Belizean Stewed Chicken Rice And Beans Recipe

May 30, 2023 Post a Comment

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Belize Recipes Stew Chicken with Rice & Beans from belize-travel-blog.chaacreek.com

Description

Belizean cuisine is a blend of various cultures, including Mayan, Garifuna, and Mestizo. Stewed chicken rice and beans is a classic Belizean dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition. This hearty meal is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a potluck party. The dish consists of tender chicken pieces that are simmered in a fragrant tomato-based sauce and served with fluffy rice and creamy beans.

Prep Time

Preparation for this dish takes around 30 minutes.

Cook Time

Cooking time for this dish takes around 1 hour.

Ingredients

For the Stewed Chicken:

2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Rice and Beans:

1 cup long-grain white rice
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp salt
2 cups water
1 tbsp coconut oil

Equipment

Large pot
Frying pan
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Stewed Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. 3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside. 4. Add the onion, garlic, green and red bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened. 5. Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. 6. Return the chicken to the pot and cover with the sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Beans

1. Heat the coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat. 2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. 3. Add the rice, kidney beans, thyme, allspice, and salt. Stir to combine. 4. Add the water and bring to a boil. 5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Serve

1. Serve the stewed chicken over the rice and beans. 2. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

For a spicier version of this dish, add some chopped jalapeño or habanero peppers to the stewed chicken.

Nutrition Info

This dish serves 6 people and contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Recipe Tips

To save time, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in chicken thighs. You can also use canned beans instead of dried beans for the rice and beans. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water to the stewed chicken about 15 minutes before it's done cooking. Lastly, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences. Enjoy!