Nigerian Jollof Orzo with Bell Peppers and Chicken

Name: Nigerian Jollof Orzo with Bell Peppers and Chicken
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Chicken breasts; Smoked paprika; Garlic powder; Cayenne pepper; Salt; Olive oil; Orzo pasta; Onion; Garlic; Red bell pepper; Green bell pepper; Diced tomatoes; Chicken broth; Curry powder; Thyme; Salt and pepper; Fresh parsley; Lemon wedges

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

Chicken breasts

2 large, cut into cubes

Smoked paprika

1 tsp

Garlic powder

1 tsp

Cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp

Salt

1/2 tsp

Olive oil

2 tbsp

For the Jollof Orzo

Orzo pasta

1 cup

Onion

1 medium, finely chopped

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Red bell pepper

1, diced

Green bell pepper

1, diced

Diced tomatoes

1 can (14 oz)

Chicken broth

2 cups

Curry powder

1 tsp

Thyme

1 tsp

Salt and pepper

To taste

For Garnishing

Fresh parsley

Chopped

Lemon wedges

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