Belizean Stew Chicken

Belize''s everyday comfort food — chicken browned in caramelized sugar then stewed.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken pieces, seasoned with recado rojo (achiote paste) or: garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, vinegar
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 habanero, whole
• Rice and beans for serving

Method

1. Heat oil over medium-high. Add sugar — let it caramelize until dark brown (this is the ''browning'' step unique to Caribbean cooking).

2. Add seasoned chicken pieces. Sear in the caramelized sugar 3 min per side.

3. Add onion, pepper, tomatoes, stock, habanero. Cover, simmer 30 min until chicken is tender.

4. Serve with rice and beans.

What You're Practicing

• Browning sugar in oil before adding the chicken is a Caribbean technique — it gives the stew its dark color and subtle bittersweet depth.
• The whole habanero adds flavor without overwhelming heat — don''t pierce it.