Kenyan Chicken Okra Stew
A flavorful and nourishing stew featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with okra in a rich tomato-based broth, infused with aromatic Kenyan spices. This dish is a delightful way to enjoy the unique texture of okra.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken(cut into 1-inch pieces (thighs or breast))
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Fresh ginger(grated)
- 2 cups Diced tomatoes(canned or fresh)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 lb Fresh okra(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; brown chicken in batches if necessary. - 2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 5
Stir in the curry powder, paprika, and turmeric powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 6
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add salt and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: The browned bits add significant flavor to the stew. - 7
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- 8
Add the cut okra to the pot. Stir gently, cover, and simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. The okra will thicken the stew.
💡 Tip: Avoid stirring too vigorously once the okra is added to prevent it from becoming too mushy. - 9
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Serve with rice or ugali.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you find okra too slimy, you can try sautéing it separately before adding it to the stew.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breast.
🔄 Variations
- Add a chopped bell pepper along with the onions for extra color and flavor.
- A splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.