Savory Jollof Rice with Chicken and Bell Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A one-pot Nigerian classic featuring tender chicken simmered in a vibrant tomato-pepper base, served over fragrant rice with a hint of smoky depth. This Nigerian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, tomato paste, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Nigerian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing until golden, about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 diced bell peppers (1 red, 1 green) and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups diced tomatoes, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp curry powder, and 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 2 cups water, then add 2 cups long-grain rice. Stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Jollof Rice with Chicken and Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Savory Jollof Rice with Chicken and Bell Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Jollof Rice with Chicken and Bell Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Savory Jollof Rice with Chicken and Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Savory Jollof Rice with Chicken and Bell Peppers?

Nigerian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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