Jollof Style Chicken
Whoot whoot! Jollof and chicken? Sign me up. The inspiration for this amazing deliciousness actually came from the very talented Tatashey, she is a Cordon Bleu trained Nigerian chef. Please do take a moment to check out her amazing work. This is our protein option for the 2015 9jafoodie Christmas menu, the testers described the taste as “Dynamite” and I honestly couldn’t agree more.
In our test kitchen we made use of chicken wings. If you are not completely sold on the wings idea feel free to use chicken drumsticks, it will just be as dynamite in this recipe. In fact, I intend to use drumsticks next time I make them at Christmas.
Important Note: If you use hard chicken (local hen), you will need to complete the parboiling stage. If you use agric chicken (the type you would find outside Nigeria) skip the parboiling step.
Now, this chicken will take a little time from start to finish. It’s not actual prep time though, it just cooking time. As you all already know, I humbly wear my crown as the queen of simple Fuss-Free Nigerian cooking, so there are no unnecessary steps in this process. Every step listed adds a layer of depth and flavor to the chicken. Don’t be discouraged by the time biko, it will be worth it.
Recipe
Sticky Jollof Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 25-30 Split chicken wings (or 15 chicken pieces)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1-2 large onion bulbs (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Nigerian stew base
- 3 heaped tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 Knorr cubes (3 if using soft chicken)
- Salt – To taste
- 1 teaspoon curry
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 5 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- If using hard wings (chicken) – combine chicken, 2 knorr cubes, salt, pepper and handful of sliced onion in a large pot. Add enough water to just cover the wings. Simmer on medium-high heat for 30 minutes. Drain.
SKIP THIS STEP IF YOU ARE USING SOFT CHICKEN
- Place a large pot on low-medium heat add in oil. stir in the sliced onions. Allow the onions to completely wilt and caramelize (this will take about 10 minutes and it’s completely worth it).
- Add in bay leaf, curry, thyme, tomato paste, stew base, knorr and salt to taste. Stir. Cover and allow to simmer for 15 minutes (stir at interval to prevent burning)
- Add chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover again and simmer for another 25 minutes. Stir in honey into the sauce and remove from heat.
- Preaheat oven to 425F and line a tray with parchment or foil.
- Arrange chicken pieces on the lined tray. Bake for 10 minute. Turn on the broiler (top heat on your oven) and bake for 5 minutes.
Thank you so much! You have really helped me the past 10 years as a American married to a Nigerian. This is my husband’s favorite chicken recipe and I often make your jollof rice with this chicken as a meal for friends or family who just had a baby. We really appreciate you sharing your amazing recipes!
What do you do with the leftover sauce? It smells too delicious to waste
Can you use any curry powder in this recipe
Yes you can!
What’s “hard” and “soft” chicken wings?
Soft – Regular chicken sold in stores. Hard – Layer hen.
This recipe looks like it will be divine! Im planning on trying this and will be grilling some other meats. Do you think it will be ok to put these on the grill instead of in the oven? Thank you!
absolutely
I made this for a multiracial gathering, i also followed the video recipe for jollof rice. It was a hit back to back! Even my vegetarian roommie came back and smelt that I cooked up a beautiful storm
Thanks!!!
awww that’s awesome! thanks for the feedback.
Jollof chicken recipe was just on point. Thanks.
Yeii! thanks for the feedback.
I’ve been cooking this recipe (as a Russian-American) for about 7 years, after learning about Jollof Rice (I cannot cook any rice dish at all unless a rice cooker is involved, so that one didn’t work out for me lol) & it’s absolutely delicious.
I’m not nearly familiar enough with the flavors/techniques of Nigerian cooking to know what you would pair it with, but I can attest it’s fantastic with Jasmine rice & a tzatziki-style cucumber salad.
Just wanted to let you know I’m cooking, eating, and appreciating this recipe years later :)
I just found out about you this year and i must say u are really an inspiration to me
Thanks for this recipe
You are most welcome and thanks for the kind words.
Thanks for a great recipe. At what stage of the cooking do you use the oil?
Thanks!! just before you stir in onions. Thanks!!
Fantastic! Just got done with mine. Thanks!
Great!!! thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for this recipe!! Tried it today and it was amazing!! Such a healthy alternative to fried chicken as well.
awesome! thanks for the feedback.
How long do you bake for if you are using soft chicken???
Follow the recipe exactly as indicate, simply skip the boiling part(step one)
Please can I fry the chicken, as i do not have an oven to bake/broil the chicken . Thank you.
No, i wouldn’t suggest frying. Simmer the chicken in sauce for about 10 minutes longer. Then add in the honey and increase the heat to high, stir continuously for about 3 minutes. The sauce will dry out on the chicken and you will have an effect similar to the baked version.