Authentic Jamaican Chicken & Pumpkin Soup Recipe cooked to perfection, served on a plate - Yumaroma Save Pin

Authentic Jamaican Chicken & Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Spiced Jamaican chicken soup simmered with bone-in chicken, calabaza pumpkin, yellow yams, corn, spinners dumplings, and Scotch bonnet.

Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 55 min
Servings 6
Difficulty Easy
Calories 320 kcal
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Humble pantry staples can create an extraordinary Authentic Jamaican Chicken & Pumpkin Soup Recipe when treated with proper heat and technique. This recipe celebrates bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, calabaza pumpkin or butternut squash, cubed and jamaican yellow yam or sweet potato, cubed in under 1 hr 15 min, providing a reliable, flavor-packed dish you will want to make again and again.

Ingredients

6 servings
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Boil Chicken & Pumpkin Stock (25 Min)

Boil 8 cups water, bone-in chicken, calabaza pumpkin, scallions, thyme, and pimento berries in pot for 25 minutes until pumpkin melts to color broth orange.

2

Add Yam, Corn & Spinners Dumplings (20 Min)

Add cubed yellow yam, corn rounds, chayote, and long rolled flour spinner dumplings. **Simmer** for 20 minutes.

3

Float Scotch Bonnet Pepper (10 Min)

Float whole Scotch bonnet pepper on top for last 10 minutes (do not burst!). Remove pepper and serve hot!

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

  • Calabaza Pumpkin Melts for Color: Simmering calabaza pumpkin dissolves into broth, creating signature rich yellow soup broth.
  • Float Whole Scotch Bonnet: Floating a whole intact Scotch bonnet gives aromatic flavor without scorching spice.

1. Verify Safe Internal Temperature: Use an instant-read digital thermometer in the thickest section of poultry to reach exactly 165Β°F (74Β°C). Pulling it the moment it hits temperature keeps lean meat juicy and prevents drying out. 2. Season in Measured Layers: Introduce small pinches of salt at different cooking stages rather than dumping seasoning on at the end. This draws out moisture and seasons every ingredient to its core. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Calabaza Pumpkin Melts for Color: Simmering calabaza pumpkin dissolves into broth, creating signature rich yellow soup broth.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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  • What if the Sauce for Authentic Jamaican Chicken & Pumpkin Soup Recipe Separates or Feels Greasy?: If a dairy or emulsion sauce breaks, immediately take the pan off direct heat. Vigorously whisk in a tablespoon of hot water, broth, or cream until the velvety sheen re-emulsifies.
  • How to Rescue a Dish That Tastes Overly Salty?: Dilute with additional unsalted liquid (broth, cream, or water), or splash in a small touch of acid like fresh lemon juice or vinegar to soften sharp salinity.
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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated 350Β°F oven or covered skillet over medium-low heat until steaming hot throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, this dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, kept covered in the refrigerator, and baked or cooked when ready to serve.

Q: Can I substitute common pantry ingredients? A: Yes, this recipe is forgiving. Check our substitution notes in the ingredient card for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan alternatives.

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Kitchen Notes & Discussion

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Step 1 of 3

Boil Chicken & Pumpkin Stock (25 Min)

Boil 8 cups water, bone-in chicken, calabaza pumpkin, scallions, thyme, and pimento berries in pot for 25 minutes until pumpkin melts to color broth orange.

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