Moyo de Poulet Fumé
Smoked Chicken in Sauce
Moyo de Poulet Fumé is a traditional Beninese dish featuring smoked chicken simmered in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices. It's a flavorful and hearty meal, often served with rice or yams.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2.5 lb Smoked chicken(skinned, cut into serving pieces (rotisserie or BBQ chicken can be substituted))
- 6 medium Ripe tomatoes(peeled, seeded, and chopped (or 1 (28-oz) can diced tomatoes))
- 2 medium Yellow onions(thinly sliced)
- 0.25 cup Chicken broth(reduced-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Peanut oil
- 2 teaspoons Soy sauce(reduced-sodium or tamari)
- 2 whole Habanero chiles(pierced with a fork)
- 1 cube Maggi or chicken bouillon cube(crushed)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika(increase to 1.5 tsp if using rotisserie or BBQ chicken)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using a whole smoked chicken, cut it into 4 serving pieces, discarding the backbone. If using pre-cooked chicken, shred it into large pieces.
- 2
Heat peanut oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- 3
Add the crushed bouillon cube and smoked paprika to the onions, stirring to incorporate the spices. Crush the bouillon cube with your stirring utensil.
- 4
Add the chopped tomatoes (with their juices), soy sauce, pierced habanero chiles, and the chicken pieces to the pot.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the onions are tender. Stir occasionally.
- 6
Remove and discard the habanero chiles before serving. Serve hot with rice or mashed yams.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper smoky flavor, you can smoke your own chicken. Season a whole chicken with salt, cumin, and smoked paprika, then smoke at 250°F (120°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- ✓If fresh tomatoes are not flavorful enough, add an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce for extra depth.
- ✓Adjust the number of habaneros to your spice preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve with mashed sweet potatoes (labeled as yams in some regions) instead of rice.
- Add other spices like cumin or garlic powder to the sauce for added complexity.