Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with half of the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Massage the spices into the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Sear the Chicken: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear them until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
  3. Sauté Onions and Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down and release their juices. Add the tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring, for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Return Chicken to the Pot: Place the seared chicken pieces back into the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Mix well with the tomato and onion mixture.
  6. Simmer and Add Liquid: Pour in the water or chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken pieces are mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken stew simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional spices if desired.
  9. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, ladle the spiced chicken stew into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
  10. Accompaniments: This Kenyan-style spiced chicken stew pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, chapati (flatbread), or even ugali (cornmeal porridge).

Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of Kenyan cuisine with this spiced chicken stew that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds!