Chicken and Breadfruit Stew
A hearty and comforting stew featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with chunks of breadfruit in a flavorful broth, often infused with local herbs and spices. This dish highlights the versatility of breadfruit, a staple ingredient in Seychellois cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into serving pieces)
- 1 large Breadfruit(peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch chunks)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Curry powder
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 1 Bay leaf
- 4 cups Water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 sprigs Fresh thyme(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pot is hot before adding chicken to achieve a good sear. - 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the curry powder and turmeric, toasting the spices for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Toasting spices enhances their flavor. - 4
Add the chopped tomatoes, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the breadfruit chunks and pour in the water or chicken broth. Add fresh thyme sprigs if using.
💡 Tip: Ensure there is enough liquid to mostly cover the ingredients. - 6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and the breadfruit is cooked through.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf before serving.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 8
Serve hot, typically with rice.
💡 Tip: This stew can also be enjoyed on its own.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in, skin-on chicken adds more flavor to the stew.
- ✓If breadfruit is unavailable, sweet potatoes or plantains can be used as a substitute.
- ✓Adjust the amount of curry powder and turmeric to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans.
- For a richer flavor, a splash of coconut milk can be added towards the end of cooking.