Jamaican Chicken Soup Recipe

As the autumn leaves begin to fall or the winter wind starts to howl, nothing feels as comforting and soul-warming as a bowl of homemade soup. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that holds a special place in my heart and kitchen: Jamaican Chicken Soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a vibrant, flavorful journey to Jamaica’s rich culinary landscape, right from your own kitchen. Savor the warmth of a traditional Jamaican Chicken Soup Recipe, rich with spices, vegetables, and tender chicken, perfect for a cozy meal.

This Jamaican Chicken Soup recipe is for anyone looking to spice up their soup game with a dish that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a novice looking to expand your culinary horizons, this soup promises to deliver on taste and warmth. It’s perfect for those chilly nights, family gatherings, or when you’re in need of a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

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Jamaican Chicken Soup is a cornucopia of flavors, featuring a mix of chicken, hearty vegetables, and dumplings, all brought together with a hint of spice from the Scotch bonnet pepper. It’s not just food; it’s an experience—an ode to Jamaica’s knack for combining simple ingredients to create extraordinarily flavorful dishes. This soup is nutritious, filling, and can easily be tailored to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Jamaican Chicken Soup is a hearty, comforting soup that’s packed with flavor and a hint of spice. It’s a staple in Jamaican cuisine, often enjoyed on weekends or as a warm treat on rainy days. This soup is distinguished by its use of allspice (pimento), thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, and a variety of vegetables and dumplings, making it a filling and nutritious meal. Here’s how to make Jamaican Chicken Soup at home:

For the Soup

For the Dumplings (Spinners)

Jamaican Chicken Soup stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw (if frozen) and warm on the stove over medium heat until hot.

Also Check: Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia

Pair this hearty soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side of steamed white rice for a fulfilling meal. For a drink, a ginger beer or a light, fruity white wine complements the soup’s flavors perfectly.

Have you fallen in love with the flavors of Jamaica through this chicken soup? If so, I encourage you to share this recipe with friends and family. Let’s spread the warmth and richness of Jamaican cuisine far and wide. And if you haven’t yet, subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes, tips, and culinary adventures

Jamaican Chicken Soup

Jamaican Chicken Soup is a hearty, comforting soup that's packed with flavor and a hint of spice. It's a staple in Jamaican cuisine, often enjoyed on weekends or as a warm treat on rainy days. This soup is distinguished by its use of allspice (pimento), thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, and a variety of vegetables and dumplings, making it a filling and nutritious meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Jamaican

Servings 6

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board and knife
• Mixing bowl for dumplings
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

For the Soup

• 2 lbs chicken a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts, skin removed and cleaned
• 10 cups water
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 stalks celery sliced
• 1 large potato diced
• 1 sweet potato diced
• 1 chocho chayote squash, peeled and diced (optional)
• 1 cup pumpkin diced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper whole (for flavor, not to burst)
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 1 teaspoon allspice ground pimento
• 1 chicken bouillon cube optional for extra flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings (Spinners)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Water enough to make a firm dough

Instructions

 

Prepare the Chicken

• In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and pour in the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 20-30 minutes to create a broth. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.

Add Vegetables and Seasonings

• To the pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, sweet potato, chocho (if using), pumpkin, whole scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, allspice, and chicken bouillon cube. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are starting to become tender.

Make the Dumplings

• While the soup simmers, prepare the dumplings by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water and knead until a firm dough forms. Pinch off small pieces and roll them into elongated shapes between your hands.
• Add the dumplings to the soup and stir gently. Continue to simmer the soup for another 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Final Adjustments

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Be careful with the scotch bonnet pepper; it should infuse flavor without bursting. If you want more heat, you can gently press it against the side of the pot to release more of its oils.

Serve

• Remove the thyme sprigs and the scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Serve the soup hot, ensuring that each bowl gets a good mix of chicken, dumplings, and vegetables.

Video

Notes

• Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as corn or bell peppers.
• Handling Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Scotch bonnet peppers are very spicy. Handling them with care and not bursting them in the soup keeps the heat manageable but flavorful.
• Chicken Preparation: Some prefer to brown the chicken pieces lightly before boiling them for added depth of flavor.

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