Liberian Chicken Gravy with Rice
A comforting and savory Liberian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy, served alongside fluffy white rice. It's a popular home-style meal that's both satisfying and delicious.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on (thighs and drumsticks recommended))
- 1/4 cup Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onions(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour(for thickening)
- 2 cups Long-grain rice(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Use the rendered chicken fat for extra flavor. - 3
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until it darkens slightly.
💡 Tip: This helps to develop the tomato flavor. - 5
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the flour.
💡 Tip: This forms a roux that will thicken the gravy. - 6
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and water, ensuring no lumps form. Add thyme and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Whisk continuously as you add the liquids. - 7
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the gravy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before covering. - 8
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the gravy has thickened.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 9
While the gravy simmers, cook the long-grain rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork before serving.
💡 Tip: Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water for fluffy rice. - 10
Remove the bay leaf from the gravy before serving. Serve the hot chicken gravy spooned over the fluffy white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer gravy, you can use chicken thighs, which have more fat and flavor.
- ✓If the gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
- ✓A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added for a subtle heat.
🔄 Variations
- Add chopped bell peppers or peas to the gravy during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
- For a different flavor profile, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Serve with mashed yams or a side of steamed greens.