Brown Stewed Hen Recipe: A Hearty Twist on a Jamaican Classic

There’s something deeply comforting about a rich, flavorful brown stew—tender meat simmered in a savory, aromatic gravy. While Jamaican brown stew chicken is a well-loved staple, this version uses hen instead of a younger chicken, offering a deeper, more robust flavor.  

Hens (mature female chickens) have tougher meat due to their age and muscle development, requiring longer cooking times to achieve that perfect tenderness. Unlike young chickens, which cook quickly, hens benefit from low and slow braising, allowing the collagen to break down into gelatin, resulting in succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat. Hens are well known in soups and stews because they require extra cooking time.

This dish stays true to Jamaican flavors—bold, spicy, and slightly sweet—but adapts the cooking process for hens. Served with steamed white rice and a crisp Caesar salad, it’s a satisfying meal that brings warmth to any table.  

 

 Brown Stewed Hen Recipe  

Serves: 46  

Prep Time: 20 minutes  

Cook Time: 1.5  2 hours  

 Ingredients:  

 1 whole hen (about 4-5  lbs), cut into pieces (or use bone-in thighs & legs)  

 2 tbsp browning sauce (for color)  

 2 tbsp soy sauce  

 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce  

 1 tbsp brown sugar  

 1 tsp salt  

 1 tsp black pepper  

 3 tbsp Jamaican Jerk Dry Seasoning 

 3 garlic cloves, minced  

 1 medium onion, sliced  

 1 bell pepper, sliced  

 2 scallions, chopped  

 1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole, for flavor—do not burst!)  

 2 cups chicken broth  

 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste  

 2 tbsp vegetable oil  

 2 carrots, chopped (optional)  

 2 potatoes, cubed (optional)  

 Instructions:  

 1. Marinate the Hen  

 In a large bowl, season the hen pieces with browning sauce (if using) and all the seasonings listed above.  

 Massage the seasoning into the meat, ensuring even coverage. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).  

 2. Brown the Hen  

 Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot (Dutch oven works great) over medium-high heat.  

 In batches, brown the hen pieces on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.  

 3. Sauté the Aromatics  

 In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, scallions, and whole scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté for 23 minutes until fragrant.  

 Stir in ketchup or tomato paste and cook for another minute.  

 4. Braise the Hen  

 Return the hen to the pot. Pour in chicken broth—it should come about halfway up the meat.  

 Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.  

 After 1 hour, add carrots and potatoes (if using) and continue cooking until the hen is fork tender and the gravy has thickened.  

 5. Adjust & Serve  

 Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.  

 Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving (unless you want extra heat—then you can slice it!).  

 Serving Suggestions:  

•  Steamed white rice (to soak up the delicious gravy)  

•  Caesar salad (for a fresh, crisp contrast)  

•  Fried plantains or steamed veggies (optional)  

  

To make plain white rice on the stove top, this is my process. I adhere to the ratios strictly. ! cup of rice to 1.5 cups of liquid. Bring water to a boil with salt, add unwashed jasmine rice, and butter. Bring to a boil again, then turn the stove to simmer. Set a timer for 15-17 minutes(thicker pots like a Dutch oven take less time. Check the rice, and if all the water has evaporated, the rice should be ready. 

 Why Hen vs. Chicken? Key Differences  

✅ Tougher Meat – Hens are older, so they require longer cooking times (low and slow braising is best).  

✅ Deeper Flavor – The meat has a richer, more pronounced chicken taste, perfect for stews.  

✅ More Collagen – Breaks down into gelatin, making the gravy extra luscious.  

If using regular chicken, reduce cooking time to 30-40 minutes to avoid overcooking.  

 

 Final Thoughts  

This brown stewed hen is a soul-warming dish with all the beloved flavors of Jamaican brown stew chicken, but with a heartier twist. The extended cooking time ensures the hen is tender and melts in your mouth, while the gravy is packed with spice and depth.  

Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Would you prefer hen or chicken for your stew? Comment below!  

  

Enjoy your meal! 🍛🔥