KenyanComfort Food
Classic Kenyan Chicken Stew
A hearty, slow-cooked chicken stew with tomatoes, onions, and East African spices. Perfect with ugali or chapati.
45 min Serves 4Easy
Instructions
- 1
Season chicken with salt, pepper, turmeric, and paprika.
- 2
Brown chicken on all sides in hot oil. Set aside.
- 3
Sauté onions until golden. Add garlic and ginger, cook 1 min.
- 4
Add blended tomatoes, simmer 10–15 min until oil separates.
- 5
Return chicken, add 1 cup water, cover and simmer 25–30 min.
- 6
Adjust seasoning. Garnish with dhania and serve hot.
Chef’s tips
- Brown the chicken well first — it builds the deep, savoury base of the stew.
- Serve with ugali, chapati or steamed rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chicken is best for Kenyan stew?
A whole chicken jointed into pieces is ideal — the mix of dark and white meat plus the bones gives the richest flavour. Thighs and drumsticks also work well for an all-dark-meat stew.
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