Nigerian Jollof Chicken: Spiced Rice with Fried Chicken

If you’re craving a dish that’s full of flavor, color, and spice, Nigerian Jollof Chicken is the perfect choice! This iconic West African dish combines richly spiced rice cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce with crispy, golden fried chicken. With its irresistible aromas and comforting textures, Nigerian Jollof Chicken is a favorite for celebrations, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a festive, hearty meal.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Number of Servings: 4-6
• Serving Size: 1 plate of Jollof rice with 1-2 pieces of fried chicken

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 20g
• Dietary Info: Can be made gluten-free (ensure seasonings are free from gluten)

Ingredients List

• For the Fried Chicken:

  • 6-8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground paprika
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal (for extra crunch)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

• For the Jollof Rice:

  • 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
  • 2 medium tomatoes, blended
  • 1 red bell pepper, blended
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking rice)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for extra richness)

Detailed Method of Preparation

Frying the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, black pepper, soy sauce, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly with the seasoning. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for a more intense flavor).
2. Breading and Frying:
   • In a shallow dish, combine flour and cornmeal. In another bowl, beat the egg.
   • Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the beaten egg, then coat it in the flour and cornmeal mixture.
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the pieces). Remove from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Cooking the Jollof Rice:

3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a blender, combine the tomatoes, red bell pepper, and one onion. Blend until smooth.
   • In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute.
4. Cook the Tomato Sauce:
   • Stir in the tomato paste, blended tomato-pepper mixture, cumin, thyme, curry powder, paprika, and bay leaf. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato sauce thickens and the oil begins to separate from the sauce. This is a crucial step to develop the deep, flavorful base of the Jollof rice.
5. Add Rice and Broth:
   • Add the washed rice to the pot and stir it into the sauce, ensuring the rice is well-coated with the tomato mixture.
   • Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
   • In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the peas or mixed vegetables (if using), and add the butter for extra richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble and Serve:

6. Serve:
   • Serve the Jollof rice on a platter or individual plates, topped with crispy fried chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, if desired.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Flavor Boost: For a deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of water. The more savory the liquid, the more flavorful the rice will be.
• Perfect Fried Chicken: Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before frying. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Vegetable Variations: You can add your favorite vegetables like carrots, green beans, or even plantains for added texture and flavor.
• Make Ahead: Jollof rice can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors intensify as it sits, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or parties.
• Vegan Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the fried chicken with crispy tofu or vegetable protein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use basmati rice for Jollof rice? While long-grain parboiled rice is traditional for Jollof rice, you can substitute basmati rice if you prefer its aroma. However, basmati tends to cook faster, so reduce the cooking time accordingly.

2. How can I make the Jollof rice spicier? Add more chopped scotch bonnet peppers to the sauce while cooking, or use a hot pepper sauce to give the dish an extra kick.

3. Can I prepare the Jollof rice and fried chicken in advance? Yes, both the rice and fried chicken can be made in advance. Store the rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat before serving. Fried chicken can also be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven to maintain its crispiness.

4. Can I use boneless chicken? While bone-in chicken is traditional for its rich flavor and juiciness, boneless chicken can also be used. Just reduce the cooking time when frying to avoid overcooking.

Nigerian Jollof Chicken is the perfect fusion of rich, savory rice and crispy, golden fried chicken. This dish brings together bold flavors and textures that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re celebrating or simply indulging in a delicious meal, this vibrant Nigerian classic will make every bite unforgettable!