Chicken Souse Recipe: The Authentic Caribbean Souse

Indulge in a hearty and flavorsome meal with the chicken souse recipe, a delectable Caribbean soup filled with a medley of zesty spices and fresh vegetables. Its unique taste is derived from a mouth-watering combination of chicken wings, flavorful spices, lime juice, and fresh vegetables will surely conquer your taste buds.

While this dish is renowned as a go-to cure for hangovers, it is also an excellent way to strengthen your immune system and fight against colds and flu. The savory flavors and aroma will satisfy your cravings, nourish your body, and elevate your culinary experience!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• Pro Tips
• Chicken Souse Recipe
• Comments

Ingredients

• Chicken wings — 2 lbs.
• Fresh lime juice — ½ cup, divided
• Paprika — ½ tsp.
• Garlic powder — ½ tsp.
• Salt — ½ tsp.
• Ground black pepper — ¼ tsp.
• Vegetable oil — 1 tbsp.
• Onion — 1 cup, finely chopped
• Green pepper — 1 tsp., finely diced
• White potatoes — 2 lbs., roughly chopped
• Carrots — 1 cup, diced
• Bay leaves — 2 pcs.
• Red pepper flakes — ¼ tsp.
• Ground allspice — 1 tsp.
• Water — 2-3 cups

Instructions

1. Add 2 tablespoons of lime juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl and mix well.

2. Add the chicken wings and coat into the mixture. Transfer to the refrigerator and marinade for at least 1 hour.

3. Drizzle vegetable oil in a large pot and heat it on medium.

4. Add the chopped onion and diced green pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the onion is softened while stirring occasionally.

5. Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot.

6. Add the marinated chicken wings and bay leaves, and then season with the red pepper flakes and ground allspice.

7. Pour the remaining lime juice and water and bring the mixture to a simmer.

8. After simmering, lower the heat, and cover the pot with a lid.

9. Keep simmering the dish until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables have become tender, which should take 35-40 minutes.

10. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Substitutions

• Chicken wings — Chicken wings are perfect for our chicken souse, as they have both skin and meat, giving the recipe a rich flavor. You can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks, but make sure to keep the skin on.

• Fresh lime juice — The simple combination of spices and fresh lime juice is perfect for marinating the chicken wings, as it allows the tenderization of the meat while providing a unique flavor. Fresh lime juice can be replaced with lemon juice. If you don't have either of these, you may consider using vinegar.

• Green pepper — Green pepper has a nice crunchy texture and is a great vitamin source. Bell pepper resembles the same texture and can be a good substitute.

• Carrot — Our recipe highlights carrots’ slightly sweet taste, making it a great addition to the dish. However, if you need to replace it, consider using other root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips.

• Ground allspice — Ground allspice is an icon spice in Caribbean cuisine, providing a bold and complex flavor to any dish. You can replace ground allspice with a mixture of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and a small pinch of ground nutmeg.

Variations

• Coconut curry chicken souse — For a flavorful and creamy twist, incorporate about ½ cup of full-fat coconut milk and a sprinkle of curry powder into the dish.

• Spicy chicken souse — Bring more heat to the recipe by incorporating ½ teaspoon of diced scotch bonnet peppers.

• Herbed chicken souse — For a fresh and earthy flavor, add chopped thyme, parsley, or cilantro before serving the dish.

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Large container or mixing bowl

• Stovetop

• Large pot with lid cover

• Wooden spatula

Storage

• Cool your chicken souse time before storing.

• The leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure to use a good airtight food container or a freezer bag.

Pro Tips

• Allowing the chicken to marinate in the mixture of spices and fresh lemon juice for several hours can enhance the taste of the chicken souse.

• If you have a slow cooker, try cooking the chicken souse in it to allow the flavors to blend beautifully, and produce a tender, flavorful dish.