Hearty Jollof Rice with a Kick of Spicy Chicken

Jollof Rice is a beloved West African dish known for its rich, flavorful tomato base and aromatic spices. This version brings an extra kick with spicy chicken, making it a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. The blend of long-grain rice, tangy tomatoes, and savory spices, combined with tender chicken, creates a harmonious and deeply comforting dish.

**Description:**This Jollof Rice with a Kick of Spicy Chicken is an explosion of flavors with every bite. The spicy marinated chicken adds a delicious heat to the already flavorful Jollof rice, making it a perfect dish for those who enjoy a bit of spice. The rice absorbs the intricate flavors from a medley of spices, tomatoes, and chicken, resulting in a dish that is both savory and slightly sweet. It's a crowd pleaser that's sure to be a hit at family gatherings or special events.

**Ingredients:**- **Chicken Marinade:** - 1 kg chicken thighs or drumsticks - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- **Jollof Rice:** - 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon thyme - 1 teaspoon curry powder - 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional for extra heat) - 2 cups tomato puree - 1/4 cup tomato paste - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 bay leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish

**Instructions:**

**Marinating the Chicken:**1. In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.2. Add the chicken thighs or drumsticks to the bowl and rub the marinade all over the chicken pieces until fully coated.3. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

**Cooking the Spicy Chicken:**1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).2. Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.3. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until fully cooked and nicely browned, turning halfway through for even cooking.4. Remove from the oven and set aside.

**Preparing the Jollof Rice:**1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.4. Stir in the thyme and curry powder, followed by the chopped red and green bell peppers. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.5. Add the tomato puree and tomato paste to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomato mixture reduces slightly and the oil begins to separate from the sauce.6. Pour in the chicken broth and add the whole scotch bonnet pepper, if using, and bay leaves.7. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the rinsed rice.8. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often to ensure proper steaming.9. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

**Combining the Dish:**1. To serve, plate the Jollof rice and place the baked spicy chicken pieces on top.2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or coriander for a burst of color and freshness.

Enjoy your Hearty Jollof Rice with a Kick of Spicy Chicken with family and friends, and savor the layers of flavors and the satisfying heat from the spicy chicken!