Have you ever tried Trinidad chicken foot souse? It’s tangy, full of flavor and it’s the ultimate protein-packed snack.

If you’re anything like me, you probably didn’t grow up loving chicken foot souse. I’ll admit, it took me a while to enjoy it. But once I did, it became a dish that I’ll have every other weekend. I love the chow-like taste from the souse. It is marinated in lime, chadon beni, onions, pepper, cucumber, the works.

Tool	Why I Love It	Link
Ammeloo Hybrid	Versatile and perfect for everyday use	Shop Now
Cooking Utensils Set	Complete set for easy meal prep	Shop Now
Kikcoin Pots & Pans + Baking	Durable, non-stick, great for baking	Shop Now

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You will definitely find chicken souse around carnival time or at your local bar. But honestly, it’s so satisfying that it can stand on its own as a full meal. I’m so excited to share this one because it’s such a classic. It is simple, bold, and full of Trini flavor we all know and love.

What is Chicken Foot Souse?

Chicken foot souse is popular in Trinidad and Tobago and is enjoyed across the Caribbean.

It’s made by boiling chicken feet until they’re tender and then marinating them in a citrusy, herb-infused mixture. I enjoy how refreshing, tangy, and mildly spicy this dish is.

The chicken feet, or “chicken foot” as locals often say, isn’t something you will get outside the Caribbean but it’s a delicacy here. Souse has a refreshing taste and is enjoyed as a casual dish with alcohol.

Why People Love Chicken Foot Souse

The dish is seasoned with green seasoning, fresh herbs, and spices.

How to Make Trinidad Chicken Foot Souse?

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken feet, cleaned and trimmed
4 cups water (for boiling)
2-3 tbsp green seasoning
2 cups cold water (for souse mixture)
1/2 cup lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 hot pepper (optional), sliced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley and chadon beni

How to Make Chicken Foot Souse?

Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicken feet. Trim off any sharp nails or tough bits, if needed. Rinse them under cold water and then place them in a pot of water to boil.

Add the water to the pot with the chicken feet and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the chicken feet simmer for about 20 minutes. I always add tablespoon or two of green seasoning to the pot to add flavor while they cook.

Once the chicken feet are tender, drain the water and set them aside to cool. I find this step helps them absorb the flavors better when they are marinated.

Combine the cold water, lime juice, remaining green seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the sliced cucumber, onion, and hot pepper. Some people add additional vingear, you can do so also.

Add the boiled chicken feet to the bowl with the marinade. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken feet are fully coated in the flavorful mixture. Allow the chicken foot souse to marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, though it’s even better if left overnight.

Before serving, taste the souse and adjust the salt and lime juice if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chadon beni for added flavor and color. Serve the souse cold for a refreshing, tangy dish.

Storing Chicken Foot Souse

You can store chicken foot souse in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The acidic lime juice and salt act as natural preservatives, keeping the chicken feet fresh while enhancing the flavor over time.

Keep the souse in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.

If you plan to keep it longer, consider marinating the chicken feet separately and adding the cucumber and onions just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Why Use Green Seasoning in Chicken Foot Souse?

Green seasoning is an essential ingredient in Trinidadian cooking, and it gives chicken foot souse its Caribbean flavor.

Green seasoning is made by blending fresh herbs like chadon beni (similar to cilantro), thyme, garlic, scallions, and sometimes hot peppers.

This seasoning mix is incredibly aromatic and adds depth to the souse.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Foot Souse

Use Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice has a brighter, tangier taste than bottled lime juice and makes a big difference in the flavor.
Let it Marinate: The longer you let the chicken feet marinate, the better the flavors will be. Overnight marinating helps the chicken feet fully absorb the tangy, spicy, and herbal notes of the souse.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you love spicy food, add a few slices of hot pepper to the marinade. For a milder version, skip the pepper or use just a small slice.

Wrapping Up

Trinidadian chicken foot souse is a dish rich in flavor and tradition, combining tender chicken feet with the tangy, zesty taste of lime and green seasoning.

Despite its unique main ingredient, chicken foot souse is loved across the Caribbean for its refreshing, herbal flavors and easy preparation.

More Chicken Foot Recipes

Caribbean Chicken Foot Soup Recipe