Nigerian One-pot Chicken Dinner

Nigerian One-pot Chicken Dinner Recipe | Delicious African Dish

Region / culture: Nigeria | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Nigerian One-pot Chicken Dinner is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family meal. Packed with protein and vegetables, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and taste buds.

History

This recipe is a traditional Nigerian dish that has been passed down through generations. It is a popular comfort food in Nigeria, known for its rich flavors and simple preparation.

Ingredients

1 large chicken, cut into quarters or chicken pieces
2 cups water
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch sections
1 tsp salt
0.13 tsp crushed dried red pepper
2 tomatoes
1 green pepper, sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp tomato paste
0.5 tsp chili powder
10 oz (283 g) package frozen okra
2 cups cooked rice

How to prepare

In a large pot or dutch oven, place the chicken, water, onion, celery, salt, and crushed pepper.
Cover and cook over moderately high heat until it comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer for 30 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, place the tomatoes in a pan of boiling water for 0.5 minutes.
Spoon the tomatoes out of the water and remove the skin. Cut them into eighths.
Add the tomatoes, green pepper, lemon juice, tomato paste, and chili powder to the chicken.
Continue cooking for 10 minutes.
Add the okra to the pot, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring once or twice.
Spoon rice into soup bowls and top with the chicken mixture.
When making casseroles, I do not put the rice in with everything else if I am going to be freezing or storing.
White rice can be frozen in the casserole, but I find that if I use brown rice, it gives everything a distinctly grainy flavor that I find disagreeable.
So I will put the rice in a plastic ziploc bag and freeze it with the casserole. Then I will heat it separately.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. You can also swap out the chicken for beef or fish for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to simmer the chicken slowly to allow the flavors to develop.

- Be sure to remove the skin from the tomatoes for a smoother texture.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this One-pot Chicken Dinner with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it with a side of plantains or yams for a traditional Nigerian twist.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is slow simmering to allow the flavors to meld together. Be patient and let the dish cook low and slow for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have okra on hand, you can substitute with green beans or peas. You can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken pieces.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish this One-pot Chicken Dinner with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. You can also serve it in a large serving bowl for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of fluffy white rice or couscous. You can also enjoy it with a side of flatbread or naan for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Nigerian One-pot Chicken Dinner contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a great source of carbohydrates, thanks to the addition of rice and okra. Carbohydrates provide energy for your body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

The chicken in this dish provides a good amount of healthy fats, which are important for brain function and hormone production. Be sure to remove any excess skin from the chicken to reduce the fat content.

Proteins

Chicken is a rich source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. This dish provides a generous amount of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and chicken. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, while okra is rich in vitamin K and folate.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken and celery, which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and delicious option for dinner.

Summary

This Nigerian One-pot Chicken Dinner is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Packed with protein, vegetables, and flavor, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Nigerian One-pot Chicken Dinner. It was a warm summer evening, and I was visiting a dear friend of mine who had recently returned from a trip to Nigeria. As we sat in her kitchen sipping on glasses of hibiscus tea, she pulled out an old, tattered notebook filled with handwritten recipes she had collected during her travels.

"This one is a favorite of mine," she said with a smile as she handed me the notebook. "It's a traditional Nigerian dish that is both hearty and flavorful. I think you'll love it."

I eagerly flipped through the pages of the notebook, taking in the beautiful handwriting and intricate illustrations that accompanied each recipe. When I came across the recipe for the One-pot Chicken Dinner, I knew I had to try it out. The combination of spices and ingredients sounded delicious, and I was excited to experiment with a new cuisine.

As my friend and I chatted and caught up, I began to gather the necessary ingredients for the dish. I diced onions, chopped tomatoes, and minced garlic, all while my friend regaled me with stories of her adventures in Nigeria. The kitchen was filled with the fragrant aromas of spices and herbs, and I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building within me.

Once all the ingredients were prepped and ready to go, I heated a large pot on the stove and began to brown the chicken pieces. The sizzle of the meat in the hot pan, along with the smell of searing spices, filled the kitchen with a mouthwatering scent that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

As I added the onions, tomatoes, and garlic to the pot, the colors and flavors began to meld together, creating a rich and aromatic base for the dish. I sprinkled in a generous amount of curry powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and watched as the spices transformed the dish into a vibrant and fragrant masterpiece.

After adding in some chicken broth and a handful of chopped vegetables, I covered the pot and let the dish simmer on the stove for a while, allowing the flavors to meld and develop. The tantalizing scent of the One-pot Chicken Dinner filled the air, and I knew that I was in for a treat.

When the dish was finally finished cooking, I ladled it into bowls and served it up to my friend and myself. The first bite was a revelation - the tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices combined to create a dish that was truly unforgettable. My friend and I savored each bite, enjoying the complex flavors and comforting warmth of the meal.

As we sat at the table, savoring our meal and enjoying each other's company, I realized that this recipe was more than just a dish - it was a connection to a culture and a tradition that was rich and vibrant. I felt grateful to my friend for sharing her experiences and her recipes with me, and I knew that this One-pot Chicken Dinner would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

Since that fateful evening, I have made the Nigerian One-pot Chicken Dinner countless times, each time with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the recipe and the memories it holds. It has become a favorite among my family and friends, and I love sharing it with others who may not be familiar with Nigerian cuisine.

I am forever grateful to my friend for introducing me to this recipe, and for sparking my passion for exploring new flavors and cuisines. The Nigerian One-pot Chicken Dinner will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.