Trinidad Tasty Stewed Chicken Recipe

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In my family, we eat stew chicken at least three times a week. It’s one of those dishes that we can never get tired of.

On Sundays, it’s an essential part of our lunch table, paired with callaloo, white rice, or provisions. There’s something magical about the rich flavor of stewed chicken that no Trini can resist.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Trinidad stew chicken so special or how to make it at home, this post will guide you through every step.

What is Trinidad Stewed Chicken?

Trinidad stew chicken is a deeply flavorful dish made by caramelizing sugar to create a rich, dark base, then simmering seasoned chicken in this caramel to develop layers of flavor.

The caramelized sugar, or “browning,” gives the chicken its signature color and unique taste.

Trini stew chicken is not just about sweetness. It’s a balance of flavors, savory, sweet, spicy, and herbal. Ingredients like green seasoning, garlic, onions, peppers, and thyme add depth to the dish.

It’s cooked slowly, allowing the chicken to absorb all the rich flavors, resulting in tender meat that falls off the bone.

How to Make Trinidad Stewed Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken, cleaned and cut into pieces
• 1 tbsp green seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp oil (optional, depending on your browning method)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small hot pepper, whole or chopped (optional)
• 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp ketchup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions

Clean and wash the chicken with lime or vinegar.

Rub the chicken pieces with green seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Heat a pot over medium heat. Add sugar and allow it to melt and caramelize until it turns dark brown. If using oil, add it before the sugar to help control the heat. Be careful not to let the sugar burn, it should be dark brown, not black.

Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Stir to coat the chicken in the caramelized sugar. Let it cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the chicken to develop a deep color.

Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, hot pepper, and thyme. Add water or chicken broth to cover the chicken partially. Add ketchup if using.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken simmer for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust the liquid as needed. The gravy should thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.

Remove from heat and serve hot.

What to Eat Stew Chicken With

Rice: Plain white rice or coconut rice soaks up the rich gravy perfectly.

Callaloo: This creamy and flavorful side dish is a classic Sunday lunch pairing.

Provision: Ground provisions like yam, dasheen, or cassava are excellent hearty options.

Roti: Dip paratha (buss up shut) or dhalpuri roti into the stew for a delicious combo.

Macaroni pie: The cheesy, baked goodness of macaroni pie complements stew chicken wonderfully.

Browning with or Without Oil

The caramelized sugar, or browning, is a key component of Trini stew chicken.

With oil: Adding oil before the sugar helps control the caramelization process, reducing the risk of burning. This method is often recommended for beginners.

Without oil: Traditionalists may skip the oil, letting the sugar caramelize on its own. This method requires more attention but results in a slightly richer caramel flavor.

Either way, the goal is to achieve a deep brown caramel without burning the sugar.

Popular FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but bone-in pieces like thighs and drumsticks add more flavor to the stew.

What is green seasoning?

Green seasoning is a blend of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, thyme, garlic, and green onions. It’s a staple in Caribbean cooking and can be made at home or bought pre-made.

How do I avoid burning the sugar?

Caramelizing sugar requires patience. Keep the heat at medium and stir occasionally. As soon as the sugar turns dark brown, add the chicken immediately to stop it from burning.

Can I make stew chicken spicy?

Absolutely! Add a whole Scotch bonnet pepper or chopped hot pepper for heat. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.

Is Trinidad stew chicken gluten-free?

Yes, the traditional recipe is gluten-free. Be sure to check any added ingredients like ketchup to confirm they are gluten-free.

Try making stew chicken at home and bring the authentic taste of Trinidad to your table. With its easy preparation and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite!