Nigerian Jollof Orzo with Bell Peppers and Chicken
A delightful twist on a classic West African favorite
Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of Nigerian Jollof Rice translated beautifully into a dish with orzo pasta, succulent chicken, and vibrant bell peppers.
- 1 h 30 min
- 4
- Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
For the Jollof Orzo
For Garnishing
Preparation
Marinating the Chicken
Combine spices and oil
In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and olive oil.
Coat the chicken
Add the chicken cubes and mix until well coated.
Chill
Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Orzo Base
Rinse Orzo
Rinse the orzo under cold water and set aside.
Sauté onions and garlic
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Do not overcook the orzo; it should be tender with a slight bite. Pro Tip: Use fresh tomatoes for an extra rich tomato flavor.
Cooking Process
Cooking the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add marinated chicken, and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
Simmering the Jollof Orzo
In the same pan, add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, curry powder, thyme, and orzo. Simmer until orzo is cooked and liquids are absorbed.
Incorporating the Bell Peppers
Add the diced bell peppers to the orzo mixture and cook until they are just tender.
Plating & Serving
Nigerian Jollof Orzo with Bell Peppers and Chicken
Nigerian Jollof Orzo with Bell Peppers and Chicken
Plating & Serving
Serve the Jollof Orzo in a large serving dish, topped with the golden chicken cubes and sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley. Offer lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.