Jamaican Fried Chicken & Gravy

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, add the washed chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breast, wings). Season with salt, black pepper, Caribbean Flavours Fried Chicken seasoning, Jerk seasoning, smoked paprika, and green seasoning. Massage all the seasonings into the chicken until each piece is nicely coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Flour Coating

In a separate bowl, add all-purpose flour. Optionally, season the flour with a bit of salt, pepper, and paprika for extra color and flavor. Mix the flour and seasonings well.

Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Coat each marinated chicken piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully covered. Heat cooking oil in a pot over medium heat. Carefully place the flour-coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry the chicken, turning occasionally, for approximately 12 minutes per batch, or until they are nice, golden brown, and thoroughly cooked through. Remove the fried chicken from the pot and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Continue with the remaining chicken pieces.

Step 4: Sauté Gravy Ingredients

In a separate pot, add 1-2 tablespoons of the flavored oil from frying the chicken. Add the finely chopped garlic, red onion, tomatoes, sweet peppers, scallion, thyme, ginger, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté these ingredients for about 3 minutes, allowing them to sweat and release their flavors.

Step 5: Simmer the Gravy

To the sautéed vegetables, add ketchup, water, browning or soy sauce (for color), and sugar (for balance). Stir everything together. Season with salt and all-purpose seasoning to taste, ensuring the flavors are balanced. Optionally, add 1-2 tablespoons of the strained remnants from the fried chicken oil to enhance flavor and thickness. Cover the pot and allow the gravy to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can blend the gravy for a smoother texture if preferred.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the crispy Jamaican fried chicken with the flavorful gravy poured generously over the top. This dish is typically served with rice and peas, fried plantains, and a fresh salad.

• Use any chicken parts you prefer.

• Season your chicken generously for best flavor.

• Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to soak in.

• Fry chicken on medium heat to ensure it cooks thoroughly without burning.

• The gravy can be strained or blended for a smoother consistency.

• Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper to your preferred spice level.

• Use different types of sweet peppers for varied flavor and color in the gravy.