Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup

5 from 13 votes

This Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup reminds you of that comforting, nutrient-dense bowl of goodness that is a staple in Jamaica on Saturdays!

Prep Time20

Cook Time35

Total Time55

Course: Main Course, Soup

Keyword: chicken, dinner, dumplings, easy, family-friendly, healthy, homemade, Jamaican, kid-friendly, lunch, pumpkin, soup, spicy, veggies

Servings: servings

Calories: 766kcal

Author: Shanika

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 + chopped
½ red onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
handful fresh thyme sprigs
3-4 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped or slit on the sides (You can also use habanero peppers; Reduce amount for less spicy flavor, if needed )
2 Irish potatoes, peeled + 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

In a bowl, add your freshly cleaned + rinsed chicken along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, all-purpose seasoning, and onion powder, mixing everything together until chicken is fully coated.

In a dutch oven pot over medium-high heat, add 2 Tbsps olive oil until heated. Once hot, add your chicken and sear on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. When done, remove from pot and let chicken be set aside until ready to use again.

In the same dutch oven, add another tablespoon of olive oil and add the onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the chopped carrots followed by: the salt, black pepper, parsley, basil, turmeric, and garlic powder, and stir together until combined and veggies are coated.
Add in the seared chicken, chicken stock, bone broth (if using), corn cobs, potatoes, thyme sprigs, and scotch bonnet peppers, stirring everything together until combined. Bring everything to a boil.

Start by adding the flour, salt, and black pepper to a bowl and whisk everything together. Slowly add the cold water and gently knead together until a stiff dough is formed. NOTE: Do NOT ADD ALL THE WATER AT ONCE; DON'T MAKE THE DOUGH TOO MOIST!
Pinch off a small pieces of dough and gently roll dough into the palms of both of your hands together until a long, round-like dumpling is formed. Repeat until all dumplings are made. Add dumplings to the soup and stir them in gently.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken and dumplings are fully cooked through. Add additional salt, to taste if necessary.
Remove from heat and serve immediately into prepared bowl(s) and enjoy with a side of crackers, if desired.
Bon Appetit!

STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, for optimal freshness. Can also be frozen for 4-6 months. To defrost, simply place soup in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before re-heating on the stove top to serve.
BONE BROTH: Bone broth has incredible health benefits which include: immune boosting properties, good for digestion + gut health, joint health, etc.; However, if you'd like to make this soup vegan----be sure to omit the bone broth and sub with additional veggie stock.
SLOW COOKER OPTION: To make this soup in the slow cooker, simply sauté garlic, onions, and carrots, before adding everything (including seared chicken) into your slow cooker and cooking on a low setting for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
GLUTEN-FREE DUMPLINGS: You can substitute flour with GF flour to make these dumplings gluten-free friendly.
SPICES/HERBS: If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in spice/herb flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
TURMERIC: While adding turmeric is optional, it definitely has benefits: powerful medicinal properties, natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, increases antioxidant activity in the body, and more.