The weekend is fast approaching, and I can imagine you’ll like to give yourself a treat without you breaking the bank. Home made dishes especially Nigerian dishes provide just that. You know the mix of flavours, spice and everything nice!

Today we bring you not just any fried rice, this one went to Medical School and then took a detour round the world and landed in Naija! You know what I’m saying yeah…?

So, let’s just dive in and please remember to enjoy every bit of the process 🙂.

Ingredients: Fried Rice (Serves 4–6)
• 4 cups parboiled long grain rice
• 1 cup liver (optional, diced & boiled)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, green peas, sweet corn, green beans)
• 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (optional for color)
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 seasoning cube
• Salt to taste
• Diced cooked liver or sausage
• 1 teaspoon white or black pepper
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional for deeper flavor)
• 3–4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2–3 cups chicken stock (from your cooked chicken)

Coleslaw
Ingredients
• 1/2 medium cabbage (shredded)
• 2 large carrots (grated)
• 1 small cucumber (optional, sliced)
• 1/4 small red onion (very thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup sweet corn (optional)

Dressing:
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Air-Fried Spicy Chicken

Ingredients
• 1 kg chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne or chili pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 seasoning cube
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for marinade)

Directions

Rinse and parboil the rice in boiling water for 10 minutes, then rinse again with cold water and set aside to remove excess starch.

Now let’s get the chicken ready as we’ll be needing the stock. To do this, you have to marinate the chicken. Firstly, mix all dry spices, salt, oil, and lemon juice. Then rub the mix into the chicken pieces thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor). Now cook the chicken on medium heat for 10 – 15 minutes. Check the chicken regularly so that it isn’t over cooked. Once it’s ready, set aside the stock as you will be using it for the fried rice.

To make the Fried Rice, heat 2 spoons of oil in a medium sized pot. Sauté onions, garlic, curry, thyme for 2 minutes. Add the vegetables (carrots, green beans, peas, corn), and stir-fry for 3–5 minutes. Stir in diced cooked liver (if using) or sausage. Add soy sauce and a pinch of pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as required Then add the parboiled rice and mix thoroughly. Pour in chicken stock bit by bit, stir gently, and let the rice cook on low heat until done and fluffy. Don’t overcook. Ensure to stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure the rice is slightly firm (not soggy). Turn off the heat.

It’s now time to air fry the cooked chicken. To do this, place the chicken in the basket (do not overcrowd). Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown and fully fried (internal temp: 165°F/74°C). Spray a little oil halfway for extra crisp. Now your chicken is nice and ready.

For the Coleslaw, wash and finely shred all vegetables. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, condensed milk, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables with the dressing. Chill in the fridge before serving.

Yep, you can now taste the yumminess, but before that a few tips on serving to give that extra Naija feel.

Serving Suggestion
To the plate of fried rice, add a scoop of chilled coleslaw on the side. Place the hot air-fried chicken by the side. You can also garnish with fried plantains 😋😋😋!

Ahhhhh…! This weekend is gonna be lit 🔥! Enjoy with your favourite drink and movie or series alone or surrounded by family or friends!

Gosh! When God said He’ll give us rest, He sure means it, and this is an amazing way to rest and give yourself a treat this weekend.

Have a yummy restful weekend. 😎