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Jamaican Chicken Soup Recipe

Jamaican Chicken Soup

A hearty, traditional Jamaican soup made with tender chicken, root vegetables, pumpkin, Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, and dumplings known as spinners. This rich, flavorful soup delivers authentic island comfort in every bowl.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Jamaican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken cut into pieces
  • 1 small pumpkin or squash chopped
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 1 chocho chayote, chopped
  • 1 –2 potatoes chopped
  • 1 yam chunk peeled
  • 2 green bananas optional
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper whole
  • 3 –4 thyme sprigs
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 teaspoon allspice pimento
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 cup flour
  • Water to form dough

Method
 

  1. Clean and cut chicken into pieces; rinse and pat dry.
  2. Season chicken with garlic, thyme, and allspice. Let it sit briefly.
  3. Brown the chicken pieces in a large pot to build flavor.
  4. Add enough water to cover the chicken and bring it to a boil.
  5. Skim off foam from the surface to keep broth clear.
  6. Add pumpkin, carrots, chocho, yam, potatoes, and green bananas.
  7. Place Scotch bonnet pepper on top without breaking it.
  8. Mix flour and water, roll spinners, and drop them into the pot.
  9. Simmer until chicken and vegetables are tender and soup thickens.
  10. Adjust salt and pepper; add scallions if desired before serving.

Notes

Use whole Scotch bonnet for flavor without excessive heat. Fresh thyme and garlic give the soup its signature aroma. Spinners add heartiness and help thicken the broth naturally. Browning the chicken first deepens the soup’s flavor. Serve with hard dough bread or squeeze fresh lime juice on top.