Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup

Introduction

Did you know that in Jamaica, Saturday soup is a beloved tradition? Families gather every weekend to enjoy rich, hearty soups that nourish the body and soul. Among the favorites is the Jamaican Chicken Soup, a warming one-pot meal packed with bold flavors, root vegetables, and herbs.

This Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup isn’t just comfort food—it’s deeply tied to Jamaican culture. The combination of chicken, pumpkin, dumplings, and aromatic spices makes it a complete meal in itself. Whether you’re looking to beat a cold, feed a family, or bring a taste of the Caribbean into your home, this recipe is wholesome, filling, and unforgettable.

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Ingredients List

Chicken & Base:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breast, bone-in preferred)
• 10 cups water or chicken stock
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 sprigs thyme (fresh preferred)
• 2 stalks scallion (green onion), chopped
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole, for flavor without too much heat)
• 1 chicken bouillon cube (optional, for extra depth)

Vegetables & Starches:

• 2 cups pumpkin (Caribbean or butternut squash), peeled and cubed
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 pieces yellow yam, peeled and cubed
• 2 green bananas, peeled and chopped
• 1 ear corn, cut into chunks

Dumplings (Spinners):

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• Water, as needed to form dough

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp allspice (pimento)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

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Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes

💡 Compared to many traditional stews, this soup cooks 25% faster while still delivering rich, layered flavors.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dumplings (Spinners)

1. In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Add water a little at a time until dough is firm.
3. Pinch small pieces, roll between palms into thin, elongated shapes. Set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. Heat oil in a large soup pot.
2. Add onion, garlic, thyme, and scallion. Sauté until fragrant (2–3 minutes).
3. Add chicken pieces and brown lightly on all sides.

Step 3: Add Broth & Vegetables

1. Pour in water or chicken stock.
2. Add pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, yam, green banana, and corn.
3. Season with allspice, black pepper, and salt. Drop in the scotch bonnet pepper whole.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat.
2. Simmer for about 45 minutes until chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Add Dumplings & Final Touches

1. Drop spinners into the simmering soup.
2. Cook for an additional 15 minutes until dumplings are firm but tender.
3. Adjust seasoning before serving.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 ½ cups)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Vitamin A: 120% DV (from pumpkin & carrots)
• Vitamin C: 45% DV

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Healthier Alternatives

• Low-fat version: Use skinless chicken breast instead of thighs.
• Gluten-free option: Replace spinners with cassava dumplings or omit.
• Low-carb option: Skip potatoes and green banana; increase pumpkin and carrots.
• Extra protein: Add red kidney beans for a more filling version.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with hard dough bread or festival bread for a true Jamaican touch.
• Add extra fresh thyme and scallion just before serving for brightness.
• Pair with a chilled glass of sorrel drink or ginger beer for a Caribbean feast.
• For leftovers, shred chicken and serve the soup with rice for a heartier bowl.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking dumplings – Add them in the last 15 minutes to prevent mushiness.
2. Cutting vegetables too small – Larger chunks hold up better in long simmering soups.
3. Piercing the scotch bonnet pepper – Keep it whole to infuse flavor without overwhelming heat.
4. Skipping pumpkin – It thickens and enriches the broth; don’t leave it out.

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Storing Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze soup without dumplings for up to 2 months. Add fresh dumplings when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop; add a splash of stock if too thick.

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Conclusion

This Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup is more than a meal—it’s a tradition. Packed with root vegetables, dumplings, and tender chicken, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re craving a taste of the Caribbean or looking for a wholesome family dinner, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to your table.

👉 Try it this weekend, share your experience in the comments, and subscribe for more authentic global recipes!

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FAQs

Q1: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, but add dumplings only during the last 30 minutes.

Q2: Can I substitute the scotch bonnet pepper?
Use habanero for similar heat, or omit for a mild version.

Q3: Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but bone-in adds more flavor to the broth.

Q4: Is Jamaican chicken soup spicy?
Not necessarily—the scotch bonnet adds flavor, but the heat is controlled by leaving it whole.

Q5: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with beans and use vegetable stock.