🍲 **Chicken in Thick Stew 🍗**

This flavorful chicken dish, cooked in a rich and aromatic stew, is perfect for a comforting meal. With a blend of spices and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

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🌍 **What Is Chicken in Thick Stew?**

Chicken in Thick Stew is a savory dish that combines marinated chicken with a thick, flavorful sauce made from tomatoes, spices, and aromatics. It’s a staple in many cultures, often served with rice or ugali, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.

🧾 **Ingredients**

**Base:**

- 2 medium onions

- 4 cloves garlic

- 1-inch piece ginger

- 1 cup fresh coriander (cilantro)

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon turmeric

- Chili (to taste)

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 500g chicken pieces (preferably bone-in)

- Salt (to taste)

- 2 tablespoons cooking oil

**Optional:**

- Bay leaves

- Cloves

- Cumin seeds

- Tomato puree (blended raw tomatoes)

👩‍🍳 **Step-by-Step Instructions**

1. **Prepare the Aromatics:**

- Chop the coriander into small pieces.

- Roughly chop the garlic, ginger, and onions (the onions can be cut into quarters).

2. **Blend the Ingredients:**

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- Add the chopped coriander, garlic, ginger, onions, paprika, turmeric, and chili to a blender.

- Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

3. **Marinate the Chicken:**

- In a bowl, combine the blended ingredients with the chicken pieces.

- Mix well by hand or with a spoon until the chicken is fully coated.

- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour.

4. **Cook the Spices:**

- In a large pot or skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.

- Add bay leaves, cloves, and cumin seeds, and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

5. **Add Tomato Puree:**

- Stir in the tomato puree and soy sauce.

- Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. **Cook the Chicken:**

- Add the marinated chicken to the pot, ensuring all pieces are coated in the sauce.

- Cover and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.

- The chicken will release its own juices, creating a thick sauce without adding water.

7. **Season and Serve:**

- Add salt to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

- Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick, remove from heat.

🍽️ **How to Serve**

Serve the chicken in thick stew with a side of rice or ugali. Pair it with sautéed greens for a complete meal.

💡 **Pro Tips**

- Use a larger pot for cooking to allow the chicken to cook evenly.

- Avoid adding too much oil at the beginning, as chicken can release its own fat during cooking.

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- Letting the chicken marinate enhances the flavor, so don’t skip this step!

🔥 **Why You’ll Love This**

This Chicken in Thick Stew is not only simple to prepare but also packed with rich flavors and aromas. It’s a budget-friendly dish that delivers comfort and satisfaction, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy the delightful combination of spices and tender chicken that will leave you wanting more!