Transform your everyday chicken breast into an elegant, flavorful dish with this Nigerian-inspired stuffed chicken recipe. This creative preparation combines traditional African seasonings with fresh vegetables for a quick yet impressive meal that’s perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.
This recipe features chicken breast stuffed with aromatic vegetables and seasoned with suya yaji (Nigerian spice blend), creating a delicious fusion of flavors that pairs perfectly with jollof rice and fried plantains. The result is a moist, well-seasoned chicken dish that brings restaurant-quality presentation to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 large chicken breast, halved
- 4-5 leaves of green vegetables (Tete/Aleho)
- 3-4 strips of tatashe (red bell pepper)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons suya yaji seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 chicken seasoning cube
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Dry pepper to taste
- Kitchen twine for tying
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Serves: 2
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Debone the chicken breast completely
- Step 2: Place chicken between plastic wrap and pound to even thickness
- Step 3: Season both sides with chicken cube and yaji spice
- Step 4: Let chicken marinate for 20 minutes
- Step 5: Layer sliced onions, tatashe, and green leaves on the flattened chicken
- Step 6: Drizzle vegetables with a little oil
- Step 7: Roll chicken into a tight cylinder and secure with kitchen twine
- Step 8: Season exterior with black pepper and rest for 10 minutes
- Step 9: Heat oil in a pan until very hot and brown chicken on all sides
- Step 10: Add ¼ cup water or stock, reduce heat, cover and cook for 10 minutes, turning occasionally
- Step 11: Rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing
- Step 12: Serve with jollof rice and fried plantains (dodo)
Additional Instructions
- Make ahead: Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before cooking
- Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days
- Note: If using suya yaji that contains salt, avoid adding extra salt
- Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough to properly brown the meat for best results
- Variation: Can substitute tatashe with regular bell peppers
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 35g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 8g
- Approx. Fat: 22g
