nigerian jollof rice with chicken and fried plantains

Are you ready to treat your taste buds to an amazing journey with some Nigerian Jollof Rice with Chicken? This dish is bursting with flavour and is the perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and savory! Join me as I share my favorite recipe that combines tender chicken, delicious rice, and crispy plantains—you’re going to love it!

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Nigerian Jollof Rice with Chicken

Getting ready to make Nigerian Jollof Rice with Chicken? Let’s gather the essential ingredients that will bring this vibrant dish to life. This recipe is all about bold flavors and comforting textures, perfectly balanced to make your taste buds dance. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds chicken drumsticks: You can use any cut you prefer, but drumsticks work wonderfully for their juicy texture.
• ½ large onion, diced: Fresh onion adds a nice sweetness.
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced: This gives a lovely zing.
• 2 cubes chicken bouillon, crushed: For depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, diced: Garlic is a must for that aromatic base.
• 1 tablespoon curry powder: Adjust to your taste for that warm spice.
• 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence: This adds a Mediterranean twist.
• Freshly ground black pepper: To taste.
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper: Just a bit for heat!
• 1 cup water: for simmering the chicken.

For the Rice:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For sautéing.
• ½ large onion, diced: Another layer of onion flavor.
• 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce: This provides the rich color.
• 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk: Creamy and adds a unique flavor.
• 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence: Becuase we love flavor!
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste.
• 3 cups parboiled rice: This type of rice holds up well during cooking.
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables: You can use any mix you like,but carrots,corn,and peas are classic choices.

For the plantains:

• 4 ripe plantains, peeled and cut diagonally into ½-inch slices: These will add a lovely sweetness to balance the dish.
• ½ cup canola oil for frying: For that golden, crispy finish.

With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready for some cooking magic! Let’s move on to the next step and transform these components into a delicious meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Nigerian Jollof Rice with Chicken

Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time for the fun part—cooking! Follow these steps carefully to ensure your Nigerian Jollof Rice with Chicken comes out perfectly every time.

1. Sauté the Chicken: In a large Dutch oven, heat over medium heat. Add the chicken drumsticks, ½ diced onion, fresh ginger, crushed bouillon cubes, garlic, curry powder, herbes de Provence, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything together and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes,or until the chicken begins to stick slightly to the bottom.

1. add Water and Simmer: Pour in 1 cup of water, stir well, and cover the pot.Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. This will create a marvelous aromatic base.

1. Prepare the Chicken for Baking: Carefully transfer the chicken to a baking dish using a slotted spoon. strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids, reserving 1½ cups of the flavorful broth. Set the chicken aside.

1. Bake the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear—an instant-read thermometer should read 165°F (74°C).

1. Cook the rice: In the same Dutch oven,heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Add the remaining ½ diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce and allow it to thicken, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, pour in the reserved chicken broth, coconut milk, herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

1. Add Rice and Vegetables: Stir in 3 cups of parboiled rice and cook, stirring often, for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is almost tender. Add in the frozen mixed vegetables and continue cooking until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy, about 5 more minutes.

1. fry the Plantains: While the rice is finishing, heat ½ cup of canola oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Fry the sliced plantains on both sides until they are golden and crispy,about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

And there you have it! Serve your jollof rice garnished with those crispy plantains and the baked chicken on the side.Enjoy every flavorful bite of this classic dish!

Serving and Storage Tips for Delicious Nigerian Jollof Rice with Chicken

After cooking your Nigerian Jollof rice with Chicken, you’ll want to think about how to serve and store it for the best experience. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a party of flavors that can be enjoyed fresh or later.

Serving Suggestions:

• Family Style: For a cozy gathering, serve the jollof rice and chicken directly from the pot. this creates a communal feel where everyone can definately help themselves.
• Garnishes: I love adding freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness. You can also squeeze a bit of lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Accompaniments: Pair your jollof rice with crispy fried plantains and a side of dipping sauce.A simple mixture of sour cream and chili sauce works wonderfully.
• Portion Sizes: This recipe yields about 8 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Allow any leftover jollof rice to cool wholly before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to save it longer, freeze the jollof rice in portions. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers.
• Reheating: For the best taste, reheat the rice on the stove with a splash of water or broth over low heat. This helps to revive the texture and flavor. You can also microwave it, just be sure to cover it to retain moisture.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Nigerian Jollof rice with Chicken even after the first meal!

Helpful Tips and Troubleshooting for Nigerian Jollof Rice with Chicken

Cooking can sometimes come with hiccups, but don’t worry! Here are some helpful notes to keep your Nigerian Jollof Rice with Chicken on track and troubleshoot common issues.

Recipe Notes:

• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or skip it entirely. On the flip side, if you love spice, feel free to add more!
• Rice Texture: For perfectly cooked rice, make sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. This prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
• Coconut Milk Variation: While the coconut milk adds a rich flavor, you can substitute it with chicken broth or plain water if you prefer a lighter dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Rice Too Dry: If your rice turns out too dry, you can add a splash of water or broth and cover it with a lid for a few minutes. This will help steam the rice back to a fluffy texture.
• burnt Bottom: If the bottom of your rice is burning, reduce your heat and stir more frequently.A heavy-bottomed pot can also help in distributing heat evenly.
• Chicken Not Cooked Properly: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C). If it’s not done, return it to the oven for a few more minutes.

Keeping these tips in mind will help you create a accomplished and delicious Nigerian Jollof Rice with chicken every time! Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own.