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Flavorful Authentic Nigerian Party Jollof Rice with Crispy Chicken

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An authentic Nigerian party jollof rice recipe paired with crispy chicken, featuring a smoky, spicy tomato base and perfectly fried chicken for a vibrant, hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice (rinsed and drained)
  • 4 large ripe tomatoes (blended smooth)
  • 2 red bell peppers (blended with tomatoes)
  • 1 medium onion (half blended, half sliced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1–2 Scotch bonnet peppers (optional)
  • 3 cups chicken broth or water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying and sautéing)
  • 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin-on)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Prep the Sauce: Roughly chop half the onion and blend it with tomatoes, red bell peppers, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Sauté Onions: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add Tomato Paste & Spices: Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Cook the Blended Sauce: Pour in the blended tomato and pepper mixture. Simmer uncovered on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens and oil separates.
  5. Add Rice & Broth: Rinse parboiled rice until water runs clear. Add rice to pot, stir to coat with sauce. Pour in chicken broth or water, stir once, bring to gentle boil.
  6. Simmer the Rice: Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, cook for 25-30 minutes. Avoid stirring too much; rice should be tender with slight bite.
  7. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  8. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken skin-side down for 7-8 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).
  9. Rest & Serve: Drain chicken on paper towels. Fluff jollof rice with fork and serve alongside crispy chicken, garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent mushiness. Avoid overcrowding pan when frying chicken for crispiness. If rice is undercooked and liquid evaporated, add a splash of water and cook longer. Let sauce reduce slowly for best flavor. Baking chicken at 400°F for 30-35 minutes is a good alternative to frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nigerian jollof rice, party jollof rice, crispy chicken, Nigerian cuisine, spicy rice, authentic jollof, easy jollof rice recipe

Find it online: https://crispcraving.com/flavorful-authentic-nigerian-party-jollof-rice-with-crispy-chicken-recipe-made-easy/