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Curry Chicken with Roti (Flatbread)

Close-up of Jamaican curry chicken in a bowl with torn roti pieces on the side, golden gravy visible
Prep
20 mins
Cook
60 mins
Servings
6
JamaicanEasyDinnerLunchGluten FreeDairy Free

About this dish

This Jamaican-style curry chicken is slow-simmered with bold spices and tender chunks of chicken, served alongside soft, flaky flatbread (roti) for sopping up every drop of rich, golden gravy. It’s a Sunday dinner staple throughout the Caribbean, and once you taste the deep flavor of fresh scotch bonnet and allspice, you’ll understand why.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

chicken thighs

protein

1.8 kg

Imperial measurement: 4 lbs

curry powder

spice

3 tablespoons

turmeric

spice

1 teaspoon

allspice berries

spice

6 whole

fresh thyme

herb

4 sprigs

scotch bonnet pepper

vegetable

1

onion

vegetable

1 large (200 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 large (7 oz)

garlic

vegetable

3 cloves

ginger

herb

1 tablespoon

vegetable oil

fat

2 tablespoons

chicken stock

liquid

500 ml

Imperial measurement: 2 cups

salt

seasoning

1 teaspoon

black pepper

seasoning

½ teaspoon

flour

grain

500 g

Imperial measurement: 4 cups

baking powder

seasoning

2 teaspoons

salt (for roti)

seasoning

1 teaspoon

warm water

liquid

250 ml

Imperial measurement: 1 cup

vegetable oil

fat

3 tablespoons

Method

1

Season the chicken

15 min

In a large bowl, toss chicken thighs with curry powder, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes.

2

Brown chicken

10 min

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken (in batches if needed) and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.

3

Cook aromatics

3 min

Add onion, garlic, ginger, and whole allspice berries. Sauté until onion softens, about 3 minutes.

4

Simmer gravy

45 min

Return chicken to pot. Add stock, thyme, and whole scotch bonnet pepper (do not cut unless you want extra heat). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until chicken is tender.

5

Make roti dough

15 min

While chicken simmers, combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm water and oil; knead until smooth dough forms (about 5 minutes). Cover with plastic wrap and rest 10 minutes.

6

Roll and cook flatbreads

12 min

Divide dough into 6 portions. On a floured surface, roll each into a thin circle about 8 inches in diameter. Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each roti for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown spots appear. Keep warm.

7

Finish chicken

2 min

Remove scotch bonnet pepper and thyme sprigs. Adjust salt if needed. Serve chicken with gravy and warm roti.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or large pot
  • Large bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Skillet or griddle

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
35 g
Protein
55 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
780 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • Leave the scotch bonnet pepper whole to infuse flavor without overwhelming heat.
  • For.
  • For extra heat, cut it open before adding.
  • If your curry powder contains no turmeric, add a half teaspoon extra turmeric for deeper color.
  • Roti dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a day. Bring to room temperature before rolling.
  • Use a heavy skillet for roti to get even browning, avoid overcrowding.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with a side of steamed rice or boiled green bananas. A dollop of mango chutney adds sweet contrast.

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Aaliyah Campbell

Recipe by

Aaliyah Campbell

Specialises in Jamaican cuisine

Aaliyah learned jerk chicken from her uncle in Kingston and hasn't looked back. Her secret is burning the scotch bonnets just a little.

Describe yourself in three words: Laid-back but fiercely protective of proper spice levels.