Name: Brown Stew Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 3 h 40 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon coconut sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon dried chipotle flakes; 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 sweet onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 3 celery sticks, sliced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut sugar; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 1/2 tablespoons gluten-free flour; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a hearty, richly flavored stew, and this Brown Stew Chicken Recipe fits that bill perfectly. Its deep, smoky spices and tender chicken make it one of those dishes you’ll want to savor again and again, especially because it gets better the next day.

A skillet filled with nine browned chicken thighs cooked in a rich brown sauce with visible herbs sprinkled on top. Around the chicken pieces, there are chunky vegetables including red and orange bell peppers and pieces of celery, all mixed in the sauce. The skillet is red with one handle visible, sitting on a white marbled surface. On the right side, two pieces of torn bread are placed next to the skillet. The overall look is warm and hearty with vibrant colors and textures of cooked chicken and vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Stew Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Brown Stew Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Brown Stew Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this brown stew chicken—my kitchen filled with the warm scent of smoked paprika and thyme. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, and I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same way once it’s simmered away on your stove.

Rich, Layered Flavors: The blend of spices like smoked paprika, coriander, and chipotle flakes creates a smoky, slightly spicy, and subtly sweet backbone that’s absolutely delicious.
Tender, Juicy Chicken: Marinating the chicken ensures every bite is juicy and perfectly seasoned before it even hits the pan.
Hearty and Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, this stew is as nourishing as it is flavorful.
Flexible and Crowd-pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe adapts beautifully and keeps well.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s magic starts with its ingredients — each one chosen to build layers of smoky, sweet, and savory notes without any fuss. Using fresh herbs alongside deep spices balances the stew beautifully, and the veggies add texture and sweetness to the sauce.

Flat lay of boneless raw chicken thighs with a light spice rub, a small pile of coarse kosher salt and black peppercorns, a few fresh thyme sprigs, a small mound of smoked paprika powder, a heap of ground coriander, dried chipotle flakes, two whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden avocado oil, a peeled sweet onion diced into pieces, two fresh orange carrots sliced into rounds, three bright green celery sticks sliced, one chopped red bell pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of coconut sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of gluten-free flour, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden low-sodium chicken broth—all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for their juicy tenderness and flavor retention during the long cook time.
Coconut sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes to deepen the stew’s richness without overpowering it.
Smoked paprika: Gives the stew its indispensable smoky warmth—don’t skip this one!
Ground coriander: Brings a citrusy layer that brightens the spices.
Dried chipotle flakes: Provides gentle heat with a smoky depth—adjust to your spice preference here.
Fresh thyme and dried thyme: I love combining these for fresh herbaceousness and rustic flavor.
Avocado oil: My go-to for its neutral taste and high smoke point, perfect for browning the chicken.
Sweet onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper: Classic stew veggies that sweeten and add texture to the sauce.
Gluten-free flour: Helps thicken the gravy—feel free to swap for all-purpose flour if gluten isn’t a concern.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Balances flavor and adds moisture without overpowering the spices.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This brown stew chicken recipe is like a culinary canvas—feel free to tweak it to suit your mood or pantry. I often add a bit more heat or throw in extra veggies depending on the season.

Spicy Variation: When I want more punch, I swap out the chipotle flakes for a seeded and finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper; it adds fantastic heat and a fruity aroma.
Slow Cooker Version: I’ve done this by browning everything first, then letting it slow-cook for hours—perfect for busy days when you want set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
Additional Veggies: Sweet potatoes or diced potatoes stirred in while simmering make this stew even heartier, especially in cooler months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Stew Chicken Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful meal showing three main layers: on the left, a rounded mound of light brown rice mixed with red kidney beans and a few green herb pieces; next to it and covering the right side, well cooked dark brown stewed meat with visible carrots, green pepper, and mushrooms, all coated in rich reddish sauce; and at the bottom edge, a small pile of shiny, dark golden plantain slices. A gold fork and knife rest on top of the meat. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Start by mixing your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, coconut sugar, garlic powder, fresh thyme, smoked paprika, ground coriander, chipotle flakes, and avocado oil. I love getting my hands in here to rub everything in—makes sure every piece is bursting with flavor. Let it rest in the fridge for at least two hours, but honestly, overnight is even better for that deep seasoning.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

When you’re ready, take the chicken from the fridge and let it come up to room temperature—about 30 minutes is perfect. Heat your avocado oil in a skillet and brown the chicken on both sides. Don’t worry that it’s not fully cooked yet; this step locks in moisture and creates those gorgeous, caramelized bits that add texture.

Step 3: Sauté Your Vegetables

Using the same skillet, toss in diced sweet onion, sliced carrots, celery, and bell pepper. These are going to soften and soak up the flavors left from the chicken. After about five minutes, sprinkle in coconut sugar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and gluten-free flour. This mixture creates the base of your stew’s rich gravy.

Step 4: Simmer it All Together

Return the chicken and any juices to the pot, pour in your chicken broth, and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce to low heat, partially cover, and let it gently simmer for around 30 minutes. You’re looking for tender chicken and a thickened gravy—both signs that your brown stew chicken is perfectly cooked.

Top Tip

Through trial and error, I learned a few secrets to making this brown stew chicken shine every time. These little ideas have saved me from bland or tough results more than once, and I hope they help you too.

Don’t Skip the Marinate: Give the chicken time to soak in those spices — I usually marinate overnight whenever possible for the best depth of flavor.
Room Temperature Chicken: Let the marinated chicken sit out before cooking so it browns evenly and cooks through without drying out.
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: This helps achieve a beautiful sear and prevents scorching when you’re sautéing veggies and thickening the sauce.
Adjust Heat Gradually: Keep the simmer low to gently tenderize the chicken—the stew benefits from slow, patient cooking rather than rushing it.

How to Serve Brown Stew Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and a few lime wedges on the side—those bright zesty notes make every bite sing. For a Caribbean vibe, fried plantains are a great garnish too, adding a sweet, crispy contrast.

Side Dishes

Brown stew chicken pairs wonderfully with classic Jamaican sides like rice and peas, which cooks rice in coconut milk and kidney beans. If you’re after something simpler, steamed white rice or fluffy quinoa also soak up that flavorful sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve the stew in rustic mini cocottes or cast-iron skillets right at the table, garnished with vibrant herbs and lime wedges for a colorful presentation. It makes every dinner feel a bit more festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I cool leftovers completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, they stay great for three days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This stew freezes really well if you want to prep in bulk. I freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy days.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the stew on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bone-in chicken for this Brown Stew Chicken Recipe?

Yes! Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor and richness to the stew, but it will require a longer cooking time—about 45 to 60 minutes for tender results. Just make sure to check for doneness before serving.

How spicy is the Brown Stew Chicken Recipe?

It has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the chipotle flakes, which provide smoky warmth rather than overpowering heat. You can adjust this by reducing the chipotle or swapping it for a milder paprika if you prefer less spice.

Can I make this Brown Stew Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The recipe uses gluten-free flour to thicken the stew, so it’s perfect for gluten-sensitive eaters. Just ensure all your spices and broth are also gluten-free to be safe.

What can I serve with Brown Stew Chicken Recipe for a complete meal?

Rice and peas is the traditional accompaniment, offering creamy coconut-infused rice with kidney beans that complements the stew beautifully. Roasted plantains or steamed vegetables also work well for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Stew Chicken Recipe has become a go-to comfort meal for me, especially when I want something that feels special but isn’t complicated. Its rich, smoky flavors and tender meat make it worth every minute of prep and simmering time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table.