Jollof Rice with Chicken (Nigerian Tomato Rice with Chicken)

From above of delicious pilaf with rice and meat in iron pan served on table near traditional oriental soups in bowl

Jollof Rice is one of the most popular dishes in Nigeria. It is rice cooked in tomato and pepper sauce, usually served with fried or grilled chicken.

😌 Difficulty: Easy
⏱️ Preparation time: 20 min
🔥 Cooking time: 45 min
⏳ Total time: 1 h 5 min
👥 Servings: 3

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain parboiled rice
  • 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken stock

For chicken:

  • 400 g chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp oil

Typical side:

  • Fried plantain (ripe plantain slices)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper and paprika.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until golden and cooked through (about 15-20 minutes). Set aside.
  3. Blend tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion and garlic until smooth.
  4. Heat oil in a pot. Pour blended mixture and cook 10-15 minutes until thick.
  5. Add thyme, curry powder, salt and pepper. Stir.
  6. Rinse rice until water runs clear.
  7. Add rice to sauce and mix well.
  8. Pour chicken stock. Stir once.
  9. Cover and cook on low heat 20-25 minutes until rice is soft.
  10. Serve rice with fried chicken and fried plantain.

SpinThatCuisine Tip 💡

Let the rice cook on low heat without stirring too much. This helps develop the slightly smoky flavor that makes Nigerian Jollof special.