Nigerian Jollof Orzo with Bell Peppers and Chicken
Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of Nigerian Jollof Rice translated beautifully into a dish with orzo pasta, succulent chicken, and vibrant bell peppers.

Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Marinating the Chicken
- 1
Combine spices and oil
In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and olive oil.
- 2
Coat the chicken
Add the chicken cubes and mix until well coated.
- 3
Chill
Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Orzo Base
- 1
Rinse Orzo
Rinse the orzo under cold water and set aside.
- 2
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.
Tip: Do not overcook the orzo; it should be tender with a slight bite. Pro Tip: Use fresh tomatoes for an extra rich tomato flavor.
How to Make Nigerian Jollof Orzo with Bell Peppers and Chicken
Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Cooking the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add marinated chicken, and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- 2
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.
- 3
Incorporating the Bell Peppers
Add the diced bell peppers to the orzo mixture and cook until they are just tender.
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