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Brown Stew Chicken with Rice & Peas

Caribbean-style braised chicken in a savory brown gravy, served over rice and peas with a side of creamy macaroni salad. Deep, caramelized flavors in under 30 minutes.

Total time
28 min
Servings
4
Calories
625
Protein
48g
Brown Stew Chicken with Rice & Peas
comfortheartycaribbeanchickentenderjuicyMain courseweeknight

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

  2. Step 2

    Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high until shimmering, about 90 seconds.

  3. Step 3

    Working in batches, sear chicken skin-side down 3–4 minutes until deeply browned, then flip and sear another 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

  4. Step 4

    Add onion to the same skillet, scraping up browned bits. Cook 2 minutes until softened, then stir in tomato paste for 30 seconds.

  5. Step 5

    Pour in broth, add thyme and whole scotch bonnet. Return chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, and simmer uncovered 12–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.

  6. Step 6

    While the stew simmers, boil rice with 3 cups salted water until tender, about 12 minutes. Stir in drained pigeon peas in the last minute. Serve chicken and gravy over rice.

Tools you’ll need

  • large heavy skillet (12-inch cast iron or stainless steel)
  • medium saucepan with lid
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • tongs
  • paper towels

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