Sierra Leonean Stewed Chicken

Name: Sierra Leonean Stewed Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Sierra Leonean
Ingredients: 1.5kg chicken, cut into pieces; 6 large tomatoes, blended; 2 red bell peppers, blended; 2 scotch bonnet peppers; 2 large onions, chopped; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp curry powder; 2 bouillon cubes; Salt to taste

Stewed Chicken (STEWED CHIK-in)

Tomato Stewed Chicken

⏱ Prep Time 1 hour

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 418 kcal

Chicken pieces braised in a rich, deeply flavored tomato and pepper sauce with onions and warm spices until fall-off-the-bone tender.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 32.0g

Carbs 14.0g

Fat 26.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large pot blender wooden spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: serving dish

Garnishes: sliced onion rings, thyme sprigs

Accompaniments: jollof rice, fried plantains, coleslaw

Ingredients

1.5kg chicken, cut into pieces
6 large tomatoes, blended
2 red bell peppers, blended
2 scotch bonnet peppers
2 large onions, chopped
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp curry powder
2 bouillon cubes
Salt to taste

Instructions

1
Season chicken with salt, thyme, onion, and curry. Marinate 30 minutes.
2
Heat oil, brown chicken pieces on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3
In the same pot, fry onions until golden. Add tomato paste, cook 2 minutes.
4
Add blended tomato and pepper mixture, cook 20 minutes until reduced.
5
Return chicken to the pot, add bouillon cubes and scotch bonnet.
6
Cover and simmer 25 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce is thick.
7
Serve with jollof rice, white rice, or fried plantains.

💡

Did You Know?

In Sierra Leone, the Sunday stewed chicken is so sacred that children know not to ask for drumsticks — those are reserved for the elders.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
blender
wooden spoon

Garnishing

sliced onion rings, thyme sprigs

Accompaniments

jollof rice, fried plantains, coleslaw

The Story Behind Sierra Leonean Stewed Chicken

Stewed chicken in Sierra Leone blends indigenous cooking techniques with influences from the Krio community, who incorporated British and Caribbean elements. It became the quintessential Sunday and holiday dish across all ethnic groups.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed sunday lunch, celebrations, holidays 📜 Origins: Colonial-era fusion

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