeric
½ tsp Smoked Paprika
½ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Black pepper
½ Scotch bonnet pepper, optional, for heat
2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
For Jamaican Dumpling
1 cup All-purpose flour
¼ cup Cold water (Plus more if needed)
½ tsp Kosher Salt
Instructions
1.Combine the chicken, carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, green bell pepper, and potatoes in a large pot.
2.Add the chicken broth, garlic, thyme, allspice, turmeric, smoked paprika salt, and black pepper, and stir well to combine.
3.Add the scotch bonnet pepper for extra heat.
4.Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
5.Meanwhile, knead the flour, salt, and water into a dough. Gradually add water.
6.Make small balls of the dough and add them to simmering chicken soup.
7.Let them cook for 20 minutes more or until the chicken and dumplings are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
8.Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving to avoid excessive heat.
9.Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60