Chicken Pelau

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of the Commonwealth of Dominica with this Chicken Pelau recipe. This authentic Caribbean dish combines well-seasoned chicken and rice in a single pot, creating a symphony of spices that comes alive with every bite. Perfect for a comforting family meal or when entertaining guests, this dish promises a tantalizing taste of the Caribbean right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

🍗 6-8 chicken thighs, preferably organic or your preferred brand
🌿 Homemade green seasoning blend, recipe linked in original video description
🌶️ Paprika, precise amount per taste
🌿 Oregano, precise amount per taste
🌈 Other dry seasonings of choice, precise amount per taste
🍯 Browning, any preferred brand
💧 Water, precise quantity as needed
🍅 Ketchup, small dollop plus extra for serving, any preferred brand
🌶️ 1 whole seasoning pepper or Scotch Bonnet pepper
🍚 2-3 cups parboiled rice, any preferred brand
🧄 Garlic butter, 1-2 tablespoons, any preferred brand or homemade

Instructions

1- Season the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, add chicken thighs.
• Coat them thoroughly with the homemade green seasoning, paprika, oregano, and other dry seasonings of your choice.
• Ensure all pieces are well-seasoned. Marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion, or for at least 2 hours.

2- Add Browning:

• Just before cooking, mix in the browning to the seasoned chicken.
• Stir to evenly coat the pieces.

3- Cook the Chicken:

• Transfer the browned chicken to a large pot or Dutch oven.
• Add enough water to nearly cover the chicken and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

4- Add Ketchup and Pepper:

• Once boiling, stir in a small dollop of ketchup.
• Add the whole seasoning pepper or Scotch Bonnet pepper without breaking it for flavor, not heat.
• Keep adding water as necessary to maintain moisture in the pot.

5- Cook Chicken to Firmness:

• Continue boiling until the chicken is cooked through but still firm, avoiding mushiness.

6- Taste Test:

• Test the chicken for saltiness and flavor.
• Adjust by adding more seasonings or green seasoning if needed to enhance flavor.

7- Prepare Rice:

• As the chicken cooks, rinse and drain the parboiled rice using a colander.

8- Add Rice to Pot:

• Add the rinsed rice to the pot with the chicken.
• Maintain enough water to cook the rice for your preferred texture.

9- Add Garlic Butter:

• Stir in the garlic butter and mix well with the rice.

10- Cook Rice Until Dry:
- Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice cook undisturbed until the water evaporates.
- Stir occasionally to avoid sticking or burning.

11- Finish Cooking:
- Once the liquid is absorbed, and the rice is tender, turn off the heat.
- Let the pot stand, allowing flavors to meld as it cools slightly.

12- Serve:
- Fluff the rice gently with a spoon, and serve the Chicken Pelau hot.
- Enhance your plate with more ketchup, hot pepper sauce, or serve it alongside a refreshing salad, coleslaw, or boiled plantains.

Prep Time: 2 hours (includes marination time, ideally overnight)
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: Up to 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approx. 450 per serving (may vary based on ingredient brands and amounts)
Proteins: 35g
Fats: 15g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Equipment: Generic large pot/Dutch oven, wooden spoon, colander

Cooking Tips

• Marination: For best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Browning: Enhances the color and depth of flavor in the dish.
• Taste Adjustment: Always taste before adding rice for a balanced flavor profile.
• Desired Consistency: Adjust water when cooking rice to achieve your preferred texture.

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YouTube channel - Forsi Joseph: https://www.youtube.com/@ForsiJoseph

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Chicken Pelau