Riz au Poulet Ivoirien
A flavorful one-pot chicken and rice dish, often prepared with a rich tomato and vegetable base, seasoned with aromatic spices. It's a comforting and popular meal across Ivory Coast.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces(e.g., thighs, drumsticks, cut into serving pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 medium Bell pepper(diced (any color))
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 100 g Green beans(trimmed and cut)
- 300 g Long-grain rice(rinsed)
- 600 ml Chicken broth
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- 1 Bay leaf
- 0.5 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the crushed tomatoes, bell pepper, carrots, green beans, thyme, bay leaf, cumin, and curry powder. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.
- 5
Stir in the rinsed rice. Ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a little more broth or water to cover the rice. Bring back to a gentle simmer.
- 6
Cover the pot tightly and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Do not stir during this time.
- 7
Once cooked, let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes off the heat. Fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are well distributed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in some of the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili if you prefer a spicier dish.
- ✓Ensure the rice is well-rinsed to remove excess starch for a fluffier texture.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like peas or corn.
- For a more complex flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or a spicy Ivorian sauce.