Chicken Soup Recipe Caribbean Style: Easy & Delicious Guide

When it comes to comfort food that warms your soul and delights your taste buds, a hearty bowl of Caribbean chicken soup stands out as a true treasure. This vibrant soup combines rich, aromatic spices with fresh vegetables and tender chicken, capturing the essence of Caribbean culinary traditions.

Whether you’re battling a cold, craving a wholesome meal, or simply want to explore new flavors, this chicken soup recipe brings a burst of sunshine to your table. It’s a perfect blend of savory, slightly spicy, and aromatic notes that reflect the diverse cultural influences of the Caribbean islands.

Making this soup is straightforward and rewarding. The ingredients are fresh and accessible, and the process allows you to infuse your kitchen with tantalizing aromas that promise a delicious meal.

Plus, this recipe is flexible enough to customize according to your preferences or dietary needs. So, let’s dive into the world of Caribbean flavors with this ultimate chicken soup recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caribbean chicken soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Rich Caribbean Flavors: The use of traditional herbs and spices like thyme, Scotch bonnet pepper, and allspice brings an authentic island taste.
• Nutritious and Hearty: Packed with fresh vegetables, chicken, and starchy vegetables like yam and dumplings, it’s a balanced, nutritious meal.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this soup pleases all palates.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies to make it uniquely yours.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common ingredients that you may already have in your pantry or local market.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (about 3-4 lbs)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole or chopped (adjust to taste)
• 2 stalks scallions, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp allspice (pimento berries)
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 1 cup pumpkin, peeled and diced
• 1 cup yam or cassava, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups dumplings (optional; made from flour and water)
• 6 cups chicken stock or water
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Juice of 1 lime (optional)

Equipment

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (for dumplings)
• Colander or strainer

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat dry. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, scallions, and thyme. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the pot and brown them lightly on all sides for about 5 minutes. This step locks in flavor.
4. Add spices and liquids: Toss in the Scotch bonnet pepper (whole for mild heat or chopped for more spice) and allspice. Then pour in the chicken stock or water, enough to fully cover the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes to cook the chicken through and develop flavors.
6. Add vegetables: Add the cubed potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, and yam or cassava to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. Prepare dumplings (optional): In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour with about 1/4 cup water to create a stiff dough. Pinch off small pieces and roll into small cylinders or balls. Add these dumplings to the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
8. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt or pepper as needed. Remove the whole Scotch bonnet pepper if you used it whole.
9. Finish and garnish: Stir in fresh parsley or cilantro and squeeze lime juice over the soup for a bright finish. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked vegetables gently against the side of the pot and stir to thicken the broth naturally.

Variation: Swap the chicken for turkey or even seafood like shrimp for a different island twist. For a vegetarian alternative, check out our Caribbean Vegetarian Recipes PDF Guide for Easy Cooking.

Spice level: Adjust the heat by removing the seeds from the Scotch bonnet or substituting with a milder chili pepper if preferred.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Caribbean chicken soup is wonderfully versatile when it comes to pairing. Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread or traditional Caribbean dumplings for a filling meal.

For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh salad or steamed rice.

For a complete Caribbean-inspired dinner, consider adding sides like fried plantains or a vibrant mango salsa. Looking for more delicious recipes?

Check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or explore comforting soups like the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about a bowl of Caribbean chicken soup—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and comforting warmth. This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve guests, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire.

With fresh herbs, hearty vegetables, and tender chicken, every spoonful offers a nourishing taste of the Caribbean’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re new to Caribbean cooking or a seasoned fan, this soup invites you to savor the vibrant tastes and aromas of the islands.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe, adjusting the spice and ingredients to suit your preferences. And while you’re here, be sure to explore other tasty and healthy recipes like the Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

Happy cooking and enjoy your Caribbean chicken soup adventure!

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