Name: Step-By-Step Belize Stewed Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Belizean
Ingredients: 8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on); 2 tablespoons achiote paste; Juice of 2 limes; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 yellow onion (finely chopped); 4 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tomatoes (chopped); 1 cup chicken broth; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; Kosher salt (to taste)

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Every time I make this Belize stewed chicken recipe, my kitchen fills with the kind of aromas that make you stop what you’re doing and head straight to the stove.

Belizean chicken stew starts with a bold marinade, then gets its signature flavor from the step that surprises most people—browning sugar in oil to build a base that’s slightly sweet and deeply savory.

Once the chicken, onions, garlic, and tomatoes simmer together, the sauce thickens and wraps every bite in comfort.

Belizean stewed chicken isn’t complicated—it’s real, everyday food that hits the spot every time. If you’re ready for something hearty, homey, and full of flavor, this one’s for you.

Belize Stewed Chicken Recipe

Learn how to make an authentic Belize Stewed Chicken Recipe with tender chicken, rich spices, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a hearty meal.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Belizean

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 350 per serving

Ingredients

8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

2 tablespoons achiote paste
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
4 garlic cloves (minced)

2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 cup chicken broth
2 sprigs fresh thyme

Kosher salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Marinate The Chicken

Start by getting those chicken thighs ready for their flavor bath. In a large bowl, mix the achiote paste, lime juice, soy sauce, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Coat the chicken thighs completely by tossing them in this mixture.

Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have the time. This step is crucial to infusing the chicken with all those delicious Belizean flavors.

2. Brown The Chicken

Heat the coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the brown sugar and stir it around until it melts and turns a deep caramel color.

Carefully add the marinated chicken thighs to the pot, skin-side down, and brown them for about 5 minutes on each side.

Browning the chicken gives it a lovely color and adds depth to the flavor of the stew.

3. Cook The Aromatics

In a big pot or Dutch oven, warm the coconut oil over medium heat. In the same pot, toss in the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic.

Sauté them in the leftover oil and caramelized bits from the chicken for about 3 minutes, or until they start to soften.

Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook everything together for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down.

4. Stew The Chicken

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them in with the onions, garlic, and tomatoes.

Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the liquid comes about halfway up the chicken. Add the fresh thyme sprigs on top, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low.

Let the chicken stew gently for about 1 hour, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.

5. Adjust Seasoning And Serve

After an hour, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of Belizean stewed chicken. Taste the sauce and add kosher salt as needed.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.

Once you’re happy with the flavor and consistency, it’s time to serve!

Tips For Belize Stewed Chicken Recipe

Marinating Time: The chicken will have more flavor the longer it is marinated. If possible, marinate it overnight.
Caramelizing The Sugar: Be careful when melting the brown sugar in coconut oil; it can burn quickly. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme is key to the authentic flavor of this dish. Don’t skip it!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Belizean Stew Chicken with a side of coconut rice and fried plantains for a full Belizean experience.

A fresh cucumber salad or coleslaw also pairs wonderfully to balance out the richness of the stew.

Final Thoughts

This Belize Stewed Chicken Recipe brings the lively, bold flavors of Belize straight to your dining table.

The combination of achiote paste, lime juice, and fresh herbs creates a deeply satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy cooking and savoring this taste of Belize!