Description
A classic West African dish, Jollof rice with chicken is flavorful, vibrant, and perfect for impressing family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
- 1.5 pounds chicken (thighs or drumsticks)
- 1 large onion, divided
- 4 ripe tomatoes (or one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground thyme
- 2 teaspoons curry powder (optional)
- 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions
- Start by preparing the chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, ginger, thyme, and curry powder. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot and brown the chicken on all sides for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Blend tomatoes and red bell pepper into a smooth puree.
- Pour the tomato and bell pepper mixture back into the pot with onions. Stir in tomato paste, remaining spices, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth and rinsed rice, mixing everything well.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook for about 30 minutes until rice is tender, checking occasionally and adding water if needed.
- For an optional touch, add chopped green bell pepper in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Fluff the rice with a fork, let it rest, then serve.
Notes
Rinse rice until water runs clear to prevent mushiness. Let the Jollof rice rest after cooking to improve texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: West African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
