Nigerian Jollof Rice with Chicken and Plantains

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Nigerian Jollof Rice with Chicken and Plantains.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious chicken drumstick dish, grab a large Dutch oven and set it over medium heat.

2. Step 2

   Add the chicken drumsticks, along with diced onion, sliced ginger, crushed bouillon cubes, minced garlic, curry powder, herbes de Provence, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

3. Step 3

   Give everything a good mix and let it cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken begins to stick slightly to the bottom—this is where the flavor starts to build! Next, pour in enough water to cover the chicken, stir to combine, and cover the pot.

4. Step 4

   Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes before removing it from the heat.

5. Step 5

   Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the chicken to a baking dish.

6. Step 6

   Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving 1 ½ cups of the flavorful broth and discarding the solids.

7. Step 7

   Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

8. Step 8

   Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

9. Step 9

   For perfect results, an instant-read thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

10. Step 10

    While the chicken is baking, let’s make the Jollof rice.

11. Step 11

    In a large pot, heat three tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-low heat.

12. Step 12

    Add the remaining diced onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about five minutes.

13. Step 13

    Stir in the tomato sauce and let it cook until it thickens slightly, around five to seven minutes.

14. Step 14

    Now, add the reserved chicken broth, coconut milk, the rest of the herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper.

15. Step 15

    Bring this mixture to a simmer, then add the rice.

16. Step 16

    Cook, stirring often, until the rice is almost tender, which will take about 15 to 20 minutes.

17. Step 17

    Once the rice is close to done, stir in the frozen vegetables and continue cooking until everything is tender and creamy, about five more minutes.

18. Step 18

    For a delightful crunch, heat half a cup of canola oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.

19. Step 19

    Add the sliced plantains and fry them on both sides until they’re golden and crispy, which should take about two to three minutes per side.

20. Step 20

    Drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

21. Step 21

    Now it’s time to serve! Plate the Jollof rice and top it with the crispy fried plantains and the beautifully baked chicken.

22. Step 22

    Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!.