Belizean Stewed Okra with Chicken
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory okra-based sauce, often served with rice and beans. This dish highlights the use of fresh, local ingredients and slow-cooking techniques common in Belizean cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on, such as thighs and drumsticks)
- 1 lb Okra(fresh, trimmed and sliced)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped (any color))
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(optional, whole or finely minced for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil 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 and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down, about 5-7 minutes.
- 6
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the flour.
- 7
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 8
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the sliced okra and the optional scotch bonnet pepper (whole).
💡 Tip: Adding okra whole or in large pieces can help reduce sliminess. - 9
Bring the stew back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender, and okra is tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If using a whole scotch bonnet, remove it before serving if you prefer less heat. - 10
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a less slimy okra, you can lightly sauté or blanch it separately before adding to the stew.
- ✓Ensure chicken is cooked through and tender before serving.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for a heartier stew.
- Substitute chicken with firm white fish or shrimp for a seafood version.
- Serve with a side of white rice, coconut rice, or Belizean rice and beans.