Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Fresh herbs and spices to season the chicken.
Blend the Fresh Ingredients
- Add the ginger, onion, parsley, leeks, basil, and garlic to a blender.
- Blend everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and transfer it to a large cooking pot.
- Add the Blended Ingredients
- Pour the blended spice mixture over the chicken.
- Place the pot over medium heat and begin cooking.
- Add the Seasonings
- Add the black pepper, white pepper, Maggi seasoning, and Onga seasoning.
- Mix everything thoroughly, making sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Cook Without Water
- Do not add water at this point.
- Cover the pot and allow the chicken to cook for about 15 minutes.
- I’m using hard chicken, so 15 minutes works well for the first stage. Cooking time may vary depending on the type and size of chicken pieces you're using.
- Add a Little Water
- After 15 minutes, open the pot and add a small amount of water.
- Cover and allow the chicken to cook for another 4–5 minutes, or until tender.
- Check the Chicken
- At this point, the chicken should be juicy and completely coated with the flavorful spice mixture.
- There shouldn't be excess water left in the pot. The seasoning should cling to the chicken while the chicken remains juicy not dry.
- Finish in the Oven
- Transfer the chicken to a foil baking pan.
- Place it in a preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the chicken develops a beautiful golden color.
If you prepare the blended spice mixture ahead of time and freeze it, allow it to thaw before using.
Cook with sonita Tips for Juicy Chicken
- Don't add water at the beginning. Let the chicken cook with the blended spices and its natural juices.
- Use medium heat to prevent the spices from burning.
- Only add a small amount of water after the first 15 minutes.
- Make sure most of the liquid has cooked away before transferring the chicken to the oven.
- Don't overbake the chicken. The oven is mainly for giving it that beautiful golden finish.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the type of chicken you're using.
- Keep an eye on it during this final step so it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition
Notes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Adding too much water at the beginning
2. Using high heat and burning the spices
3. Adding too much water after the chicken has cooked
4. Not mixing the spices well enough
5. Overcooking the chicken in the oven
6. Leaving too much liquid in the pot before baking
7. Overbaking the chicken and making it dry
Storage
Allow leftover chicken to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer until heated through. Avoid overheating it, as this can make the chicken dry.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use soft chicken instead of hard chicken?
Yes. Soft chicken generally cooks faster, so start checking it earlier and adjust the cooking time as needed.Do I need to add water when cooking the chicken?
No water is needed at the beginning. Let the chicken cook with the blended ingredients and its natural juices first. Add a small amount of water later if needed.Why is my chicken not golden brown?
The final oven step helps develop the beautiful golden colour. Make sure the oven is properly preheated, and avoid covering the chicken while it finishes baking.Can I prepare the blended spices ahead of time?
Yes. You can blend the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze the mixture. If frozen, thaw it before using.Can I make this chicken ahead of time for guests?
Yes. You can cook the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat or finish it in the oven before serving.Serving Suggestion
Serve this easy, juicy chicken with your favourite rice, plantains, potatoes, or salad for a complete meal. It’s especially perfect when you’re expecting visitors because you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and finish it in the oven shortly before serving.More CookWithSonita Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this easy chicken recipe, here are some more recipes you may love:- [Dry Fish Jollof Rice Recipe] – A perfect match for this juicy chicken.
- [Fried Rice Recipe] – A flavorful side for family meals and gatherings.
- [Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks] – Another easy oven-baked chicken recipe.
- [Air Fryer Suya] – Perfect when you're craving something spicy and flavorful.
- [Yogurt Puff Puff Recipe] – A delicious snack for visitors.
- [Banana Bread] – An easy homemade treat for breakfast or dessert.