Ghanaian Jollof Rice with Chicken
A flavorful one-pot rice dish cooked in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, often served with tender chicken. This version focuses on the Ghanaian preparation style.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups Basmati rice
- 1 kg Chicken pieces(thighs and drumsticks recommended)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned crushed or fresh ripe)
- 2 medium Onions(1 chopped, 1 for blending)
- 2 large Red bell peppers
- 1-2 Scotch bonnet pepper(or to taste, adjust for heat)
- 1 inch piece Ginger
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 3 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- 2 Bay leaves
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and half of the curry powder. Grill or pan-fry until lightly browned. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Pre-cooking the chicken adds depth of flavor. - 2
Blend the tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, red bell peppers, scotch bonnet, ginger, and garlic until smooth.
- 3
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly.
💡 Tip: Cooking the tomato paste deepens its flavor and reduces acidity. - 5
Pour in the blended pepper mixture. Add the remaining curry powder, thyme, and bay leaves. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the oil starts to separate.
💡 Tip: This step is crucial for developing the rich flavor base. - 6
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed rice to the pot with the sauce.
💡 Tip: Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing mushy rice. - 7
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the pre-cooked chicken pieces. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 8
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly with a lid and foil. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to trap steam. - 9
Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smokier flavor, you can add a piece of smoked paprika or a tiny bit of liquid smoke.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your desired level of heat.
- ✓Ensure the rice is not overcooked to maintain its texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve with fried plantains or a side salad.