Stewed Chicken Recipes from Around the World
Stewed Chicken Recipes from Around the World
Stewed chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish enjoyed in many cultures worldwide. Whether it’s simmered in a rich, spiced Caribbean sauce, cooked slowly in a savory tomato-based Italian broth, or infused with the bold flavors of an Asian-style braise, stewed chicken is a go-to meal that brings warmth to the table.
In this guide, we’ll explore three distinct stewed chicken recipes, each offering a unique taste and cooking technique.
### **1. Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken**
Jamaican brown stew chicken is a flavorful dish that combines aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a deep, rich sauce made from caramelized sugar. It’s a staple in Caribbean households, often served with rice and peas or boiled ground provisions.
#### **Ingredients:**
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken (legs, thighs, or a whole chicken cut into pieces)
- 1 lime or vinegar (for cleaning the chicken)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp browning sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks scallion, chopped
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (chopped or whole for mild heat)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp soy sauce
#### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the chicken:** Wash the chicken with lime or vinegar and water, then drain. Pat dry and season with salt, black pepper, all-purpose seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it marinate for at least an hour (overnight is best).
2. **Caramelize the sugar:** Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add brown sugar and let it melt until it turns dark brown. Be careful not to burn it.
3. **Brown the chicken:** Add the seasoned chicken to the pot, stirring to coat it in the caramelized sugar. Let it brown on all sides for about 5 minutes.
4. **Add aromatics:** Stir in onions, garlic, scallions, thyme, Scotch bonnet, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.
5. **Simmer:** Pour in water or chicken broth, add ketchup and soy sauce, and stir well. Cover and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. **Serve:** Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve with rice and peas or your preferred side.
**Flavor Tip:** If you like extra heat, slice the Scotch bonnet instead of keeping it whole.
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### **2. Italian Chicken Cacciatore**
Chicken Cacciatore, meaning “hunter’s chicken,” is a rustic Italian dish that features chicken simmered in a tomato-based sauce with wine, olives, and aromatic herbs. It’s perfect for serving over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.
#### **Ingredients:**
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup black or green olives
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
#### **Instructions:**
1. **Season and sear the chicken:** Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. **Sauté the vegetables:** In the same pan, add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in bell peppers and mushrooms, cooking for 3-5 minutes until softened.
3. **Build the sauce:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and red wine. Add olives, oregano, basil, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
4. **Simmer:** Return the chicken to the pan, submerging it in the sauce. Cover and let it cook over low heat for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. **Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta or polenta.
**Flavor Tip:** For an even richer sauce, let the cacciatore cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low heat.
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### **3. Chinese Red-Braised Chicken**
Red-braised chicken, known as **“Hong Shao Ji”**, is a Chinese dish where chicken is slow-braised in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and aromatic spices, creating a deep umami flavor. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
#### **Ingredients:**
- 2 lbs chicken (bone-in, cut into pieces)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- ½ cup Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1-inch ginger, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 dried red chilies (optional)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 2 scallions, chopped for garnish
#### **Instructions:**
1. **Blanch the chicken:** Boil a pot of water and add the chicken. Simmer for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. This step removes impurities and gives a cleaner taste.
2. **Caramelize the sugar:** Heat oil in a wok or deep pan. Add sugar and let it melt into a deep caramel.
3. **Sear the chicken:** Add the blanched chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the caramelized sugar.
4. **Add seasonings:** Pour in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Stir well.
5. **Braise:** Add ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon, dried chilies, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Pour in water or chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged. Cover and let simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. **Serve:** Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick, garnish with scallions, and serve over rice.
**Flavor Tip:** For a richer taste, let the braised chicken sit for a few hours before reheating and serving.
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## **Final Thoughts**
Each of these stewed chicken recipes offers something unique. The **Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken** is deeply spiced and comforting, **Italian Chicken Cacciatore** is tangy and rich, while **Chinese Red-Braised Chicken** is umami-packed with bold aromatics.
Further Reading
Cubed Steak Recipes
https://www.amazon.com/Cubed-Steak-Recipes-Montego-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0CXJF4R1R/
Cornbread Recipes
https://www.amazon.com/Yeast-Recipes-Cornbread-Boxed-Sets-ebook/dp/B0D4WPN9P9/
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