Name: Flaky Jamaican Curry Chicken Patties Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups organic all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp baking powder; 1 Tbsp curry powder; 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1/2 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 cup salted butter, cubed and COLD; 1/2 cup salted butter, FROZEN and grated, divided; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, VERY COLD + 2 Tbsps; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger; 1 scotch bonnet pepper, minced; 1 tsp sea salt; 1 tsp allspice; 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk; 3-4 Tbsps organic chicken stock; 2 1/2 Tbsps curry powder, divided; Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk whisked together)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 54 reviews

If you’re craving a snack that perfectly balances spicy, savory chicken with a delightfully crispy crust, then the Flaky Jamaican Curry Chicken Patties Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish boasts a golden, buttery pastry envelope filled with richly spiced, tender chicken, offering that authentic Jamaican street food feeling right at home. Every bite bursts with curry warmth, a touch of heat from scotch bonnet pepper, and a luxurious creaminess from coconut milk, making it a standout dish that’s as satisfying as it is indulgent. Once you master this recipe, these patties will become your go-to treat for parties, lunchboxes, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up photo of a black pan with a green handle filled with rich, brown stew. The stew has visible shredded meat and small chunks of vegetables mixed deeply in a thick sauce with a smooth texture. A wooden spoon is resting in the pan, partly dipped in the stew, showing some glossy shine on the sauce. A woman's hand with decorated nails is holding the green pan handle at the bottom. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Although this Flaky Jamaican Curry Chicken Patties Recipe might sound fancy, the ingredients are straightforward and essential for creating that iconic flavor and flaky texture everyone loves. Each element plays a crucial role, from spices that build depth to cold butter creating layers of crunch, carefully combined with creamy, aromatic filling.

2 1/2 cups organic all-purpose flour: The base of the pastry, giving it structure and the perfect tender crumb.
1 Tbsp baking powder: Helps the crust rise just enough to stay light and flaky.
1 Tbsp curry powder: Infuses traditional Jamaican curry flavor into the dough for extra aroma and warmth.
1/2 tsp turmeric powder: Adds vibrant golden color and subtle earthiness to the crust.
1/2 tsp dried parsley: A mild herb to brighten up the flavor profile.
1/2 tsp dried thyme: Provides a classic Jamaican seasoning accent.
1/2 cup salted butter, cubed + COLD: The key to that flaky, layered crust — cold butter creates the pockets of air that flake beautifully.
1/2 cup salted butter, FROZEN + grated + divided: Adds extra flakiness when folded into the dough again later, just keep it icy cold!
1 cup unsweetened almond milk, VERY COLD + 2 Tbsps: Keeps the dough moist without weighing it down; you can swap for whole or plant-based milk.
2 cups cooked shredded chicken: The tender, flavorful heart of the filling—make sure it’s well cooked and shredded for the best texture.
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing the spices and aromatics, infusing the filling with rich flavor.
1/2 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the curry chicken mixture.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that aromatic kick.
1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger: Brightens and lifts the savory elements with gentle warmth.
1 scotch bonnet pepper, minced: Packs authentic Jamaican heat, carefully measured to perfect the spicy balance.
1 tsp sea salt: Enhances all the intricate flavors.
1 tsp allspice: Adds a subtle sweet-spicy note that’s quintessential in Jamaican cooking.
1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk: Brings creaminess that mellows the spices and binds the filling.
3-4 Tbsps organic chicken stock: Gives richness and moisture to the filling without making it soupy.
2 1/2 Tbsps curry powder, divided: Used both in the dough and in the filling to layer that curry flavor.
Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk whisked): Gives the patties a shiny, beautiful golden finish when baked.

How to Make Flaky Jamaican Curry Chicken Patties Recipe

Step 1: Making the Crust

Start by whisking together all your dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, curry powder, turmeric, parsley, and thyme. This blend gives the dough its signature flavor and gorgeous golden color. Then, incorporate the cold cubed butter plus half of the grated frozen butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly with pea-sized lumps of butter. This technique is the secret behind a beautifully flaky crust. Pour in the icy almond milk gradually while mixing with your hand until it just comes together; too much moisture can weigh down the flakiness. Shape the dough into a ball, flatten it slightly, wrap it tightly, and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This rest helps relax the gluten and keeps the dough firm and easy to handle.

Step 2: Burn the Curry Powder

One key to authentic Jamaican flavor is “burning” the curry powder. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering, then add 1 1/2 tablespoons of curry powder. Stir it around and let it cook until it darkens to a deep brown and becomes fragrant but does not burn. This step intensifies the curry’s flavor and adds smoky complexity that’s indispensable in the filling.

Step 3: Make the Filling

Using the same skillet, add chopped onions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger to the burnt curry oil. Sauté gently until the onions turn translucent and everything smells divine. Toss in the shredded chicken, remaining curry powder, sea salt, allspice, and minced scotch bonnet pepper, stirring to coat every morsel in spice. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock, bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Let this simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings lovingly to the chicken. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely—this will help prevent sogginess when assembling the patties.

Step 4: Assemble the Patties

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Take the chilled dough out and roll it on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 3 mm thick. Sprinkle the remaining grated frozen butter on top, fold the dough like a letter, and roll it out again. Repeat this folding and rolling to incorporate layers of butter that will puff up during baking. Cut the dough into medium circles with a biscuit cutter or a similarly sized lid. Brush egg wash on one half of each circle, spoon around 2 tablespoons of the cooled chicken filling on the other half, then fold over to create a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly and crimp with a fork to seal. Repeat until all dough and filling are used.

Step 5: Bake the Patties

Place your patties on the baking sheet, brush them all with egg wash to achieve a glossy golden finish, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the crust turns a beautiful golden brown with an inviting crispness that absolutely crunches when you bite into it. Let them cool just enough to handle and prepare to fall in love with every flaky, spiced bite.

How to Serve Flaky Jamaican Curry Chicken Patties Recipe

A close-up image showing a woman's hands holding a half-open golden yellow pastry filled with dark brown, shredded meat inside. The pastry has a textured, folded edge with fork marks and a slightly crispy surface. In the background, two similar golden yellow pastries rest on a white marbled texture, with some oily spots visible around them. The woman's nails are polished with a light beige base adorned with dark brown spots and gold flakes. Visible are a small cross tattoo and gold bracelet on the woman's wrists. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra cracked black peppercorns for a touch of freshness and visual contrast. Some folks love a drizzle of tangy mango chutney on the side to add a sweet counterpoint to the spiced filling.

Side Dishes

These patties go wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with citrus vinaigrette or a heap of creamy coleslaw for some cool crunch. If you want to keep the Caribbean theme going, serve them alongside festival bread or fried plantains for a truly authentic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider serving mini patties with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You could also slice larger patties in half diagonally and arrange them on a platter with vibrant tropical fruits and dipping sauces like spicy aioli or tamarind sauce. Layer them in a picnic basket with some cool beverages and you have an unbeatable outdoor meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well but may lose some crispiness over time, which can be revived at reheating.

Freezing

Flaky Jamaican Curry Chicken Patties Recipe patties freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a baking sheet without touching, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. This makes for convenient, ready-to-bake snacks whenever craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, place frozen or refrigerated patties on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the crust crisps back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature flaky texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which works beautifully in the filling. Just be sure to cook and shred them thoroughly before using in the recipe.

Is it possible to make the patties gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, and you may need to adjust hydration levels.

How spicy are these patties?

The scotch bonnet pepper adds authentic Jamaican heat, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer mild patties. The curry powder also brings warmth, so adjust according to your taste.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be made a day or two ahead and kept wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Just let it warm slightly at room temperature before rolling out if it’s too firm.

What can I substitute for scotch bonnet pepper?

If scotch bonnet is hard to find, habanero pepper is a good substitute for heat and flavor. For less spice, try a small amount of jalapeño or omit altogether.

Final Thoughts

This Flaky Jamaican Curry Chicken Patties Recipe is truly a treasure to bring Jamaican flavors home in every flaky, spicy bite. The process may seem intricate at first, but once you get into the rhythm, the results are incredibly rewarding. Treat yourself and anyone lucky enough to share these patties with a taste trip to the islands and savor the magic of homemade curry chicken wrapped in flaky perfection. Trust me, you will want to make these time and time again!