Spicy Yellow Rice with Pepper-Coated Chicken

 Ingredients:

For the Yellow Spiced Rice:

2 cups basmati rice

3 cups chicken broth or water

1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/2 tsp curry powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup mixed diced vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)

1/4 cup cooked black-eyed peas or chickpeas (optional)

For the Spicy Chicken:

4 chicken drumsticks

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Spicy Pepper Sauce:

2 large red bell peppers, chopped

2-3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust for spice level)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic

1 tsp oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp ground crayfish (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

In a bowl, mix the chicken drumsticks with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, lemon juice, and oil. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, deep-fry or air-fry until cooked through.

2. Cook the Yellow Rice:

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

In a pot, heat oil or butter and sauté the onions and garlic until soft.

Add turmeric, curry powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then add the rice and mixed vegetables. Cover and cook on low heat for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is fluffy.

3. Make the Spicy Pepper Sauce:

Blend the red bell peppers, scotch bonnet peppers, onions, and garlic into a slightly chunky paste.

In a pan, heat 1 tsp oil and sauté the blended mixture. Add salt, thyme, and crayfish powder (if using). Cook for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Toss the cooked chicken in the pepper sauce, coating it evenly.

4. Assemble the Dish:

Serve the spicy yellow rice in meal prep containers or on a plate.

Place the pepper-coated chicken drumsticks on top.

Garnish with chopped green onions.