The Best Jollof Rice Recipe You Need This Christmas

At Christmas in Nigeria, Jollof rice is a non-negotiable meal. Whether it’s Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or end-of-year parties, Jollof rice takes center stage.

Few dishes bring people together like Jollof rice, so much so that even across West Africa, Jollof rice sparks passionate debates about who makes it best, but one thing everyone agrees on is that a well-cooked Jollof is unforgettable.

There are several ways to achieve that signature smoky Jollof flavor, but if you truly want to outdo yourself, this Nigerian Jollof rice recipe is the one to follow.

Advertisement

ALSO READ: ‘Christmas Food Is Haram’, Woman Warns Muslims – Is She Right?

Ingredients for Nigerian Jollof Rice (Serves 8)

For the Chicken and Stock

• 1.5kg chicken thighs (about 3 medium pieces)
  
• Handful of onions (chopped)
  
• Thumb-sized ginger (peeled)
  
• 2 garlic cloves (smashed)
  
• 1 tsp thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
  
• 1 tsp curry powder
  
• 1 tsp salt
  
• 2 tsp crushed chicken bouillon cubes
• ½ cup water

For the Tomato Sauce (Jollof Base)

• 6 medium tomatoes (about 600g)
  
• 3 large red bell peppers / tatashe (about 550g)
  
• 1–2 scotch bonnet peppers / atarodo (adjust to taste)
  
• ½ small red onion
  
• 1 bulb garlic (optional)
  
• Few sprigs of thyme (optional)

YOU MIGHT LIKE: 9 African Christmas Movies to Add to Your 2025 Festive Watchlist

For the Rice

• 6 cups long-grain parboiled rice (rinsed)
  
• ½ cup vegetable oil
  
• ½ cup chopped onions
  
• 12 oz tomato paste (327g)
  
• 1½ cups blended tomato sauce (410g)
  
• 2½ tsp salt
  
• 1 tsp crushed chicken bouillon cube
  
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
  
• 2 bay leaves
  
• 1 tbsp curry powder
  
• 2 cups chicken stock
  
• 2 cups water
  

How to Cook Nigerian Jollof Rice (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Make the Meat Stock

• Cut the chicken into smaller pieces.
  
• In a pot, combine chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, thyme, curry powder, salt, bouillon, and water.
  
• Mix well, cover, and let it steam on low heat so the chicken releases its natural juices.
  
• After about 10 minutes, add more water and boil until the chicken is fully cooked.
  
• Remove the chicken and strain the stock. Set both aside.

Optional: Fry or Grill the Chicken

• Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown, or air-fry/bake at 200°C (400°F) until crispy.
  
• Save the frying oil, because it adds incredible flavour to the Jollof.

RELATED: Top 5 African Cities With the Best Nightlife in December

Step 2: Prepare the Jollof Base

Option 1: Blend and Reduce (Traditional)

1. Blend tomatoes, bell peppers, scotch bonnet, and onions until smooth.
   
2. Pour into a pot and cook on medium heat for about 40 minutes until thick and concentrated.
   

Option 2: Roast and Blend (Smokier Flavor)

1. Roast tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic at 200°C (400°F) for 30 minutes.
   
2. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Jollof Rice

1. Heat oil (preferably from frying the chicken) in a large pot.
   
2. Add chopped onions and fry until soft.
   
3. Add tomato paste and fry for 15–20 minutes until the oil separates.
   
4. Stir in the reduced tomato-pepper base and fry for 5 minutes.
   
5. Add thyme, curry powder, bay leaves, salt, and bouillon.
   
6. Pour in chicken stock and water, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes.
   
7. Add the rinsed rice and enough liquid to barely cover it.
   
8. Cover tightly with foil and a lid to trap steam.
   
9. Cook on low heat for 30–40 minutes.
   

For party-style smoky Jollof, cook low for 10 minutes, then increase heat slightly for the final 20 minutes.

Nigerian Jollof rice is delicious on its own but even better with sides. Serve it with:

• Fried or grilled chicken, beef, goat, or turkey
  
• Dodo (fried plantains)
  
• Moi Moi (steamed bean pudding)
  
• Coleslaw, fresh salad, or sautéed vegetables
  

Prep Time: 2 hours
Serving Size: 8 people

About The Author