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Spicy Chicken Jollof Rice

Recipe from Seema Pankhania, from their Instagram reelWritten down by ReelsMeals from the caption and voiceover. Added 23 October 2026.

15 minutes to prep, 45 to cook. A comforting, fiery take on classic Jollof rice featuring seared chicken thighs, aromatic scotch bonnet peppers, and a caramelized crust at the bottom of the pot. The dish balances smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, making it perfect for cold evenings when you need warmth and heat in one bowl.

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Spicy Chicken Jollof Rice by Seema Pankhania, a frame from the Instagram video

Method

  1. Heat oil in a large pot and sear the chicken thighs until browned, then set aside.

  2. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion in the rendered chicken fat until softened.

  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes to develop flavor.

  4. Add the blended scotch bonnet peppers and vine tomatoes, cooking until the mixture thickens.

  5. Return the chicken to the pot, add the rice, and stir to coat the grains with the sauce.

  6. Add enough water or broth to cover the rice, season with salt and black pepper, and bring to a boil.

  7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, allowing a crispy crust to form at the bottom.

  8. Fluff the rice gently before serving, keeping the crispy bottom layer for extra texture.

  9. Fluff the rice gently with a perforated spoon, lifting the crispy bottom bits.

Tips while you cook

Sear chicken first
Brown the chicken thighs in the pot, then set them aside before proceeding.
Reuse the pot for onions
Sauté the chopped onion in the rendered chicken fat to capture extra flavor.
Coat rice with sauce
Stir the rice into the pot after returning the chicken.
Cover and simmer low
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice absorbs the liquid and a crispy crust forms.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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Seema Pankhania made this.

The recipe comes from Seema Pankhania’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

Are you Seema Pankhania and want this changed? Email [email protected].

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