Colombian Coconut Chicken Stew with Yam, Sweet Corn and Wild Basil
Colombian Food
Intermediate

Colombian Coconut Chicken Stew with Yam, Sweet Corn and Wild Basil

An original Colombian-inspired stew featuring browned chicken, tender yam, and sweet corn in a coconut sauce with hogao, cumin, and wild basil. Comforting, aromatic, and perfect for a homemade meal with both coastal and Andean character.

25 minPrep
50 minCook
75 minTotal
4Servings
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos medium)
  • 8 g salt (divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 3 g ground cumin
  • 30 ml annatto or annatto oil
  • 120 g scallions (chopped fina)
  • 120 g white onion (chopped diced small)
  • 12 g garlic (chopped)
  • 120 g red bell pepper (chopped diced small)
  • 250 g ripe tomato (chopped without semillas)
  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 500 ml chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 500 g yam (pelado and cut diced medium)
  • 180 g sweet corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
  • 220 g semi-ripe plantain (cut en medias lunas gruesas)
  • 10 g wild basil or regular basil (leaves chopped)
  • 8 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 15 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)

Nutrition facts

per serving

492 kcal
Calories
33 g
Protein
26 g
Carbs
27 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
22 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

No declared allergens

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Season the chicken with 4 g (3/4 tsp) of the salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well and let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

  2. 2

    2. Heat a large pot or casserole over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the annatto and brown the chicken in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until colored. Remove and set aside.

  3. 3

    3. In the same pot, reduce to medium heat and add the scallions, white onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until the vegetables soften.

  4. 4

    4. Stir in the tomato and the remaining 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until it forms a thick, fragrant hogao-style sauce.

  5. 5

    5. Return the chicken to the pot. Add the coconut milk and chicken broth, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer.

  6. 6

    6. Add the yam and semi-ripe plantain. Cover partially and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the yam does not stick to the bottom.

  7. 7

    7. Add the sweet corn and cook 10 minutes more, or until the chicken is fully cooked, the yam is tender, and the sauce has a lightly creamy texture.

  8. 8

    8. Add the wild basil, cilantro, and lime juice. Cook 2 minutes more to blend the aromas and adjust salt if needed.

  9. 9

    9. Serve hot. If you want to keep it warm before serving, you may hold it covered in an oven at 200 °F / 95 °C for up to 15 minutes.

Chef tips

For a thicker sauce, mash a few yam cubes against the side of the pot at the end of cooking. The semi-ripe plantain adds body and gentle sweetness without making the stew too heavy.

Substitutions

You can replace the yam with cassava in the same amount, though the result will be less creamy. If wild basil is unavailable, use regular basil. For a lighter coconut flavor, replace part of the coconut milk with more chicken broth.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon

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