Belizean Creamy Chicken Stew
A comforting and flavorful chicken stew, enriched with coconut milk and aromatic spices, often served with rice. This dish showcases the blend of Caribbean and Central American influences in Belizean cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped (any color))
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 can (13.5 oz) Full-fat coconut milk
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure even seasoning for consistent flavor. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 4
Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
- 6
Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Use good quality chicken broth for better flavor. - 7
Add cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 8
Cover the pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 9
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
- ✓If the stew is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water.
- ✓Serve hot with white rice or rice and beans.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Include other vegetables like peas or green beans in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- For a thicker sauce, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot.