Savory East African Spiced Chicken Braise
Discover the rich and complex flavors of East Africa with this delightful spiced chicken braise. Drawing inspiration from a traditional aromatic braising technique, this dish combines tender chicken with a fragrant array of spices, onions, and the subtle sweetness of dates and raisins. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it pairs wonderfully with rice and flatbread, offering an exotic culinary escape without being too complicated to prepare.
4
Servings
400
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chicken
1 (cut up into serving pieces)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
olive oil
1 tablespoon
onions
3 cups (vertically sliced)
fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (peeled and chopped)
curry powder
1 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon
ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon
garlic cloves
2 (thinly sliced)
reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
1/2 cup
dry white wine
1/2 cup
dates
3 tablespoons (chopped and pitted)
golden raisins
3 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sear the chicken pieces for about 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium-low. Add the vertically sliced onions and cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
4
Add the peeled and chopped fresh ginger, curry powder, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground red pepper, and sliced garlic to the onions. Stir and cook for an additional 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
5
Return the browned chicken to the pot, pouring in the chicken broth and dry white wine. Add in chopped dates and golden raisins, stirring everything together.
6
Allow the mixture to come to a boil. Once boiling, cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the chicken for 1 hour, ensuring the meat is tender and infused with the aromatic flavors of the braising liquid.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
31.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory East African Spiced Chicken Braise?
It is a flavorful chicken dish inspired by East African aromatic traditions, combining tender chicken with spices, onions, dates, and raisins.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What oven temperature is required for this chicken braise?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should I braise the chicken in the oven?
The chicken should be braised in the oven for 1 hour until tender.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for one whole chicken, cut up into serving pieces.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but bone-in pieces are recommended to maintain moisture during the hour-long braising process.
What spices are included in the East African spice blend?
The blend includes curry powder, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and ground red pepper.
Do I need to sear the chicken before braising?
Yes, searing the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown helps develop flavor.
How should I prepare the onions?
The onions should be vertically sliced and cooked for 10 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
What liquids are used for the braising base?
The recipe uses a combination of reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth and dry white wine.
Are there any dried fruits in this recipe?
Yes, the dish includes chopped pitted dates and golden raisins for a touch of sweetness.
How much ginger is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs wonderfully with rice and flatbread to soak up the aromatic braising liquid.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, each serving provides 31.5g of protein.
How much fat is in a serving?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 2.5g of fiber.
Can I substitute the dry white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A Dutch oven is ideal because it can go from the stovetop to the oven and has a tight-fitting lid.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It is aromatic and flavorful with a mild heat from the 1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper.
How do I prep the garlic for this recipe?
The garlic should be thinly sliced before being added to the onion and spice mixture.
Can I use olive oil for searing?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil for searing the chicken.
How do I know when the spices are ready?
Cook the spices with the onions and garlic for about 1 minute until they become fragrant.
Is it necessary to boil the liquid before putting it in the oven?
Yes, allow the mixture to come to a boil on the stovetop before covering and transferring to the oven.
Can I use regular raisins instead of golden raisins?
Yes, regular raisins will work, though golden raisins are preferred for their specific sweetness and color.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 15 ingredients used in this recipe.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include East African, braised chicken, spiced chicken, flavorful, comfort food, aromatic spices, easy to make, and exotic.
What makes this recipe 'East African' style?
The use of aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon paired with dried fruits like dates is characteristic of many East African stews and braises.