Ugandan Chicken Stew with Spices
A hearty and flavorful chicken stew, a staple in Ugandan cuisine, made with tender chicken pieces simmered with onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's often served with posho (ugali) or rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 whole Chicken(cut into 8 pieces, or equivalent bone-in thighs/drumsticks)
- 3 tablespoons Cooking oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 inch knob Ginger(grated or minced)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 large Green bell pepper(chopped)
- 2 teaspoons Chicken Masala
- 2 teaspoons Royco (or other bouillon powder)
- 2 cups Chicken stock or water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the cooking oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- 2
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and green bell pepper. Cook until the tomatoes have broken down and softened, about 5-8 minutes.
- 5
Add the Chicken Masala, Royco, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
- 6
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock or water, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil.
- 7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with posho, rice, or yams.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Browning the chicken first adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- ✓If using Royco, dissolve it in a little warm water before adding to prevent clumping.
- ✓For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked tomatoes against the side of the pot.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like potatoes or carrots along with the tomatoes.
- A touch of paprika or cumin can be added for extra flavor.