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

Name: Creole Coconut Chicken Stew with Yam, Sweet Corn, and Wild Basil
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Colombiana
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1.1 lb peeled yam; 1 1/2 cups sweet corn kernels; 1 2/3 cups coconut milk; 1 1/4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups tomato; 1 cup scallions; 1 cup red bell pepper; 4 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp annatto seasoning; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 cup wild basil or regular basil; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

An original Colombian-inspired dish that brings together seared chicken thighs with a silky coconut sauce, hogao, yam, and sweet corn. Wild basil adds a fresh aroma reminiscent of home cooking from Colombia’s Caribbean and inland regions.

20 minPrep

55 minCook

75 minTotal

4Servings

Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos large)
500 g peeled yam (diced medium)
250 g sweet corn kernels (fresh or descongelado)
400 ml coconut milk (without sugar)
300 ml chicken broth (low sodium preferiblemente)
300 g tomato (chopped fino)
120 g scallions (chopped fina)
120 g red bell pepper (chopped diced small)
12 g garlic (chopped or machacado)
30 ml vegetable oil (for sofreír)
5 g annatto seasoning (optional pero recomendado)
2 g ground cumin
1 g dried oregano
10 g wild basil or regular basil (leaves chopped)
12 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
15 ml lime juice
8 g salt (or to taste)
2 g black pepper (freshly ground)

Nutrition facts

per serving

497 kcal

Calories

32 g

Protein

25 g

Carbs

29 g

Fat

4 g

Fiber

21 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. Season the chicken thighs with 4 g of salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and lime juice. Let them rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
2
2. In a wide pot or deep saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the annatto seasoning, scallions, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3
3. Add the tomato and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until it forms a thick, glossy hogao.
4
4. Increase to medium-high heat and add the chicken. Brown for 5 to 6 minutes, mixing it with the hogao until lightly colored on the outside.
5
5. Add the yam and sweet corn. Stir well so they are coated with the stew base.
6
6. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Add the remaining 4 g of salt, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low heat.
7
7. Cook partially covered for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the yam is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 °F / 74 °C.
8
8. Once the stew is creamy and slightly thickened, add the wild basil and cilantro. Cook 2 more minutes to blend the aromas.
9
9. Taste and adjust salt if needed. For a thicker texture, mash a few pieces of yam against the side of the pot and stir them back into the sauce.
10
10. Serve hot. If you need to hold it before serving, keep it covered at about 160 °F / 71 °C for a short time so the chicken does not overcook.

Chef tips

For deeper flavor, let the chicken brown well before adding the liquids. If you can find wild basil, add it at the end to preserve its aroma. Serve with white rice if you want a heartier meal.

Substitutions

You can replace the yam with cassava chunks, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy. Scallions can be swapped for white onion, and wild basil for regular basil.

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
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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Illustrative 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
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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