Bowl of nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup with fresh herbs and spices

Why Make This Recipe

Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that warms both the body and soul. Made with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, this soup is perfect for chilly days or when you feel under the weather. The combination of chicken stock and bone broth gives it a rich flavor that is both hearty and satisfying. Plus, it is packed with nutrients from the fresh ingredients, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. And let's not forget the thrill of trying out Jamaican "spinners" or dumplings, which add a fun twist to the dish!

How to Make Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup

Making Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a big pot of warm goodness.

Ingredients

2 lbs. organic chicken (You can use drumsticks, breasts, thighs, etc.)
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning (I love using Flavo Rice)
2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
3 cups organic chicken stock, low-sodium (You can sub with vegetable stock or water, if desired)
2 (16 oz.) bags organic bone broth, chicken
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
½ red onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
Handful fresh thyme sprigs
3-4 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped or slit on the sides
2 Irish potatoes, peeled and cubed into medium chunks (You can sub with Yukon or Russet potatoes)
4-6 mini corn on the cob
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 cup organic all-purpose flour
¼ cup filtered cold water (Plus more if needed)
½ teaspoon sea salt

Directions

Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken pieces. In a big bowl, mix sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and all-purpose seasoning. Rub this spice mix all over the chicken pieces until well coated.

Sear the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. This step adds flavor to the chicken and your soup.

To Make the Soup

Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped carrots, red onion, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are soft.

Now, return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock and bone broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add in the chopped scotch bonnet peppers, cubed Irish potatoes, and mini corn on the cob. Stir well and season with sea salt, black pepper, turmeric powder, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried parsley. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

To Make the Jamaican "Spinners" (Dumplings)

While the soup simmers, you can make the dumplings. In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with the ½ teaspoon sea salt. Gradually add the filtered cold water until it forms a soft dough. Knead the dough for a minute. Then, roll it into small thin cylinders or balls, about 1 inch long.

Once the soup is ready, add the dumplings to the pot and let them cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until they float to the top. This means they are done.

How to Serve Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup

Once the soup is ready, serve it in big bowls. Make sure each bowl has chicken, veggies, and a few dumplings. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a nice touch. This soup pairs very well with crusty bread or rice if you want something more filling.

How to Store Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup

If you have leftovers, you can store the soup in airtight containers. Let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup

Always taste the broth before serving. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
If you can't find scotch bonnet peppers, you can use jalapeños for a milder heat.
Add other vegetables you like, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to make it even more nutritious.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes before adding the dumplings.

Variation

Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or use a mix of both to switch up the flavors. You can also opt for a vegetarian version by using mushrooms or chickpeas instead of chicken and vegetable stock in place of chicken stock.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it first. Searing it while frozen is not recommended.

2. How spicy is this soup?
The heat level depends on how many scotch bonnet peppers you use. For less spice, you can use fewer peppers or remove the seeds before adding.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just season and sear the chicken, then place everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until everything is tender.

Conclusion

Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup is an easy recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With its tasty ingredients and simple steps, it's perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Whether you enjoy it on a cold day or serve it to a friend, this soup will surely become a favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients and enjoy making this delicious dish!