Jamaican cuisine boasts of various flavorful chicken dishes with influences from African, Indian, and European cuisine. 

Jerk chicken is iconic Jamaican dish, featuring marinated chicken with a spicy blend of scallion, thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers, and allspice, often grilled or smoked.  

Another very dish popular in Jamaica and the rest if the Caribbean is brown stew chicken, where chicken is cooked in a rich, savory sauce with tomatoes, onions, and various seasonings.  

They are both made with Chicken which is well seasoned with a rich blend of spices and herbs.  

These dishes are popular on the menus of restaurants that serve Caribbean food.  

Each dish is prepared differently and also offers a unique taste.

If you are unfamiliar with these dishes, this post will help you out with distinguishing them from each other.  

What is jerk chicken?

Jerk chicken is a traditional Jamaican dish known for its bold and spicy flavors.  

The main ingredients in jerk seasoning typically include Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, ginger, scallions, and soy sauce.  

The marinade is applied to chicken thighs or drumsticks, and then grilled or smoked. 

The flavor profile is a blend of heat from the peppers and aromatic notes from thyme and garlic.  

The result is a savory and spicy profile that permeates the chicken, creating a distinctive taste. 

The texture of jerk chicken is usually moist and tender due to the marinating process.  

Grilling also adds a smoky touch to the chicken. 

What is brown stew chicken?

Brown chicken stew is a dish that involves simmering chicken in a savory sauce.  

The main ingredients typically include chicken, onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, broth, and a variety of herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.  

The browned chicken is simmered in a brown sauce consisting of sautéed onions and garlic, vegetables like tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.  

The chicken is simmered until it is tender. 

The flavor profile of brown stew chicken is savory, with a depth from the browning process. The herbs also contribute aromatic notes.  

Difference between jerk chicken and brown stew chicken

Jerk chicken and brown chicken stew are both popular Caribbean dishes, but they differ in how they are prepared and flavor profiles.  

Brown stew chicken is typically slow cooked in a brown sauce, while jerk chicken is prepared by marinating the chicken in a jerk spice blend, and then grilling. 

The spicy and aromatic jerk seasoning, as well as the grilling process imparts jerk chicken with a distinct smoky and spicy flavor profile. 

On the other hand, brown stew chicken acquires a savory flavor from the thick sauce it is simmered in.