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Curry Chicken with Roti (Flatbread)

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
protein1.8 kg
Imperial measurement: 4 lbs
curry powder
spice3 tablespoons
turmeric
spice1 teaspoon
allspice berries
spice6 whole
fresh thyme
herb4 sprigs
scotch bonnet pepper
vegetable1
onion
vegetable1 large (200 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 large (7 oz)
garlic
vegetable3 cloves
ginger
herb1 tablespoon
vegetable oil
fat2 tablespoons
chicken stock
liquid500 ml
Imperial measurement: 2 cups
salt
seasoning1 teaspoon
black pepper
seasoning½ teaspoon
flour
grain500 g
Imperial measurement: 4 cups
baking powder
seasoning2 teaspoons
salt (for roti)
seasoning1 teaspoon
warm water
liquid250 ml
Imperial measurement: 1 cup
vegetable oil
fat3 tablespoons
Method
Season the chicken
15 minIn a large bowl, toss chicken thighs with curry powder, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
Brown chicken
10 minHeat 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.
Cook aromatics
3 minAdd onion, garlic, ginger, and whole allspice berries. Sauté until onion softens, about 3 minutes.
Simmer gravy
45 minReturn 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.
Make roti dough
15 minWhile 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.
Roll and cook flatbreads
12 minDivide 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.
Finish chicken
2 minRemove 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
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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Recipe by
Aaliyah Campbell
Specialises in Jamaican cuisineAaliyah 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.