In the Kitchen: Trini-Style Stew Chicken

Trini-Style Stew Chicken is one of those dishes that’s bursting with flavor, heritage, and love. It’s a dish that brings families together and is sure to impress anyone who tries it. The balance of spices, the rich brown stew, and the tender chicken create a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. Try this recipe, and you’ll bring a little taste of Trinidad into your kitchen!

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 3 lbs whole chicken, cut into 12 pieces

• 1 tbsp fresh green seasoning (a mix of thyme, chive, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper)

• 1 tbsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

• 2 tbsp lime or vinegar (to clean the chicken)

• 1 tbsp ginger, grated

• 1 tbsp garlic, minced

• 1-2 hot peppers (optional, for extra heat)

Ingredients for Cooking the Chicken:

Once the chicken is properly seasoned, we can start cooking it! These ingredients will help build the delicious, rich stew sauce:

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil (for browning the chicken)

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (optional, for heat)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ginger, grated

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp brown sugar (for browning)

• 3 cups water

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Clean the Chicken:

Begin by cleaning your chicken pieces. Wash the chicken thoroughly with water, lime or vinegar, and a pinch of salt. This helps to remove any impurities and gives it a fresh taste.

2. Season the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken with the green seasoning, salt, black pepper, thyme, ginger, garlic, and hot pepper (if using). Massage the seasoning into the chicken to make sure each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.

3. Brown the Sugar:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add brown sugar to the pot. Allow it to melt and cook until it turns a deep caramel color. This step is key to achieving that signature rich brown color in your stew.

4. Brown the Chicken:

Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot, ensuring they are evenly spaced out. Brown the chicken on all sides for about 10 minutes. You want to achieve a deep brown color on the chicken skin, but be careful not to burn the sugar.

5. Add Onions and Peppers:

Once the chicken is browned, add the chopped onion, and scotch bonnet peppers (if using) to the pot. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

6. Add the Seasonings:

Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato paste, and ketchup. Allow the spices to cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors develop and the curry powders “bloom.”

7. Add the Liquid:

Pour in the water or chicken broth and stir everything together. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot (this adds flavor to your sauce). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the chicken simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

8. Taste and Adjust Seasonings:

After simmering, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or hot pepper to suit your taste. You can also add chadon beni (culantro) for a fresh, herbal kick.

9. Finish Cooking:

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove the lid and let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes to thicken to your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water or broth.

10. Serve and Enjoy:

Your Trini-Style Stew Chicken is now ready to serve! Pair it with white rice, fried dumplings, or boiled provisions for the ultimate Caribbean meal.

Tips & Variations:

• For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.

• Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or peas for a heartier dish.

• Control the heat by adjusting the amount of scotch bonnet peppers or hot pepper.

There you have it – a deliciously fragrant and comforting Trinidad-style stew

. It’s a true taste of the islands, made with love and packed with rich, vibrant flavors.