Chicken Potjie
A hearty and flavorful South African chicken stew cooked in a traditional potjie pot, offering a lighter yet equally delicious alternative to red meat versions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5kg Chicken pieces(Bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs and drumsticks work best for flavor and moisture.)
- 300g Mushrooms(Cremini or button mushrooms, halved or quartered if large.)
- 200ml Heavy cream(For a rich and creamy sauce.)
- 2 large Onions(Yellow or brown onions, thinly sliced.)
- 2 tablespoons Mixed herbs(Freshly chopped, such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Or 1 tablespoon dried mixed herbs.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 2 medium Carrots(Peeled and sliced into rounds.)
- 2 medium Potatoes(Peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks.)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or butter(For browning the chicken.)
- 500ml Chicken broth or water(To create the stew base.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potjie pot: Place your potjie pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil or butter and let it heat until shimmering.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Brown the chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot potjie pot, ensuring not to overcrowd it (work in batches if necessary). Brown the chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes per batch. Remove the browned chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 4
Layer the ingredients: Arrange the browned chicken pieces back into the potjie pot. Layer the sliced carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms evenly over and around the chicken. Sprinkle the mixed herbs over the vegetables.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Add liquid and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth or water. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Cover the potjie pot with its lid.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Slow cook: Reduce the heat to low (or adjust coals if using a traditional fire) to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the vegetables are soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 7
Finish with cream: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Continue to simmer gently, uncovered, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 8
Serve: Ladle the hot chicken potjie into bowls. Serve immediately, perhaps with crusty bread or rice.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces.
- ✓Adjust the heat carefully to maintain a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.
- ✓This dish is even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- ✓Ensure your potjie pot is well-seasoned and properly maintained.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of dry white wine along with the broth for added depth of flavor.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the onions for a touch of acidity and color.