Belizean Style Stew Chicken
A flavorful and comforting Belizean classic, this stew chicken is slow-cooked in a rich, savory sauce infused with aromatic spices, vegetables, and often served with rice and beans.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 lbs Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on (thighs and drumsticks recommended))
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped (any color))
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Recado rojo (annatto paste)
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 5-7 whole Allspice berries
- 2 sprigs Thyme(fresh)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Allow chicken to sit with seasoning for at least 15 minutes. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add tomato paste and recado rojo. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- 6
Return the seared chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth, add allspice berries and thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is mostly submerged in liquid. - 7
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour, or until chicken is tender.
- 8
Add carrots and potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
💡 Tip: Adjust liquid if sauce becomes too thick. - 9
Remove thyme sprigs and allspice berries before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
💡 Tip: The sauce should be rich and slightly thickened.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Recado rojo is essential for the authentic color and flavor. It can be found in Latin American markets or online.
- ✓For a spicier kick, add a chopped habanero pepper along with the onions and bell peppers.
- ✓This dish is excellent served with Belizean rice and beans and a side of coleslaw.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or cassava.
- For a thicker sauce, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot.
- Use pork shoulder instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.