Malian Chicken and Vegetable Rice
A flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken and a medley of vegetables cooked with rice in a savory tomato-based broth. This dish is a comforting and complete meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(freshly grated)
- 3 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes(undrained)
- 2 medium Carrots(cubed)
- 1 cup Green beans(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 2 cups Long-grain rice(rinsed)
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley or cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is cooked through before removing. - 2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, cubed carrots, green beans, and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are well combined before boiling. - 5
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this can release steam and affect cooking time. - 6
Let the rice rest, covered, off the heat for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add other vegetables like peas, corn, or sweet potatoes.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use chicken stock instead of broth.
- ✓Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
🔄 Variations
- Use beef or fish instead of chicken.
- Add a bay leaf to the broth for extra aroma.